REBORN @ 80: N.E.D. CITY CAMPUS RESTORATION

Text: Dr. Anila Naeem

Presence of historic structures in any built environment gives it a sense of permanence and continuity, but their conservation/ restoration in present times is not only advocated on grounds of historic significance but also for reasons of sustainability, diversity and environmental enhancement. N.E.D. City Campus restoration is a case in point where an abandoned historic structure is put to use after remaining redundant for more than twenty years.

N.E.D. City Campus Restoration Project initiated by the Department of Architecture and Planning, NED University in the year 2000; closely follows the international principles of conservation and restoration. The project is developed with an approach of minimal interventions and respect to the original setting, layout and materials of construction. NED City Campus is a listed heritage of Karachi given protection under Sindh Cultural Heritage Preservation Act 1994. Realizing this significance and value as an architectural asset the university decided to undertake intensive restorations and rehabilitate the entire campus as an educational hub. The project also holds a strong research and training component.

The approach is to achieve optimum utilization of the campus premises; although primarily restored to function as an exclusive campus for the Department of Architecture and Planning, a variety of other spaces including conference/ seminar hall, exhibition hall/ gallery, souvenir shop (to display historic and memorable materials linked with the campus history), amphitheatre, etc. are planned to be developed, facilitating a variety of activities and extended usage of the property. Being an extensive undertaking the project is planned and being executed in phases; an important one being the restoration of ‘Bai Puribai Becharbhai and Bercharbhai Raichand Block’ (started in March 2006 and inaugurated on completion in April 2009), now being used as design studios for architecture students. This article gives an overview on the first phase of the project, with a focus on various restoration interventions.