Analytical Study of Decorative Techniques Used in S̲h̲īs̲h̲ Maḥal, Lahore Fort, Pakistan

S̲h̲īs̲h̲ Mah͎al, the magnificent and monumental creation of Mughals, still stands like a jewel after hundreds of years. This building characteristically excels in its decoration and is best known for its intricate detailing. The evolution and transformation of decorative arts reached its zenith during the reign of S̲h̲āh Jahan (1628 - 1658), which is known as the era of delicacy and pure light in white. The aim of this paper is to study the decorative arts that excelled during this golden era. In this regard, S̲h̲īs̲h̲ Maḥal, situated at the Lahore Fort, is taken as a case study. Comprehensive documentation of these decorative arts including their design, material and technology developed the baseline inventory for their interpretation and appreciation. The study further explored the transformations and transitions during their refinement in addition to their description in the historical textual data. Keywords: decorative techniques, Pietra-dura, S̲h̲āh Jahan, Mumtaz

Comparative Analysis of Spatial Disparities Based on Infrastructure Development and Socioeconomic Indices: A Case Study of Lahore

Infrastructure development and socioeconomic factors are directly related to the opulence and economic growth of any region. Disparity in the allocation of resources within a city has a huge influence on the socioeconomic factors of the population. Cities in developing countries manifesta vast disparity in the provision of infrastructural facilities and it leads to curbing the socioeconomic development of their residents. The current research aims to study the impact of disparity in infrastructure development on the socioeconomic factors has been assessed in the city of Lahore. Two towns of the city, that is, Johar town and Shalamar town were selected based on two different criteria to examine the impact of disparity in infrastructure development on the prevailing socioeconomic conditions. Primary data was collected with the help of a questionnaire encompassing major infrastructure development factors and socioeconomic indicators. Surveys were conducted in these towns with the disproportionate technique of stratified sampling. Data was analyzed through SPSS. Statistical Linear Regression Model was applied to determine whether a relationship exists among the infrastructural and socioeconomic indicators or not. The results showed that the town with better infrastructure development has far better socioeconomic conditions as compared to the less developed town within the same city. Keywords: inequality, infrastructural development, socio-economic indices, spatial disparities

Use of Innovative Tools and Techniques for Heritage Preservation in the Digital Era: Academic Research on Asaf Khan’s Tomb in Lahore

In today’s digital era, as resources diminish and globalization provokes more regimented situations, innovative technologies such as parametric modeling, Building Information Modelling, 3D printing, and 3D scanners present dynamic answers for conserving and preserving traditional buildings. The main aim of this research is to explore digital technologies and tools to indicate how they can be of assistance in heritage preservation. Moreover, it also aims to identify the techniques that can make this laborious process more efficient and precise. All around the world, heritage sites are brought to life with the help of augmented models. This research highlights the digital methodology, tools, and techniques not fully explored due to limited funding and opportunities but present here as the evolving concept in the field of heritage conservation. It is more about the examination and investigation of the preservation process with the help of digital technology. It also explores the extent of possibilities and opportunities these digital tools can provide. Digital techniques and tools are extensively used within the traditional heritage internationally. However, Pakistan is still lagging behind in this domain. This study reconnoiters the impending uses of digital techniques in preserving architectural heritage and highlights how simple usage of these instruments can make the whole process more efficient and convenient. The outcomes specify that these tools provide many advantages over the traditional methods of conservation and have proved to be more useful and accurate. The application of photogrammetry to create models of old structures is also discussed. Moreover, the creative use of these tools to develop cordiality to original structures without replacing or damaging them is explored. This paper examines the application of these cutting-edge technologies for the preservation of architectural heritage in Pakistan with specific reference to a Mughal era structure in Lahore, that is, Asaf Khan’s Tomb. Despite the rich architectural heritage of Lahore, there is no proper conservation methodology currently practiced to preserve it. The above mentioned structure was surveyed, documented and the then-current situation was modeled using different softwares including Building Information Modeling in Revit. For the climatic and solar analysis of the structure, Ladybug which is a Rhino plug-in was explored and Microsoft Form it was used for the detailed solar energy analysis. Keywords: building information modeling, digital tools and technology, heritage conservation, photogrammetry

