Hybrid polemics - a manifesto for reviving architectural identity through cultural roots

Text: Ar. Maria Aslam

Photography: Ahmed Shajee Aijazi

We live today in the age of partial objects, bricks that have been shattered to bits, and leftovers... We no longer believe in a primordial totality that once existed, or in a final totality that awaits us at some future date

-(Deleuze and Guattari 1983: p.42)

Architecture invades pervasively in our lives, shapes our living and to some extent occasionally determines our futures. A project that a decade back defined a different standing in a nubile city but today flanks the streets it occupies strategically with its uber- strong presence is Islamabad Serena.

An icon that beguiled intrigued and announced its importance to the city even in construction and developmental stages is Serena Flagship Premier five star hotel of Islamabad. True to its expectations today the Serena Hotel is a landmark and a successful hospitality representation that stands tall within its surrounding competing with the majestic Margalla Hill in its backdrop. The project was initiated in 1999 and by the time of its completion in 2002, the second phase of development was already in progress.

The Serena management team was lucky to acquire the adjacent neighboring land and plan the extension of Islamabad Serena. Though the shape an L extension and the topography which varied from 0 to 25 feet at road level was a challenge for the architect and design team but well integrated the entire scheme. A challenge that neatly configured the hospitality industry working machine tucked away in the lower levels and the works; out of sight within the contours while the giant hospitality retreat entertains its massive clientele.