The Water Tank
2015
Water tanks in Pakistan are used to provide storage of water for use and distribution in homes of the surrounding areas. They are elevated to heights that range between 40-50 feet. This project is about redefining the ‘purpose’ of water tanks and finding a way to re-adapt the structure, whether it is abandoned or still in use.
Challenge
Water tanks are structures use to store water so that it may be used by the community around it. As urban development caught fire, communities started looking at other solutions like Over Head or Underground Water storage - with a rapid increase in Urban Development, this “unused” structure also raised a lot of concerns. The challenge was to re-imagine these structures keeping in mind their core concept “catering to a community”.
Design Process
The design process started by selecting a water tank. I selected the one in Old Lahore- a historic part of Lahore. This water tank was once a part of the “Shahi Mohalla” (the royal community) and currently sat in what is one of the most lively places in Lahore, “The Food Street”. Although the food street is an attraction for those who visit Lahore, this water tank is forgotten and “invisible” to the visitors.
Measuring the water tank to make appropriate design considerations was a key factor in the process. Once the documentation was complete it was drafted and the exploratory design phase started.
Since the water tank was located in one of the busiest streets, I wanted to create a contrast and create a place of tranquility. The haptic qualities of the environment were high, especially the aroma and sound. I explores light and texture to be the tactile facet of this space.
Details.
More from the project
The area where this specific water tank sits, is perhaps one of the most prominent and historic areas of Lahore. The ‘Shahi Mohalla’, which is now the ‘food street’ with the Badshahi mosque and the Lahore Fort sitting on either side.
The re-adaptation of this structure had to reflect its surroundings. The space is set out to be a journey, a meditative journey aided by tactile experiences and light. Many religions believe light to have a a lot of significance, they report the
experience of seeing light during meditation, which holds different meanings to each. The term ‘meditation’ refers to a variety of practices that include techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy and compassion.
A blow up section of the Oculus: The Oculus would act as the grand ending, where the users will orbit around an empty centre to watch the light dancing from all angels. The user may then choose to be an observer or a participant.