IAP House

Competition
1st Prize
ARCH. FARHAN ZIA

VISION seminar room facilities without

To create architecture that crossing the office areas.
enriches the lives of its users and
is inspirational for the built envi- FORM & MASSING
ronment. The form must give a strong
yet subtle statement i.e.
OBJECTIVES * Contrast is created between
The above vision is pursued hard concrete volumes and soft
through a design approach which vegetation on screen walls and
is: terraces
* Rooted in the physical, cul- * Solids and Voids - Addition
tural and social context and subtraction in basic terms
* Combines visionary design The lift shaft elevates to
with sound innovative technology
and materials become the structure for holding
* Integrates sustainability and the horizontal wind turbines and
design value becomes an innovative architec-
* Responds to, and expands tural focal point. The high shafts
the intentions of the design brief. also give a landmark symbol to
the building
METHOD / APPROACH
* Formulate and apply clues MATERIALS & FINISHES
derived from site and its sur- Concrete is selected with flat
roundings and the way in which plate system for making large
they inform the design uninterrupted interior spaces.
* A building that symbolizes This gives flexibility of space
environment awareness in local use. Other reasons to use
scene, and contributes to its Concrete are:
indoor-outdoor space quality * It has been accepted as a
sustainable material in all stages
DESIGN THEME of its existence - from its raw
There are multiple cultural material to even at demolition
and political layers of society in stage. Recent innovations shall
our country. Therefore it is a make it possible to develop self
search for an architecture that is cleaning concrete locally.
not only meaningful within its * Once that attribute is added,
local context and contemporary it durability, ability to retain
in modern terms, but, also one storm water, and it potential as
which is dynamic in nature -
hence 'timeless' finishing material makes it the
most logical choice.
SPATIAL * The exposed concrete is
ARRANGEMENTS adapted well as a finished build-
The placement and composi- ing material. External floors are
tion of the scheme is shaped by proposed in terrazzo-ground
the surrounding parameter. While which has exposed concrete
studying the potentials of the site, aggregate.
it was found that the site is almost GREEN BUILDING
exactly in proportion of the SYSTEMS
Golden Mean [Golden Section Ecological considerations are
Hence the planning based on integral to the design solution
Golden Mean's proportion, which being proposed. Both active and
has been used throughout history passive solutions have been
by various civilizations for their explored and incorporated in the
great buildings design:
Daylight & Views - Provision * Applying vegetation around
of connection between indoor and the building is appealing and eco-
outdoor environment by introduc- logically sensible. The most obvi-
tion of sunlight through the use of ous benefit being the regulation
skylights and views through the of internal temperature.
occupied areas of the building * To reduce solar gains inno-
The open space proposed in vative shading device 'Bio-
the center could be used as an shades' [screen with greenery]
extension to the Multi-purposed
Hall, the product display area as have been proposed. These along
well as all other activities. Its cen- with the mechanical horizontal
tral placement coupled with the turbines have made a part/feature
boundary wall also provides pri- of the architectural language.
vacy to the users. * Recycling drain water for
Split level system has been greenery through treatment plant
adopted to economize spatial [on roof possible], using heat
arrangement and create interest- energy from AC plants for geysers
ing transition flowing spaces. etc, Solar Panels on roof - auto-
Public and office areas have mated lights to open after dark in
been separated by floors. Office exterior environment and pas-
spaces being on upper floor, sages, etc. are further possibilities
allows visitors to use meeting and which are possible in project.
IAP House
Competition
2nd Prize
ARCH. SIKANDAR AJAM KHAN

