HARIS ALAM KHAN

NABÜD is an imagined memorial to the end of the nuclear arms race. Nestled within the Ras Koh Hills of Balochistan, Pakistan [28.79273°N, 64.94565°E] the design is a contemplative journey; a narrow staircase leads gently upward, encased between imposing concrete walls. It recalls the austere feel of military bunkers, finally ascending to a solemn tableau—a leafless tree surrounded by the fading memory of a garden, set against a backdrop of mountains where destructive forces were once unleashed.

The memorial is a testament to the fragility of life and the need for testimony in the face of destructive hubris.

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/uOk0pueFljQ

3-4 Bedroom house with basement level for house staff. (under construction)

Role : Project Lead

Project Responsibilities: Design Development - Schematic Design - Permit Drawings - Construction Documents - Tender

PROJECT TYPE: Family Residence

CLIENT: Tipu Family

PLOT SIZE: 16,900 SF

TOTAL COVERED AREA: 8,800 SF

(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

ADDRESS: Plot number 45, Enclave Road, Orchard Area, Sector B, DHA Phase 1, Islamabad

Pindi Bhattian Countryside Resort Bungalows 1/10

Set amidst a sprawling landscape adorned with abundant greenery, this project sought to create a serene living environment through the careful integration of architecture and nature. Our design envisioned ten cozy two-bedroom bungalows scattered across the expansive site, each offering a three-story layout. The ground floor boasted a practical two-car garage, while the first floor housed a welcoming living space comprising a kitchen, dining area, and lounge. Upstairs, two bedrooms and a shared bathroom provided comfortable accommodation, complemented by a tranquil viewing deck to soak in the natural surroundings. Despite encountering regulatory challenges that halted progress towards the master planning stage, our design remains a humble testament to our dedication to harmonious living within the embrace of nature.

TOTAL COVERED AREA: 1,250 SQF

PLOT SIZE: 4,500 SF
TOTAL COVERED AREA: 6,100 SF

Role : Project Lead

Project Responsibilities: Design Development - Schematic Design - Permit Drawings - Construction Documents - Tender

House #14, P-Block, Air Avenue Phase 8, DHA Lahore, Pakistan

Given the market conditions, where clients and projects were scarce, I took the initiative to generate work opportunities for myself. I opted to invest in two parcels of land, measuring 2275 square feet and 4500 square feet respectively, with the intention of developing residential properties. Handling every aspect of the process, I personally designed, planned, and created schematic drawings for each house project. This involved obtaining necessary permits and assembling a construction team comprising over 20 workers. I meticulously crafted agreements and contracts with subcontractors and various material suppliers, overseeing financing, labor expenses, and material procurement. Throughout the entire endeavor, I assumed the role of site supervisor, ensuring quality construction at every phase.

Role : Project Lead

Project Responsibilities: Design Development - Schematic Design - Permit Drawings - Construction Documents - Tender

House #201, Q-Block, Air Avenue Phase 8, DHA Lahore Plot Size: 2722 SF

The site was one of the two city ring roads called the 2A Circular which passed through Lisbon’s most significant areas. This was essentially an arterial road which bisected the city and thereby creating isolated pockets, and our objective in this undertaking was to study the various areas and settlements severed by this road, and then to implement our ideas conceptually on how to alleviate or eliminate the isolation created by this severance. My graduate thesis, in particular, focused on the exaggeration of the idea of multiplying infrastructure over time and exploring the next level in urban morphologies.

The architectural look of this megalopolis would be based on the principle that it eventually will become too expensive to tear down old buildings and replace them with new structures. The old buildings will remain, retrofitted with exo-skeletal/auxillary fittings and other objects required to keep them going. Above the street and existing building level would be a massive deck, two to three kilometres wide and towering above the urban sprawl.

link to video: https://vimeo.com/63750125

MACHINA EX MACHINA

Fourth and fifth generations are the most virulent in any species. By the time they arrive, the original sins are too deeply buried in strata of efficacy to interfere with their natural functioning, or, one might say, their over-determination. These generations are colder, emptier than their progenitors. They are what they eat. Kaplan and Kruegers hybrid machines are tenth generation, or eleventh. Even the idea of efficacy has been left behind. Their autonomy corresponds to the misanthropy of their builders. There is no time left for hesitations of conscience or convenience. They are what they are.

- MOSQUITOES

A HANDBOOK FOR SURVIVAL

KEN KAPLAN & TED KRUEGER

This pre-thesis research project was a comprehensive exploration that delved into the intricate urban fabric of Lisbon, Portugal. Collaborating closely with architecture students from the Architecture Department at the University of Lisbon and conducting extensive surveys across multiple municipalities, the project aimed to meticulously map, identify, and analyze a myriad of urban challenges plaguing the city.

At its core, my proposal sought to address the artificial divide perpetuated by the presence of the 2nd circular highway, a prominent infrastructure slicing through Lisbon's heart. This divisive thoroughfare hindered the city's natural flow and inhibited organic growth, imposing barriers to mobility and connectivity for its inhabitants.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the project not only scrutinized the existing urban dilemmas but also envisioned innovative solutions to transcend these barriers. By fostering inclusive design strategies and advocating for sustainable urban development, the proposal aimed to reconfigure the urban landscape, fostering an environment where the city and its people could thrive harmoniously and evolve freely.

My first solo project as an architect was the design and oversight of a clock tower at Lawrence College in Murree, Pakistan. This prestigious institution stands as one of the country's oldest and most esteemed boarding schools, boasting a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1860 during the British Raj era.

The task involved meticulous research into colonial architecture to ensure the design harmonized with the campus's historic aesthetic. Matching materials with existing structures on-site was imperative for seamless integration. Upon completion, an inauguration ceremony was held, during which I was honored with an award presented by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The aim was to conceive a somewhat contemporary structure albeit hyper-industrialized and of a highly utilitarian "aesthetic" juxtaposed 'above' the historical backdrop of an arterial road in Lahore (Pakistan), thus fostering a symbiotic relationship between two distinct architectural paradigms, while prompting introspection on the observer's perception. This endeavor serves as a critique of the superficiality often associated with 'modern' architectural endeavors within the Pakistani context. Drawing inspiration from the concept of Dystopia, I sought to channel a fascination with the macabre and the unsettling, finding an apt canvas in the prevailing socio-political landscape of the site during that period.

“… its structural perfection is matched only by its hostility … A survivor. Unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions of morality.”

- Ash (Alien 1979)