Research Projects of Faculty of Architecture & Design

1. Ar. Afzal Ebrahim, H.E.C. Foreign Professor.

Title: Comparative Analysis of Thermal Performance of Adobe and Brick Structures

This research work involves comparing thermal performance of adobe and brick structures, both of which are used commonly in Pakistan. Comfort levels can vary considerably in the structures built with brick and with adobe. This study will involve building similar sized structures of both materials at the same site, having the same features, geometry and orientation. The structures would be monitored throughout the year by installation of data loggers to measure inside and outside temperatures and humidity levels to determine the comfort levels in each of the structures. A comparative analysis would also be made to determine cost benefits of each of the structures.

2. Ar. Samra M. Khan, Associate Professor

i) Title: Study of vernacular architecture as a model for 21st Century ‘Sustainable Architecture’.

In the 21st century, there has been a growing concern for the degradation of the environment from large quantities of CO² and green house gases, produced by the building industry. In the context of Pakistan, our current practices in architecture are based on Western standards, leading to a growing dependence on fossil fuels and resulting in rapid environmental degradation. In the current scenario, the study and analysis of indigenous architecture can help in developing a home-grown and workable model for ‘Sustainable Architecture’ of 21st century Pakistan.

ii) Title: Mapping of the Architectural Heritage and Cultural Identity of Islamabad City ; From the pre- historic to the modern times. (CIIT Research Project)

Co-researcher: Ms. Aisha Imdad, Assistant Professor.

The research project aims to study what kind of architecture existed in the area before the construction of the capital and how has the area changed since the construction of the capital city- Islamabad. The project will document in detail the history of the city, its architectural heritage, crafts and culture. It will record the changes in the area and the subsequent changes and phases of the city till modern times. From the oldest surviving pre-historic caves of Shah Allah Ditta to the Ghaznavi Mosque in the Margalla foothills to the start of the grid-iron plan of the city to the construction of the National monument at Shakarparian.

3. Ar. Dr. Anita Kapadia, Assistant Professor

Title: Urban Issues of Pakistan.

i) Karachi has around 50%- 60% of informal settlements. A policy guideline for the sustainable development of informal settlements is being developed.

ii) Rawalpindi over the years has developed into a service city for Islamabad. This has led to an enormous influx of traffic within it. An attempt is being made to understand the effect of changing land use pattern on the traffic of inner city.

4. Ms. Aisha Imdad, Assistant Professor (in collaboration with Ar. Prof. Pervaiz Vandal & Ar. Prof. Sajida Vandal) for UNESCO.

Title: Cultural Mapping of Multan & Bahawalpur.

The project is visualized as a pilot project with the specific aim of firstly mapping of 15 villages of the two districts to ascertain the cultural assets in the districts. Through this a methodology will be established for data collection and development of G.I.S. database applicable to the mapping of the entire province.

5. Ar. Sarah Saeed, Lecturer (in collaboration with Ar. Yasmin Lari)

Title: Conservation of Heritage Sites in Earthquake areas of Pakistan

Following the earthquake of 2005, many heritage sites in Pakistan were damaged or destroyed. These heritage buildings are a connection to our history and culture and hold a wealth of knowledge on passive environmental design and vernacular techniques.