CONCEPT ing in electricity can be trans-

The generation of plan form formed into 40% saving of elec-
is based on a radiating volute trical costs.
whose origin is at the building
centre, and which further gener- ENTRY & CIRCULATION
ates the staircase the outside tem- SYSTEM
porary exhibition wall, and the The circulation system is sim-
roof pergola. It signifies dissemi- ple and easy to comprehend. It
nation of knowledge and hope, as has a central space with light
it is ever expanding and growing washing a wall from the roof
in the golden mean proportional space. The wall can have a mural
system. This will signify the depicting IAP history for the past
importance of the IAP house to 50 years. Central circulation area
the architecture community and with light shafts cut in it. Central
the public that it serves. staircase is generated by the
volute whose origin is there and
SUSTAINABILITY is suspended by a string struc-
APPROPRIATE ture.
ARCHITECTURE MATERIALS
The building will rely on 40% A limited palette of materials
lesser energy than comparable have been used for the facades.
buildings due to the design hav- Stone for the ground floor with
ing openings to the South and gradation in sizes from low to
South West orientation. It high on the same floor. Fair-face
enables the breeze to be fun- concrete, for the upper floors,
nelled into the building through with the canopy made up of
scoops in the form of sails which metal supports and roof being a
signify the location of Karachi light weight one in the form of a
Site Plan being a port city and provide the canopy glass has been used to
building with efficient breeze admit light to the interiors.
scooping devises. The ground
floor exhibition hall will be FOLDING LOUVERS
cooled by these breezes and will The folding louvers at the ground Section
not rely on electricity for cooling floor work as sun shade devises
Front Elevation
and for light. Devises such as the and also serve in enclosing the
below grade tree courtyard and spaces such as the exhibition
the exit vents at rooftop will fur- hall, and the outdoor exhibition
ther cool the building naturally. area from the out side.
The open areas and aquarium are
located in the path of breezes so
that the breeze becomes cool STRUCTURE &
before entering the building, and CONSTRUCTION
it will then be further vented out The structure is based on a flat
to the North. slab 8" thick panel with drop
panels, this will eliminate beams,
FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS which will result in avoiding a
The building has a main central deep false ceiling which accom-
entry which divides the function- modates AC ducts etc. This also
al usages into zones which are results in faster construction time
clearly identified according to for the project.
function and use. The exhibition
halls and the vendors to the right, DESIGN ELEMENTS
the cafeteria with the outside Two lifts are envisaged for
exhibition space, and outdoor the project, one lift can be
seating which is semi-covered installed earlier, while the other
Ground Floor will be activated with the type of serving the pool, gym and meet-
events. The Auditorium is below ing rooms can be installed later.
grade level, but its lobby has Thus there is good movement
ample natural light and ventila- externally from the open exhibi-
tion, besides a number of easily tion courtyard to the basement
accessible escape routes. The auditorium and the second floor.
gymnasium and the pool can The glass circular floor piece on
make use of their common facili- the bridge will let in a shaft of
ties such as toilets and lockers. light to the ground floor as a
Roof access is easy from the beam of light and knowledge.
gymnasium. The pool with its
overflowing water on the build- CONCLUSION
ing edge will also signify abun- The project visually shows
dance of knowledge which can some basic construction material
be shared. The roof has a roof as exposed steel, stone, and fair
garden and pergola which will face concrete construction. All
cool the building, besides provid- effects have been made to ensure
ing a pleasant environment. Solar a building which fits into its
panels at the roof will provide environment. The buildings
electricity during the day hours, functional components are easily
as it will have an inverter but not comprehendible from the road,
have batteries for storage. These and persons can be directed with
batteries if required can be pro- out resorting to a lot of signage
Second Floor vided later on. This daytime sav- once inside the site.
IAP House
Competition
3rd Prize
ARCH. SAYEM GHAYUR

