Previously we have seen Architects using architecture with other elements of art. Today, we have witnessed an Architect who is looking at the architectural perspective with a new lens. Let us read through the journey of Ar. Naveen Zaman who is practicing architecture with past, present, and future as Lahore Awargi.
Naveen Zaman’s fascination with art and design led him to pursue studies in art and architecture. It ignites within him a fervent passion for the preservation and exploration of architectural heritage. As a Lahore-based architect, he has been active in this field since 2017, driven by a passion for both art and architecture.
However, this career path has allowed him to combine his love for the arts with his aspiration to connect people through architectural endeavors and community enhancement. Where traveling and immersing himself in diverse cultures continually provided inspiration and motivation.
Ar. Naveen Zaman’s Journey Of Practicing Architecture Differently
Working as a professional architect, Naveen Zaman has come to realize that Pakistan holds immense potential. Thus, it showcases its visual arts through its rich heritage sites, many of which remain unexplored. His primary research interests include culture, identity, and religion, which have been integral to the development of architecture throughout history. Therefore, to connect with locals and spread awareness about architectural heritage, he initiated “Lahore Awargi: Seen and the Unseen” in 2020 as a personal project.
With individual efforts and support from peers, this project becomes accessible to the public through social media and community gatherings. Events were organized for individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds to engage in communal and cultural activities. Hence, Lahore Awargi centered on art, architecture, research, and cultural tourism. It endeavors to engage local communities through numerous secular and cultural activities, including heritage walks, workshops, entertainment events, sketch walks, and historical site tours. The aim was to foster a community that was not only educated about its cultural identity but also deeply connected to its past, present, and future.
Exploring Lahore Heritage Through Sketches, Tours, Street Exhibitions, Storytelling & Architectural Walks.
Originating from Lahore, Naveen organized a series of heritage walks to explore the artistic and architectural heritage within the Walled City of Lahore and along Mall Road, including the churches of Lahore. Other than demanding Heritage walks now they do Lahore Chaupal, Sketch Walks, and city tours for exploration as well.
A key component of their mission was to promote the archaeological sites of the Gandhara civilization in Northern Pakistan and those of the Indus Valley civilization in the south by arranging tours for extraordinary sites. Furthermore, they emphasize the documentation and awareness of historic Hindu temple sites from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Many of which sustained significant damage during the events of 1947. Through initiatives such as heritage walks, art exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and workshops, they aim to highlight the artistry of these historic temples, shrines, and churches from the British Raj era for the general public.
Lahore Heritage Walk
By leading audiences through the city’s bustling bazaars, iconic landmarks, and architectural marvels from the Hindu, Mughal, and British eras, the project vividly brings Lahore’s tangible and intangible heritage to life. Each walk reveals the stories behind grand monuments, historic sites, and lush gardens, fostering a profound appreciation for the city’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions.
This exploration is more than a journey through time; it serves as an educational experience that underscores the importance of preserving Lahore’s unique heritage for future generations. Participants gain insights into the city’s multifaceted history, understanding how various cultural influences have shaped its architectural and cultural landscape. By engaging with the historical narratives and architectural details of Lahore, the project cultivates a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards heritage conservation. Through these immersive experiences, the project aims to instill a lasting appreciation and commitment to preserving Lahore’s rich legacy, ensuring that its stories and beauty endure for generations to come.
You can book your Heritage Walk with Lahore Awargi.
Sketch Walks & Street Exhibitions
Sketch walks play a crucial role in documenting the historical essence of urban environments. By traversing various areas and capturing visual elements through drawing, participants create valuable visual records. This activity not only preserves these records but also sharpens observational skills and enhances critical thinking. Incorporating mind mapping and artistic communication, sketch walks offer a detailed and interconnected depiction of urban landscapes.
Street exhibitions of these sketches further enhance public engagement by transforming city streets into open-air galleries. Such exhibitions create a dynamic interaction between the public and artists, fostering a deeper connection to the urban environment. This interaction not only enriches the community’s understanding of their surroundings but also records the historical and evolving urban fabric through art. Consequently, sketch walks ensure that these visual documents are appreciated and preserved for future generations, highlighting the continuous transformation of urban spaces.
Art and Infotainment
The “Art and Infotainment” project encompasses film screenings, documentaries, and performing arts. Further, it is centered on historical events, playing a crucial role in disseminating authentic historical knowledge and connecting audiences with the past. These visual mediums bring the cultural and political legacies of history to life, making them both accessible and engaging.
By addressing myths and misconceptions, they promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of historical eras. They not only captivate audiences but also inspire them to delve deeper into historical contexts. Also, by blending factual accuracy with compelling storytelling, the project fosters an informed and appreciative viewership, encouraging a more nuanced comprehension of history.
Moreover, the integration of performing arts and visual media in the “Art and Infotainment” project highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating historical narratives. These efforts ensure that pivotal chapters of history are remembered and valued, engaging contemporary audiences in a meaningful dialogue with the past. Through this dynamic interplay of art and information, the project contributes to the ongoing education and cultural enrichment of the community, ensuring that the legacy of historical events is both preserved and appreciated by future generations.
Heritage Tours
The “Heritage Tours” project is vital for educating the public about ancient civilizations and historical sites, preserving cultural and religious heritage, and fostering a sense of identity and continuity. Besides, this initiative offers authentic insights into historical contexts, inspiring modern innovation, promoting tourism, and raising awareness about the importance of respecting architectural heritage.
By visiting significant sites such as Mohenjo Daro and Taxila, participants gain a profound appreciation for humanity’s shared history and achievements. These tours provide an immersive experience that highlights the ingenuity and cultural richness of ancient civilizations. The educational aspect of the project emphasizes the interconnectedness of past and present, showing how historical knowledge can inform and inspire contemporary practices.
Upcoming Project – Lahore Chaupal
A Chaupal, prevalent in the rural landscape of North India and Pakistan, serves as a vital nucleus of community life. It could be found in various sizes, from a basic raised platform under the cooling shelter of trees like neem to more intricate structures Baithak, Chaupals foster social cohesion for community meetings and gatherings.
Lahore Chaupal is the contemporary concept initiated by “Lahore Awargi” within the aesthetic setting of Lahore, along with the fundamental cultural activities to recall older traditions that will include the following; Interactive sessions, Folklore, Social networking, Snacks, and much more.
Also, get ready to meet the music composer, multi-instrumentalist vocalist, and educationist ‘Ameen Jafri’. Besides, you will be able to meet Lahore’s emerging artist ‘Waleed Kamran’. He is trained in Indian classical and Kathak Dance forms. You can join them on 1st June 2024 at Gali Surjan Singh, Delhi Gate, Lahore around 6 pm to 8 pm. For Registrations contact: +923208415352.
Conclusion
Moreover, they encourage and invite native and international students, professionals, organizations, and individuals to be part of Lahore Awargi. Hence, they can experience art, culture, and travel with a new dimension. Continuing the legacies of previous architectural historians and cultural experts, in the coming years Ar. Naveen Zaman wants to take multiple initiatives to elaborate work on the unrecognized aspects of art, culture, and architectural heritage in Pakistan and make them connect to the general public.
You must visit lahore with a new perspective and can get your Heritage Walk with Lahore Awargi. For that you may contact them on;
Website: www.lahoreawargi.org
Instagram: @lahoreawargi
Facebook: @lahoreawargi
If you want to share your story with us and do visit our website ArchiVogue | Magazine & Journal
