SOBIA SAEED KHAN


PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE AS LIMINAL SPACE

The highly fast-paced life in Karachi calls for spaces that allow us to pause, slow down, be present and truly connect. Various theories suggest that humans have evolved to crave both prospect (opportunities) and refuge (safety). We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities that are new and interesting, but it is refuge that largely eludes us in this pursuit, due to which we are likely to experience high levels of mental stress and anxiety. As designers of the built-environment, what can we do to help? This design thesis looks into possibilities of turning a form of everyday pedestrian space into a place that provides much-needed opportunities for refuge in transit, while also serving as a destination in itself.

 THESISJune-2020
Karachi,Pakistan
The bridge is designed in a way to concentrate the most activity in the centre of the bridge, making it the most active part which then slowly dwindles as the pedestrian walks to either end of the bridge. The spaces also progress from being more open and exposed to the sun to feeling more enclosed, with the change in the scale of the pathway, would make them more aware of their changing environment. The screens are placed in a way to partially block the sight of the oncoming traffic. They are permeable enough to provide views but not enough to cause disruption. There is also a bird screen placed in the same direction, in order to further cut down on the noise of the oncoming traffic and replace it with the chirping of birds.
Starting from the ramp, which starts from under the bridge goes up 20’. Providing a slow transition to and from the bridge. Giving the pedestrian an opportunity to slow his pace or quicken it, taking in the surroundings that they are leaving behind or going towards. The occasional pause space on the bridge gives them a chance to loiter around for longer and stare at the city life ahead of them. A moment in time when they will have paused while everything around them seems to keep moving. This moment can be treated as a moment to self-reflect or a moment to simply gather their thoughts.

←