Lahore: A Framework for Urban Conservation: The AKTC Initiative in Lahore (2007-12)

Since 2007, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has been working to preserve the urban and architectural heritage of Lahore. This section, dedicated to the AKTC Initiative in Lahore (2007-2012), contains the following sections:

Khan, Masood, Cameron Rashti, and Francesco Siravo. “Crafting a Strategic Plan for the Walled City.” Lahore: A Framework for Urban Conservation, edited by Philip Jodidio, 95-106. Munich: Prestel, 2019.

Started in collaboration with the government of Punjab in 2007, the strategic plan had the attempt to reconcile two overriding objectives: preventing the loss of the area’s economic vitality to severe environmental and socio-economic problems and safeguarding the area’s-built heritage. The plan was tapping heritage as a catalyst for rehabilitation, assisting the resident communities to participate and benefit from the area’s new development.

Khan, Masood, and Fatima Khan. “Documentation of the Walled City.” Lahore: A Framework for Urban Conservation, edited by Philip Jodidio, 107-116. Munich: Prestel, 2019.

When the initiative started in 2007, a matter of immediate concern was the collection of cartographic data and surveys of the Walled City as there was significant absence of adequate cartographic material. The plot and building survey, using electronic distance measuring (EDM) instruments and GIS systems, created a comprehensive baseline database of land parcels to produce a series of analytical maps describing the existing land-use conditions, several watersheds for the disposal of rainwater and sewerage. The Shahi Guzargah pilot project, a demonstration project, began mainly as an infrastructure project, but became an urban conservation and rehabilitation project.

Van Der Tas, Jurgen, and Fatima Khan. “Mapping a Socio-Economic Baseline for the Walled City.” Lahore: A Framework for Urban Conservation, edited by Philip Jodidio, 117-124. Munich: Prestel, 2019.

Socio-economic analysis of demography, households, ethnic and social composition of the population, access to adequate education and sanitary facilities make it possible to better understand the Walled city. The presence of commercial markets that are situated in or around the Walled City, together with the dominant and well-organized group of traders creates environmental risks for the densely populated residential neighbourhoods.

Pretorius, Deon. “Integrated Conservation and Infrastructure Development: Solutions and Design Criteria.” Lahore: A Framework for Urban Conservation, edited by Philip Jodidio, 125-136. Munich: Prestel, 2019.

The engineering firm Aurecon carried out in 2008 a city-wide conceptual design for infrastructure development, including water supply, waste-water disposal, storm-water drainage, electricity, telecommunication, and natural gas infrastructures. The current conditions were challenging as water was polluted and sanitation was under standards by far. The Shahi Guzargah project provided an opportunity to implement quality sewage and storm-water drainage systems together with pedestrian street lighting.

Khan, Masood, and Maryam Rabi. “The Shahi Guzargah Pilot Project and Area Development Plan.” Lahore: A Framework for Urban Conservation, edited by Philip Jodidio, 137-149. Munich: Prestel, 2019.

In 2006 the World Bank signed a loan agreement with the governments of Pakistan and Punjab which included a heritage component specifically intended for the Walled City. The pilot project of Shahi Guzargah was selected as a bazaar spine including many historic properties along the route to Lahore Fort. The project was to develop methods for urban-heritage conservation and to demonstrate its benefits through the productive reuse of cultural assets, associating physical rehabilitation with infrastructure upgrades.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture

The AKTC Initiative in Lahore (2007-12). In Lahore: A Framework for Urban Conservation, edited by Philip Jodidio, 92-149. Munich: Prestel, 2019.

Prestel and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture