Quest for Identity: Traditional Architecture and Globalization

Throughout history, people, places, and regions developed unique characteristics that are meticulously knotted to the notion of “identity”. A place is not only a physical space, but exists in people’s memories and evokes emotions, experiences, and associations. Prevalent cultural responses to the region’s geographic and environmental characteristics, establish an identity of a place that lies at the root of traditional and sustainable practices. “Tradition” is different from “heritage” in the way that an entire legacy, including those aspects which may no longer exist in present practice or may never have become integrated into the popular culture, is still a part of heritage. While tradition is passed on from one generation to the other, based on its own deep-rooted culture and acquires a common identity. The south-Asian region underwent a loss of identity with the appointment of the “International” style, followed by globalization. The standardization of designs and construction methods relinquished regional and cultural veracities of a place. The employment of new technologies, industry-produced materials, advanced construction methods and adoption of western styles are deemed as an indication of economic growth and socio-cultural development. Pakistan, which originated in the pre-historic civilization of the Indus valley, possesses a rich cultural and architectural heritage. The predominant dialect has remained to be quite diverse, as it is related to various periods in history, especially to indigenous cultural and architectural countenance. This research is a quest for identity of regions with a rich heritage and traditions, in response to the changing cultural values and standardization of architectural practices due to globalization. Through an exemplary case study of HarSukh Mansion in Lahore, designed by Kamil Khan Mumtaz, we analyse the role of traditional values associated with history, aesthetics, artistic principles and authenticity in modern-day living to understand how the community relates to its cultural and social processes in contemporary times.  Har Sukh Mansion is a residential complex with three individual dwelling units opening into a courtyard and a public zone comprising of an open court, teaching studios and hostel facility. The functional spaces are designed to meet modern-day living requirements, such as independent rooms with privacy, a semi-covered swimming pool, an air conditioning system, lighting fixtures and solar panels. By using local building materials, brick and lime mortar, and traditional construction methods and design principles, it recreates an ambience of a traditional haveli (courtyard house). The traditional design vocabulary of domes, arches, and muqarnas (ornamented vaulting) are incorporated harmoniously with modern-day living; it epitomizes reclaiming the lost cultural identity of the region through the reconciliation of tradition and modernity.