Launching Astana the First
With great enthusiasm and lots of hard work, we are excited to announce that the first edition for Astana is here and available for free online.
With our opening theme centering around opinionated takes on the design world, the issue showcases different South Asian voices speaking out and expanding on the many important issues (pun not intended) that make up a significant part of the design-verse. Opinion being the key idea behind the pieces that have come together to mark the beginning of an intellectual, analytical journey from a South Asian perspective, we are thrilled to see how varied the responses have been to the launch of this magazine, and are hopeful for the magazine to develop into a greater platform centering around design discourse and critique. Where we debate on the practical implementation of free speech in the world of journalism, we forget there exist professions that affect everyday living in multiple ways, and that as humans experiencing them, we ought to have a say in how those professions are practiced and how they make the decisions that determine the inherent course of our lives.
The pieces included in the first edition are as follows;
Hamza Sarfraz
Step into the dynamic classroom of a city, where every street is a lesson and each corner a revelation. Explore Lahore through an analytical case study involving 'Type A' and 'Type B' urban landscapes, revealing not just the evolution of a city but the very essence of human learning amidst concrete and culture. Join the journey through Lahore's ever-changing classrooms, where the cityscape itself becomes the teacher, imparting lessons on resilience, adaptation, and the lost art of shaping our urban destiny.
Dr. Shama Anbrine
How do designers view built structures? Does an architect's brain ever stop thinking like an architect? Dr. Shama takes us through a short personal journey, invoking in all of us a familiar sense of wonder at design.
Zain Mankani
In the realm of dystopian narratives, architecture plays a pivotal role, shaping societies marked by dehumanizing oppression. Lebbeus Woods, an American architect, challenged the mundane with visions of utopia, advocating for the reconstruction of war-torn cities as a nuanced response to evolving realities. In contemplating the future of cities like Karachi, architects must ponder whether the architectural language should erase past suffering or bear witness to the resilience and resourcefulness of its people, embodying a dystopian memory for generations to come.
Mahnoor Fatima
In the vibrant tapestry of Mexico City's architecture, the blue hues of Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul tell just one chapter of a rich narrative. From organic settlements mirroring Pakistani muhallay to the enchanting nostalgia of Roma Norte, every structure echoes imperfections and warmth. Architectural parallels between havelis in Lahore and cultural hearths in Mexico City reveal a timeless connection where buildings breathe with shared stories, courtyards witness human interactions, and the past seamlessly intertwines with the present. In this symphony of design, contemporary architects harmonize diverse influences, weaving familiarity into the evolving character of global localities.
Sumera Bilgrami
In the intricate fabric of close-knit neighborhoods, transformation extends beyond physical change to a profound shift in communal values. Beyond mere aesthetics, these tight communities become incubators for talents, the stage for collective conflict resolution, and the nurturing ground for shared pride. With collaboration as their cornerstone, residents emerge as custodians, weaving a tapestry of resilience, shared well-being, and a profound respect for the interconnected threads of humanity – embodying the essence of a thriving city built on the strength of collective bonds.
Mahnoor Fatima
领英推荐
A graphical, satirical analysis of Mega Tower in Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore. How fatal can going to work every day be?
Aqsa Shafique Ahmad
In the intricate tapestry of architecture, the disparity between academic teachings and personal encounters with spaces poses a profound question of authenticity. Venturing beyond the realm of theoretical praise, exploring iconic structures like the Guggenheim Museum and MIT's Stata Center unveils the subjective nature of architectural appreciation. The true essence of architecture emerges not merely from textbooks but in the visceral experience of traversing the built environment.
Gautam Shah
In future architecture, interconnected complexes redefine traditional forms, making external identities elusive. The focus shifts to immersive internal experiences, challenging architects to shape identity within the intricate frameworks of modern urban living.
Hina Ahmad
In a retro-themed cafe, nostalgia strikes as posters from diverse cultures adorn the walls, reflecting a commingled childhood. Growing up in Glasgow, Scotland, the narrator's life is a blend of Scottish traditions and Pakistani values, creating a unique identity. The family home, an elegant English architecture, serves as a symbol of blended heritage, with stained glass, mahogany banisters, and high ceilings coexisting with Pakistani influences, encapsulating a rich narrative of cultural intersection and personal exploration.
Isha Suhail
The analysis delves into architectural styles, emphasizing the importance of facades and skins as reflections of cultural and historical contexts. It critiques modern chromophobia, particularly in white minimalism, questioning our avoidance of color. By drawing on Gottfried Semper's perspective, the essay explores color as a dynamic storyteller in architecture, symbolizing emotions and narratives beyond mere aesthetics.
Hassan Ibrahim
In the heart of Lahore, Ewing Hall stands as a testament to the grandiosity and intentional design of old buildings. Beyond its majestic facade and symmetrical layout lies a treasure trove of stories, echoing the footsteps of generations past. As the author explores the silent halls, envisions students of the 1920s discussing the latest news or studying for exams, the building's rich history comes alive. A surprise awaits—a collection of donated books, ensuring that Ewing Hall continues to be a sanctuary of knowledge for future scholars, preserving its cultural legacy.