Elevation
Design Brief modern times, the architecture of Thus entire planning is done 2. Reception Block space for temporary stalls; the
We started the design of IAP that era is taken for such of its ele- away from this junction. The 3. Library and Resource Centre court exposes you to the display
House on four levels: ments rather than the essence it plot, luckily enough, faces the Block areas and the reception wall, it is
1. Conceiving it as a public build- had, minus the grandiosity and west winds as well as the sun- 4. Seminar/Meeting Area Block pivoted with a still-water body
ing for a specific community (of pomp. path on its front façade, thus all 5. IAP National and Karachi and a tree in its centre.
Architects) The elements that we liked to necessary measures have been Offices Block * "Members Meeting
2. Its physical context which develop for use in a modern con- taken to block and circulate the Architecturally, the building Courtyard" has a comparatively
includes climatic and site consid- text include, west winds inside the non-air- has been designed to appear as larger pond with a centralized sin-
erations. 1. Axial planning conditioned zones of the build- simple as possible on the point of gle sprout and a tree placed in it.
3. Its cultural context. 2. Gate as an element of entry and ing. Sunlight has also been sub- entry. Boundary wall has been
4. Its historical context. demarcation jected to filtration with the aid reduced to a low height Granite The court has two screen-topped
3. Wall as an element of impor- of patterned screens. parapet that continues to form podiums for meeting purpose.
Defining an identity seemed to tance with respect to its place- the gate, which does stand out * "Patterned/Central
be the most important aspect for a ment and purpose rather than dec- PUBLIC - COMMUNITY distinctively as an entry point but Courtyard" has the glass win-
project that happens to be owned oration. ARCHITECTURE without any pompous signifi- dows of the gallery block open-
by the architects and aimed for the 4. Courtyards as transition spaces Ownership of this building cance. The building is anchored ing in it as well as the open
public whose aesthetic parameters rather than plan decorators. belongs to the architecture com- by 3 large fair-face walls which arcade of the office/meeting
have been a subject for these 5. Axially aligned water bodies. munity, thus the project would be greet and orient the visitors area block. There is a four-side-
architects since long. This project 6. Axially aligned openings and required to cater to the aims of the throughout the building and its seeping linear water body along
gave us the opportunity to think doorways. organization while representing it various courts. Besides bringing with a tree in the centre of the
about the legacy of Islamic 7. Sun-screens as pattern casting collectively as well as individual- the visitor out of confusion that court. The Central Courtyard is
Architecture that lost its continu- sun-glare-filters. ly. As a result, we started our public spaces are often character- covered with a screen punctured
um into the modern times due to design with a 'wall'; a wall dedi- ized with, these walls act as wind with Islamic motifs; the court is
various reasons. CULTURAL CONTEXT: cated to the enlisted professionals, blocks and sun filters also, maxi- closed from top but open from
Public buildings in the context representing them since the time mizing on the west winds which all sides, a reminiscence of
THE HISTORICAL of our country, in the act of being of registration. Outsiders coming are characteristic of the city of (19th century Cairo's) covered
CONTEXT: more modern and contemporary to the building would look for the Karachi. bazaar transition spaces.
Taking precedence in Islamic tend to get glitzy and trendy, with registered architects' basic infor- * First of the three walls is the
architecture did not mean that the help of highly elitist imported mation from this wall before mov- "Members' Wall", its base is clad * "Library Courtyard" has a
we were trying to copy the style materials. As an outcome, the ing to the resource centre for fur- with granite which will have still water body lined with trees
or the elements that were used in buildings do standout being out- ther essentials. members' names, in their registra- and three podiums for open dis-
the architecture of Islamic era. landish for their context, inviting To give IAP House a better tion number order, on it. cussions.
We started analyzing the points the awestruck gaze of the already urban connection, the front court * Next wall is the "Central The basement is reserved for
of interest to the architect of that intimidated public, but forget to of the facility has been made visu- Wall" which leads you to the parking; the building facilities are
age, rather than borrowing their prove comfortable for its users. ally accessible to the outside reception and all the blocks of the planned on three levels including
ideas and using them without the On the other hand, public street. This intervention of remov- IAP house subsequently. the ground floor. The five func-
consideration of modernity and architecture often tends to get too ing the boundary wall (from the * The third and final wall is the tional zones are accommodated in
contextual issues incorporated in confusing, due to a presence of front only) gives it a better con- "Wind Wall" which brings air into two large blocks separated by the
them. too many facilities and ancillary nection with the street. A cafeteria the central courtyard and thus to central courtyard in the middle
Islamic architecture started activities, besides suffering from is placed within this intermediary the corridors of all the blocks of and connected together via two
from within the domains of rulers a lack of orientation in and division, where even outsiders can the building. bridges and two adjoining smaller
and statesmen, thus the character around itself. come and interact with the archi- Besides the 3 walls, there are blocks on both sides. The Library
was pompous and grand. The idea tects, other professionals and stu- five courtyards with as many and Resource Centre is placed
was to show their might, thus PHYSICAL CONTEXT: dents in general. The placement of water bodies, accentuating the right behind the reception area and
everything had to stand out, beau- The east side of the IAP plot partially glazed exhibition areas strong visual axes of the project.
ty, proportions, emotions and dec- has a lane leading to the back on the front lends a commercial The walls around courtyards keep is laid on two levels connected by
oration. Their architecture was door of the mosque that is situ- edge to the project acquiring an getting higher and closer, the an internal staircase. All the other
supposed to draw a line between ated right behind it. On many upbeat urban interface for itself. deeper inside the complex. zones are planned to keep the out-
the sacred and the secular, pure days, especially on Fridays, this * "Street Courtyard" extends siders restricted to the ground
and the impure. The distinction segment gets quite crowded due THE BUILDING: into the street formation, with its floor (except the exhibition areas).
would be made possible by an to the namazis and the street The building comprises of 5 four-sprout water body in the cen- Facilities with less circulation fre-
architecture suffused with ele- side vendors. The elementary functional zones: tre of the street-court junction. quency are placed higher up,
ments such as, doorways, arcades, school in front also dissipates 1. Exhibition and Display * "Entrance Courtyard" has while the daily users go in the
domes, and decorated walls. In commotion at certain timings. Galleries Block seating arrangement as well as middle (the first floor).
 Tariq Alexander Qaiser - IAP House Competition Design Hanif Daud - IAP House Competition Design
We have an opportunity to create a multi manner as possible.
dimensional building. A building that is layered The IAP house has to be memorable and
with responses, meaning & symbols. This proj- strong, the architecture has to exude confidence
ect needs to have an architecture of responsibil- with out becoming egocentric. The design has to
ity & imagination. This is a building that should be innovative with out losing functionality &
look at the first principles of architecture, and be build ability. The IAP house has to be appropri-
able to express these in as poignant and poetic a ate for today and yet be timeless.

