Al-Azhar

Garden

Aga Khan Planning and

Building Service, Pakistan

Al-Azhar Gardens is owned by the Pioneer

Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd.

The cooperative society was established

on 25th November

1991

The society works on a voluntary basis

The residents initiated the project on a

self help basis

Introduction

Background

In the spring of 1994, residents got together

Three generations had passed since their

migration; they wanted their community to

have a permanent

space

They also wished to

tackle housing insecurity for

future generations in

the urban sprawl of Karachi

Security concerns and

the degradation of Karachi’s civic amenities since the late 1980s

made the move to a new place essential.

The community cooperative approached

AKPBS,P to plan and

execute their proposition

Problems with Rapid Urbanization

Karachi’s Urban

Explosion

Dearth in resilient,

quality low-income housing

Lack of basic

amenities

Lack of green

spaces

Growing population

Hiking real estate prices and a dearth of land in their original settlements urged them to organise

A common purpose and yearned for a distinct sense of identity

Belief in hard work and honesty and a desire to make a positive change in their living environment

Bound together by a common cultural heritage, religious, and socio-economic base; united in terms of contextual history in Gujrat

Unparalleled example of community cohesiveness in an urban context

Motivation

Technical Backstopping

Design and Structural

Coordination

Monitoring and

Management

AKPBS,P’s Role

Main Entrance at Al-Azhar Gardens

Feb. ’93

Commission

Jun. ‘93 –Aug. ’00

Design

Jan. ‘98 –Apr. ’04

Construction

Apr. ’04

Occupancy

Project Chronology

Oasis in an Urban Desert

.

The design team for Al-Azhar Garden explored features

essential for successful housing design in Karachi’s

urban context

The development reproduces local

features in contrast with the recent

urban morphology of the city;

The design focuses on the

enhancement of the daily life of the

inhabitants

Housing is set around plazas, gardens and

courtyards, linked by ceremonial pathways.

View of the square

Internal view

Total site areas: 127476.5 m

Ground floor areas: 38931.01 m2

Combined floor areas: 164732.8 m2

Project Scope

Low maintenance color crete external finish using marble powder and sand with color pigment

Precast concrete jali screens

Ceramic tiles with floral patterns used in houses of Gujarat

Terrazzo tiles in white/grey cement

Deodar wood frame with solid/semi solid core shutters

Structural skeleton of earthquake resistant reinforced concrete designed by leading engineers of Pakistan

Materials and Technology

Materials and technology

Planning & Design

Collective Consciousness

Designed to accommodate

community’s routines and

activities

Design reflects collective history

Master Plan reflects the

principles and essence of the

resident community

Master Plan for the development of

low income housing for a

cohesive community

Master Plan & Ground Floor

Plan

First – Fourth Floor Plan

Utilities and Amenities

Amenities

Society Management

Team

4 general stores

Health center; school; marriage hall; community

center; generators

Sewerage

City sewerage

Water Supply

2 overhead tanks (90,000 gallons)

4 underground tanks (800,000

gallons)

Tanks are interchangeable (connected by

auto system)

Connectivity

All 8 mohallas have an intercom

system

Fiber optic data cable for internet

also available from central server

Water supply and electricity are managed centrally; anyone who defaults on payment, loses their connection

Cost of land PKR 50 per sft

Total cost of project (excluding land): USD

31,750,825

Savings realized due to interest accrued on

investment of initial payments

Financials

PKR 550-650 per sft.

This includes land costs, and amenities

There was a penalty on defaulters

Cost was waived for those who could not

afford it

During construction

members were paying

up to PKR 3000 pm

Post construction up to 10% of the investment was returned to the residents

Community Involvement

Community members

All legalities strictly followed

Board meetings and site visits held weekly

Strict security

Back up water connections

Building Resilience

Central Promenade & Close up

6 yearsHigh

satisfactionWell

maintained

Leadership change

Improved quality of

life

Long Term Sustainability and Community Satisfaction

Internal courtyards

View from the outside

Thank You