CULTURAL &

ARCHITECTURAL
IDENTITY

SUBMITTED TO:
MA’AM QURAT UL AIN
SUBMITTED BY:
SAMAR ANWAR 2016-ARCH-03
FARHEEN AMIR 2016-ARCH-07
CULTURAL IDENTITY:
Cultural identity is a process which involves learning about and accepting traditions, heritage,
language, religion, ancestry, aesthetics, thinking patterns and social structures of a culture.
Normally, people internalize the beliefs, values, norms, and social practices of their culture and
identify themselves with that culture. The culture becomes a part of their self-concept (Lustig,
2013). Myron Lustig notes that cultural identities are dynamic, and they exist within a changing
social context. Other researchers describe cultural identity as referring to the content of values
as guiding principles, to meaningful symbols, and to life styles that individuals share with
others. The phenomenon of expressing cultural identity in architecture is apparent in many
parts of the world. It focuses on architects, and the strategies they use in expressing cultural
identity.

CULTURAL IDENTITY OF PAKISTAN:

The cultural identity of Pakistan today is that of an Islamic nation; it was created as such.
However, because the territory that is now Pakistan has a history that goes back several
thousand years, the area has a history that forms part of the present identity of Pakistan.
Pakistan was the first region of the Indian subcontinent to be fully impacted by Islam and has
thus developed a distinct Islamic identity. As we know that Pakistan is an Islamic state that is
why Islamic culture is its identity. If we study our history, then we realize that Islamic culture is
depicted in all the traditions and norms, as well as in architecture of Pakistan. If we talk about
Islamic architecture the first thing that comes in our mind is the sacred places i.e., Mosques. Its
main architectural elements include arches, domes, minarets and the architectural spaces
depicts grandness and intricate details. Similarly, when we study our historical buildings
reflection of these elements and features is present.

ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY:

Architectural identity can be identified

by different ways. For example, it
can be the identity of a particular
architectural movement which is for
example reflected in its particular way
of forming buildings, spaces and the
social life it creates. Architectural
identity of a particular local culture
represents a living landscape with
common
sense of place that is produced by the
community’s accumulated efforts over
time to contain meanings and way of
life that form the national architectural
identity
Architectural identity can be identified
by different ways. For example, it
can be the identity of a particular
architectural movement which is for
example reflected in its particular way
of forming buildings, spaces and the
social life it creates. Architectural
identity of a particular local culture
represents a living landscape with
common
sense of place that is produced by the
community’s accumulated efforts over
time to contain meanings and way of
life that form the national architectural
identity
Architectural identity can be identified
by different ways. For example, it
can be the identity of a particular
architectural movement which is for
example reflected in its particular way
of forming buildings, spaces and the
social life it creates. Architectural
identity of a particular local culture
represents a living landscape with
common
sense of place that is produced by the
community’s accumulated efforts over
time to contain meanings and way of
life that form the national architectural
identity
Architectural identity can be identified by different ways. For example, it can be the identity of
a particular architectural movement which is for example reflected in its particular way of
forming buildings, spaces and the social life it creates. Architectural identity of a particular local
culture represents a living landscape with common sense of place that is produced by the
community’s accumulated efforts over time to contain meanings and way of life that form the
national architectural identity. Each particular nation has applied different methods and process
to produce its modern particular national architectural identity. This process has been
influenced by the applied system of decision making. Nations with open and democratic
decision making tradition have managed to give users larger influence in its architectural
development process. This open process has played a vital role to decide the national
architectural identity. The meaning and value, or identity, of architecture is often
conceptualized and portrayed as a historically timeless entity. It is often assumed that
architecture possesses a single identity which remains consistent over time. This notion can be
recognized within conventional areas of architectural design, heritage preservation, history and
forms of architectural literature which approach the meaning or value of architecture in static
terms. Such timeless depictions of the built environment tend to view architectural identity as a
physically defined construct; they often privilege and rely on the designer’s concepts to define a
building; and articulate architectural history as a continuous narrative outlining the historical
improvement of built form across time.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CULTURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL

IDENTITY:
There is a co-relation between architectural and cultural identity. A culture of a society is the
foundation for the formation of the architecture of that area. This means that the architecture
is being generated by the cultural norms of that particular society. Whereas, by looking at the
present architecture of an area one can predict the particular culture of the area because the
architectural identity give the glimpse of cultural identity. In this way the cultural and
architectural identities are not separate entities but they are highly related to each other.

AMALGAMATION OF MODERN AND VERNACULAR

ARCHITECTURE:
Vernacular architecture is being amalgamated with the modern buildings in such a way that the
Islamic architectural elements are designed on the modern lines. This means that we did not
forget our cultural identity but it is being amalgamated with the modern style. For example,
Faisal mosque is purely an Islamic building but it is designed with Islamic architectural elements
in a modern way.
Now we will discuss a contemporary building of Pakistan to support the philosophy of cultural
and architectural identity.

IBA STUDENT CENTRE, KARACHI:

The Student Centre was conceived as complete facility for recreational respite and “to create a
space which encourages social interaction.” In addition to the student lounges, computer lab,
societies’ offices, indoor play areas, gym, badminton courts, a dining hall and coffee shop and
various open spaces for students to gather, the most notable feature that determined the form
of the structure is the amphitheater.
As we were talking about the cultural and architectural identity of Pakistan, this building is
designed on the geometric shapes. Although these shapes are not used in the carvings and
details but are used in massive scale in the building form. It is a beautiful amalgamation of
cultural and modern architecture. Moreover, these shapes and geometry also support the plans
of the student center according to its function and use.  Two tapered triangular masses
intersect at a point that accommodates the geometry of the amphitheater section. Also we
know that in historical era the figure ground relationship was followed through the landscaping
of the building. This means that the landscaping was given importance. Similarly, this
relationship is being followed in this particular building.
The beauty in its access lies in the exterior facade with the tapered edges that conceal the stairs
and a landscaped ramp leading to the roof.  The ramp, covered with the grass, is contiguous
with the surrounding landscape; thus, at first glance, it appears as if the building emerges from
the ground. There are pockets of green space introduced on the roof as well and collectively,
the ramp and these areas provide natural thermal insulation.

As we know that our historic architecture depicts the grandness in the spaces similarly this
feature is reflected in the internal spaces of this building. Internally the spaces are connected
through a horizontal platform and double heighted spaces create visual interaction. The use of
framing the outside environment, as well as incorporating landscape within, allows for visual
fluidity. Also, the use of natural materials was the basic principle and the tradition of the
vernacular as well as the historic buildings so the interior is a combination of natural materials
and exquisite detailing.  The majestic use of color is through vinyl graphics designed by the
architects themselves. Each space is illuminated with natural light and views into intimate
landscaped areas, more like personal spaces within a communal setting. This means that the
geometry, natural materials, incorporation of landscape, use of bold masses and the proper
natural ventilation are the main architectural features of this building.

The discussion concludes that IBA student center which was constructed in 2013 contains a
timelessness in its feel and architectural style. It is rather a simple as well as a complex
structure with the blend of both cultural as well as the contemporary architecture.