First Floor

First Floor

This is design proposal for ty to shape the built environ- through different hybrids of of the vicinity where site for ship of correspondence was
IAP House has evolved from a ment for the people. The orthogonal forms had an over IAP house is located. Among created between the walls and
series of inspirations. As a pre- design complex draws its refer- whelming influence in the the ingredients, wall profiles masses inside its enclosure.
requisite, it attempts to justify ence from the historic profile early development of built have a profound appearance in
Tying the link to the roots, the
the fundamental expectation to of Karachi in general and forms across this area. Despite the overall façade and form
be the hall mark house of Clifton in particular. The ortho- rapid transformations, few of interface. The wall gave the front wall is made a prominent
design professionals who are dox simplicity in the geometri- the built reminiscents can still initiating physical identity to feature of the cumulative
bestowed with the responsibili- cal compositions, depicted be dotted in the older enclaves the compositions. A relation- design development.

Ground Floor Iqbal Baloch (NESPAK) - IAP House Competition Design

The image of the IAP House IAP - a large library, a members sense means the home of the
is in line with the Architectural lounge, gymnasium, cafeteria Institute of Architects, Pakistan
vocabulary of Corporate and secretariat of the IAP. The - The building should reflect '
Culture, bold in its massing and first floor is confined for exhi- the spirit of the time ' and not
contemporary in style. bitions, display and gallery have and a very recognizable,
The form is curvilinear, giv- alongwith space for IAP pronounced style of
ing a smooth and soft appear- National Chapter. The second Architecture - The design
ance with an inviting entrance. floor accommodates a multi- should reflect a neutrally of
A ground plus two storey build- purpose hall, Seminar room, style that is at once acceptable
ing - the IAP House incorpo- meeting rooms and a large to every school of thought.
rates a horizontally that is con- product display area. The base- Therefore, a stylized edifice is
ducive with its overall form and ment with its easy access not what, the IAP House should
function. accommodates 40 cars. represent. The
The ground floor envisages Apart from the fact that it is Architecture basically should be
to house the Karachi Chapter of the IAP House, which in its real timeless, faceless and yet not
 Shakeel Qureshi - IAP House Competition Design
The design incorporates all the requirements listed in the design brief.
It is a split level design in four blocks, i.e., front, rear and the two sides
having a level difference of 3’-0” each. The four blocks are organized
around a central patio. The bye laws have been taken care of. The layout
is done in such a way that there is a lot of feeling of openness.
Requirements specific to the IAP members are zoned in such a way that
they are not disturbed by other activities open to public. Covered spaces
are complemented by open green terraces, which will facilitate activities
in open when the weather is pleasant.
The IAP House is designed on passive solar techniques and on the
principles of green architecture. Energy losses from the envelope have
been minimized by providing external walls using cavity filled with insu-
lating material such as foam gypsum, and roofs having roof gardens. In
addition, wind from wind catchers is brought into all spaces through
ducts. The air enters the spaces from patio side and is exhausted from the
outer walls through exhaust fans. Humidity in the air will be monitored
by using dehumidifiers in the duct system.
The proposed design uses the language of the historical architecture of
Karachi. Its architectural elements have been developed not imitating but
in the character of historical buildings, yet relating to the present time.

Ibtisam Peerzada - IAP House Competition Design

As potential project architects we sought to embed our signature
mark within the design process right from the word go. We started out by
drawing interesting thumb impressions on the site.
By intelligent elimination we were left with the remnants which we
translated into the basic foot print of the building.
The curvilinear forms of the lines we were left with gelled well with
our functional requirements i.e. products/vendor display area arranged
on one long continuous ramp.
While designing further this ramp seemed a little too linear which
clashed with our initial vision of the project. Hence, we landed upon the
'Mobius strip' as the defining form of the ramp in order to make it more
complex and multifaceted.
We made our first concept model of the form. This model solved our
initial concerns of reducing the linear element in the project, but we were
not satisfied with its aesthetic appeal.

Farhan Ahmed - IAP House Competition Design

The built design was broken down in public and private inclusion of a court. The private area hold functions of sem- ice truck entry
realms - The private area, that one encounter on approach - inar, library, meeting rooms, offices and toilets. A provision * The massive multipurpose function solid wall added to
presented a grandeur look in its application of proportions for office parking was included at the backyard. the grandeur
and fenestration and made to appear further quiet with the The ground area facilitate vehicular moment and serv- The public functions were pushed back furthers and the
mandatory open area acted as a spill over space.
More the design block was shifted to -5 feet to accom-
modated massive public program and it also added to the
horizontal stretch of the complex, it included place for
public parking. Grand Proportions (achieved in the use of
fenestration)
* A ground, first, second complex appeared G+1 adding
to the grand appearance and the single roof line strengthened
the house effect.

Second Floor First Floor Ground Floor