The chowk or central urban area originally served the printers bazaar and was a hub of literary activity; it became dilapidated over time and served as a rubbish dump and gathering area for addicts. The outdoor intervention includes: thorough cleaning, concrete paving, eighteen newly-planted trees, lighting, new gathering areas and street furniture, and an art installation; the later addition of an enclosing wall was removed and replaced by newly-designed, open balustrades. The area soon again became frequented by artists and intellectuals, and a new community centre was opened in two rooms of a nearby historic building to now host exhibitions, literary events, community meetings, and the centre for heritage walks to discover Old Karachi.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
