Walking through Karachi’s old city, one’s eyes inevitably lift above the cacophony of the street to the quiet sadness of beautiful stone balconies, roof top belvederes and elegant doorways clothed now in a cobweb of wires trapping errant plastic bags, concealing crooked shop signs. The newly renovated Khaliqdina Hall, with its handsome portico and gracious hall made for the people of the city, where once local elders came to read the daily newspapers, and whose hall echoes with the sounds of animated meetings and gatherings give a glimpse into a Karachi where the quality of life of its people mattered.

Cities were once made to be comfortable and graceful — deep balconies and interior courtyards for women, and informal chabootra platforms projecting onto the street for men. Public buildings had wide steps to sit on and shaded passageways. The 12th century Andalusian judge, Ibn Abdun, is often quoted for saying, “Architecture is the haven where man’s spirit, soul and body find refuge and shelter.”

Realists are adamant that there is no room for nostalgia when planning modern cities. Modern cities are planned to enable economic growth, as they were from the inception of city life as far back........

© Dawn (Magazines)