Workshop & Recently Completed Project in Karachi

In Search of the ‘Time-less’ in Architecture 

A Workshop on:

Geometrical Proportioning

in the Traditional Architecture of Pakistan

Held at NED Karachi

23^rd – 28^th February, 2010

 Conducted by Taimoor Khan Mumtaz

‘It can be argued that for our cultural context the message and philosophy of traditional art is still culturally relevant and appropriate as a valid artistic expression. At the level of technology, for us in the sub-continent it makes great sense to learn from this tradition. Especially when we see that the technological solutions of traditional architecture are economically viable and environmentally sustainable for many types of buildings. But it is above all the message of traditional art, whose harmony and beauty aims at reflecting something of the “Time-less”, which … is relevant and meaningful not only in our cultural context but at all times and in all places.’

Taimoor K. Mumtaz, In Search of the ‘Time-less’ in Architecture,

Journal of Research in Architecture & Planning, NED

Issue on: “Architectural Practice”(forthcoming)

In connection with the above Workshop we took the students to a recently completed project - The Mazar of Hazrat Ahmed Sahib, in Sakhi Hasan Graveyard, Karachi. These 5 pictures are from that visit. They were taken by Hasan Abbasi a 4th Yr. Architecture student at NED who also interned at KKM Architects this winter.

The 3 images below are our proposals for the Glazed Tile scheme for this project.

Article from U.K. based Architect Iqbal Alam's Blog

Influence of indigenous structures, forms and culture on 

architects.(PartII)

September 2, 2009

The second architect I would like to draw your attention to is Kamil Khan Mumtaz. A Pakistani, British trained architect, who has been working in Lahore, Pakistan since late 60s. He has been involved with Aga Khan Award of Architecture, has also led several architectural juries. He has made tremendous contributions to architectural education in Pakistan in his own modest manner.
While studying at Architectural Association in London in early 60s, Kamil was no doubt, fully exposed to the modernist thinking of that era. In tropical department at AA, Dr. Konigsburger and Rory Fonseca were there to impart the best knowledge about designing for comfort in tropical climates. Kamil also worked with Keith Critchlow and Buckminister Fuller in Ghana for a while.... (For Full Article Click Article Title)

Muqarnas Experiments

Taimoor Khan Mumtaz

The first Muqarnas executed on a KKM project was at the entrance Iwan of Hafiz Mohammad Iqbal & Baba Hasan Din Mazars project in 2005 ( Image on left) . The plans were made from an Iranian handbook by Architect Shabir Hussain (now working in Quetta) while the 3-D studies were done by Hans-Christian Karlberg from Belgium, who was interning at the office at the time. (For more images of this project visit: http://kamilkhanmumtaz.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=63).

Also see: Hans-Christian Karlberg's page for some glimpses of his time at the KKM office at: http://www.hck.be/hck.swf under projets > architecture > Mumtaz [internship].

Recently Kamil Sahib has been studying and analysing this form and has developed some original prototypes. Below left: drawings by Kamil Sahib and a model by Hisham, 3rd yr architecture student at Punjab University. Below Right: A constructed version at an on-going residential project off Bedian Road.

In parallel the more traditional Iranian type Muqarnas has also been employed at the Sally Town Mosque and at a Holiday Retreat named 'Bagh-e-Arifin' at Wah Village. Below left: 3-D model by Architect Fatima and Below Right:a box-board model by an internee Fatima from UET's Structural Architecture Department last summer.

For a constructed example of the above Muqarnas see: http://kamilkhanmumtaz.blogspot.com/2010/04/muqarnas-at-sally-town-mosque.html

For a wonderful web data-base on Muqarnas see: http://www.tamabi.ac.jp/idd/shiro/muqarnas/default.htm

KKM Architects Published in Italy, January 2010

January 25

Architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz in the spotlight. A frank chat

Filed Under architecture, ideas

(Text by Aresha Gul in co-operation with Kamil Khan Mumtaz Architects, all projects and images © Kamil Khan Mumtaz Architects)

Lahore, my city, is blessed with beautiful and unique architecture. To find the true soul of Lahore you must visit the Old Walled City which dates back hundreds of years. The Walled City includes lovely buildings, homes and a network of small, narrow streets which take you back in time to relive history.... [ to read more click on the Article title].

Work in Progress: Sally Town Mosque

Central dome design for Sally Town Mosque, Lahore.

Drawing for Calligrapher showing:

Qalib-kari pattern with calligraphy scheme for stars.

Corner Muqarnas plans are also visible.

The Qalib- kari pattern is based on the Akbar Period Begum Shahi Mosque (also known as Marium Zamani Mosque) inside the Walled City's 'Masti' Gate. The Qalib-kari was executed on-site by Ustad Jafar.

Font Elevation

based on the now demolished 17th C Chinnianwali Mosque in the Lahore Walled City 

For more photos and comments see:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/iqbalaalam/3879726386/in/set-72157602369824370/

Muqarnas at Sally Town Mosque

Executed by Sultan a brilliant young hereditary craftsmen from Multan. He had never before made something like this and was excited by the challenge. Initially he struggled but once we made him a card-board model of the main elements he proceeded without difficulty.