A Relative Study of Contemporary Residential Landscape Architecture: From the Local to the Global Aspect

The location of residential quarters has a deep connection with the pattern of everyday life. It is not always significant for social activities; however, it is the main component in city planning. Along with the improvement of the society and economy, the landscape of residences is likewise changing. This paper aims to discuss the planning strategies of residential landscape from a socio-technical perceptive. A diverse approach was implemented for collecting data due to the uncertain situation around the world because of COVID19 including personal archival data, LDA authority, building regulations, research articles and interviews. The variables adapted for the current research are: drift from outdoor spaces to indoor spaces, orientation of design and spatial layout and practices diffusion. The study suggests that the dynamics of space and practices can normalize the unsustainable arrangements rooted in social organizations. The increased consumption of electrical appliances and specification of spaces has changed the culture into an unsuitable indoor layout planning and has neglected the use of outdoor areas in contemporary societies. This study can help to bring the implementation of house planning into a broader perspective globally as there is a comparison drawn between the local and international landscaped signing by a renowned landscape architect "Geoffrey Bawa". Keywords: architecture, contemporary and landscape, open spaces, orientation, residential planning

Effect of Exit Door Width on Flow Rate in Occupant-based Fire Evacuation Scenarios in Dormitories

Student dormitories are intensely used buildings that meet the resting, accommodation and living needs of students. It is necessary to ensure the safety of students and to eliminate possible risks in dormitories as intensive use areas. Fires pose a great risk in dormitories and may cause serious casualties and injuries. The reduction of casualties and injuries can be achieved by analyzing occupant behaviour during fires according to the building use scenarios. In this paper, a type of dormitory that provides two alternative exits is explored. The building use scenarios of the dormitory were investigated by making on-site observations. Students’ use of sleeping units, dining units and partial sleeping/dining units and fire exit routes were determined. Pathfinder computer program was used to analyze the fire evacuation performance. This program was defined in accordance with occupant behaviour and different fire evacuation times were suggested depending on the building use scenarios. At the end of the study, based on the evacuation times, the flow rate at the exit doors according to the location of the occupants was analyzed. In the fire escape routes, as the upper floors are reached from the lower floors, the occupant flow rate decreases at the exit doors and the flow rates continue to be stable as the number of occupants is saturated according to the door width. The decrease in the number of occupants in the dining unit decreases the flow rate at the exit doors. It is important that various assembly units in dormitories, such as the dining unit, are designed on floors that can directly provide evacuation to a safe area. The results obtained are suitable for all dormitories, residences, hotels and other similar buildings. Keywords: building use scenario, dormitory, evacuation, flow rate, exit widths

Revitalization of the Urban Space from Grey to Green in Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore is a metropolitan city renowned for its historical background. It is also known as the ‘City of Gardens’. In today’s world, the progression towards the construction of concrete structures and junk spaces is occurring at a rapid pace. The persona of the city is changing in order to accommodate the booming population. Ecological imbalance is resulting into the disappearance of the fauna from the city. The current study was carried out to provide the inhabitants with various opportunities in the form of lively public spaces that are being lost with the passage of time. The site selected for the project was diligently marked by considering some important aspects including an easy approach and a place that provides a rich amalgam of history, culture, traditional cuisine and education to maximize the interaction of people belonging to different professions. It was designed in a fashion that kept intact the Mughal roots of the city by adding a water feature interwoven with the modern world by carefully planning the vegetation, thus making the selection vibrant and colorful in order to make a concoction of the Mughal and contemporary art. The purpose of the fusion was to attract the inhabitants by building a characteristically distinct place that remains non-identical to the already existing public spaces, as well as to revive the lost culture which is fading away due to excessive construction and environmental pollution.

