THE SITE
Each of the sites along the border are chosen with the consideration of accessibility via public modes of transportation and connection to major cities, with the intention of attracting people from other parts of the country who do not necessarily reside close to the dividing line. The proposal aims to not only constitute peace along the border but allows for efforts of meaningful exchanges and communication in the future.
THE CONCEPT
The design is dominated by perforated walls that wrap in and around themselves to create circulation paths that bleed into one another within the enclosure, in a deliberate attempt to encourage intercommunication. They also constitute a green wall along the exterior that will serve as a living memory of the events occurring within. The stairs and ramps culminate in an amphitheater on the top level, where users can collectively enjoy performances and benefit from awareness campaigns.
The concept of a ‘cultural reunion’ stems from the similarities within the cultural values and social practices of the people on either sides of the border. The India-Pakistan border, created primarily on grounds of religious differences, not only compelled many to choose one side but also propelled them to alienate themselves from their neighbor, inculcating hostility and estrangement for those on the opposite side. While the two territories are geographically separated by the International Border, their societies’ fundamental structures, norms and lifestyles still continue to intersect on various levels. Hence, a cultural reunion is proposed that celebrates these resemblances within the common social practices of the two communities.
A ‘mela’ (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘gathering’), is a seasonal cultural fair which is an important tradition in the Indian Subcontinent and a popular source of leisure and entertainment among various communities across India and Pakistan. They can be used to promote the arts, spread awareness, and provide space for recreation. The design proposes a module that houses this common cultural tradition seasonally, and later serve as a memory of the reunion. The ‘mela’ will take place annually at various points along the border, promoting communal interaction. The module will also house regular medical camps catered towards the rural communities close to the border, that are often deprived of such amenities.
Traditional Indian Architecture
Traditional Pakistani Architecture
