From modernism to neoliberalism: analysis of public spaces in Islamabad with particular focus on public libraries

Date

2023-6

Author

Taqvi, Syed Muhammad Shajee Haider

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Pakistan gained its independence from British India in 1947 through a multifaceted socio-political movement that gave rise to its identity and nationhood. Karachi served as the country's capital upon independence, but it was later relocated to Islamabad, under the leadership of General Ayub Khan. Designed by the Greek architect and urbanist C.A. Doxiadis, Islamabad is based on his "Ekistics" theory, which is the science of human settlements. Doxiadis’ modernist vision catered to the various needs of the inhabitants, including common spaces and community building. Over the past 60 years, Islamabad has undergone numerous changes, growing, and expanding, but public spaces have declined, from green spaces to public areas, leading to a decrease in public inclusivity. The decline of public spaces in Islamabad is the focus of this thesis. The aim is to study the causes and consequences of this decline, with a particular focus on the typologies of libraries in the city. Understanding the factors influencing this decline is crucial to formulating effective policies to address the issue and promote public/social spaces in Islamabad.

Subject Keywords

Islamabad, Libraries, Doxiadis, Public spaces, Neoliberalism

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/104496

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis