Society for College and University Planning

SCUP Excellence in Planning for New Campus,
Merit Award

Habib University Foundation for Habib University City Campus, Karachi, Pakistan with Ahed Associates

computer rendering courtesy of Habib University

courtesy Habib University

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Habib University (HU) is the first of its kind research-based undergraduate liberal arts university in Pakistan. It is committed to the advancement of knowledge and to be a comprehensive teaching and research university.
Several principles influenced the physical design of the university including: respect for the environment, utilization of indigenous solutions, engaging with the community, interdisciplinary and interactive spaces for student and faculty exchange, multipurpose and adaptive spaces, and an aesthetically appealing environment; however, considerable challenges exist.

The 6.79-acre site abuts natural stormwater rivulets long serving as open sewers of untreated effluent from upstream areas, posing a health hazard and environmental nuisance. Proximity to Karachi’s international airport limits building heights, increasing density of footprint on a restrictive site, compared to the 350,000 sq ft building program. Citywide water shortages challenge green landscape. Finally, Karachi’s sustained problems with law and order demand a well-secured campus.

The scheme of courtyards stem from a deep-rooted indigenous tradition of built environment that fosters an interactive community. The campus design encourages linkages between academia, industry, business and society that were missing.

Many planning aspects are transferable to future projects. The public park and management of sewage will improve the community and environment. Also, two planned introverted academic courtyards will have easy access and egress. The courtyard is adopted for its climatic and social functions.

The design is driven by a hope to vest academia with a proactive role to address civic issues such as open natural stormwater rivulets, an enduring law and order breakdown, and lack of open public recreation space and amenities for social interaction.

The jury said, “ . . . very complicated, difficult site . . . feels like a campus connected together with a climatic response . . . scales of interior courtyard feel good.”

Project Team: Habib University Foundation with Ahed Associates