Revitalization of the Urban Space from Grey to Green in Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore is a metropolitan city renowned for its historical background. It is also known as the ‘City of Gardens’. In today’s world, the progression towards the construction of concrete structures and junk spaces is occurring at a rapid pace. The persona of the city is changing in order to accommodate the booming population. Ecological imbalance is resulting into the disappearance of the fauna from the city. The current study was carried out to provide the inhabitants with various opportunities in the form of lively public spaces that are being lost with the passage of time. The site selected for the project was diligently marked by considering some important aspects including an easy approach and a place that provides a rich amalgam of history, culture, traditional cuisine and education to maximize the interaction of people belonging to different professions. It was designed in a fashion that kept intact the Mughal roots of the city by adding a water feature interwoven with the modern world by carefully planning the vegetation, thus making the selection vibrant and colorful in order to make a concoction of the Mughal and contemporary art. The purpose of the fusion was to attract the inhabitants by building a characteristically distinct place that remains non-identical to the already existing public spaces, as well as to revive the lost culture which is fading away due to excessive construction and environmental pollution.

Impact Assessment of Gwadar Port on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Case Study

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is based on a broad development strategy that not only has a strong impact on the economy of both countries but also has the potential of inclusion with other regions of Asia. The improvement of trade and infrastructure, and the linking of different regions are the main objectives of CPEC. In this regard, Gwadar’s deep-sea port serves as a hub that offers potential economic benefits not only to Pakistan but also to its surrounding regions. It offers an efficient track to conduct the trade of the Central Asian natural resources with the other regions of the world along with an easy approach to developing Asia’s customer markets. This paper tries to identify the importance of the Gwadar port using the qualitative research approach. It also intends to ensure access to those opportunities that could resuscitate Pakistan’s economic development under CPEC. Moreover, it aims to analyze the strengths and weaknesses associated with the Gwadar project. The findings revealed that the Gwadar port will be a keystone in the economic revival of Pakistan as well as Baluchistan. It will change the fate of the country by decreasing poverty and generating employment for the educated and skilled young people by providing them with the opportunity to seek jobs in their home country. However, the current study suggests that it is only possible when the Pakistani government will address all the concerns of the local inhabitants and regional bodies in order to make Gwadar not only a national but also a regional economic hub. Political parties and the Pakistani government should develop consensus on all CPEC strategies and development plans. Additionally, the governments of Pakistan and China must make an equal opportunity-based policy and plan to address the reservations and concerns of the local parties.

Impact Assessment of Gwadar Port on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Case Study

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is based on a broad development strategy that not only has a strong impact on the economy of both countries but also has the potential of inclusion with other regions of Asia. The improvement of trade and infrastructure, and the linking of different regions are the main objectives of CPEC. In this regard, Gwadar’s deep-sea port serves as a hub that offers potential economic benefits not only to Pakistan but also to its surrounding regions. It offers an efficient track to conduct the trade of the Central Asian natural resources with the other regions of the world along with an easy approach to developing Asia’s customer markets. This paper tries to identify the importance of the Gwadar port using the qualitative research approach. It also intends to ensure access to those opportunities that could resuscitate Pakistan’s economic development under CPEC. Moreover, it aims to analyze the strengths and weaknesses associated with the Gwadar project. The findings revealed that the Gwadar port will be a keystone in the economic revival of Pakistan as well as Baluchistan. It will change the fate of the country by decreasing poverty and generating employment for the educated and skilled young people by providing them with the opportunity to seek jobs in their home country. However, the current study suggests that it is only possible when the Pakistani government will address all the concerns of the local inhabitants and regional bodies in order to make Gwadar not only a national but also a regional economic hub. Political parties and the Pakistani government should develop consensus on all CPEC strategies and development plans. Additionally, the governments of Pakistan and China must make an equal opportunity-based policy and plan to address the reservations and concerns of the local parties.

Appraisal of Seasonal Rainfall Prediction and Utilization: A Case Study of Kano State, Nigeria

This work evaluates the accuracy of seasonal rainfall prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency by comparing it with the actual amount of rainfall received. It also measures the perception of the farmers regarding such prediction in the case of Kano State using data collected for the years 2009-2015. A total of eighty structured questionnaires were administered to the respondents in selected areas including Mariri, Hotoro, Zaria road and Gwarzo using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. When comparison between the predicted and the observed amount of rainfall received in the study area was made, the outcome showed a high level of variation throughout the years under study. The results further revealed that the majority of the respondents were not aware of convectional rainfall levels or assumed that the modern prediction method is unreliable. The current study recommends massive sensitization of farmers about the modern rainfall prediction methods considering the erratic nature of the weather and the changing climate, particularly in this era of global climate change.