Re-Imagining the India-Pakistan Border
Binaries… Some exist in nature, while others created by humans. Some bring neutrality, while others generate entropy. Some make the experience vibrant and rich, while others lead to chaos. Some are meant to be, while others just need not be. There is one such binary we often overlook; a binary within humanity; a binary created by humans to create division for most but also power and profits for a few. The binary of Human v/s Human Or US v/s THEM This thesis, ‘Re-Imagining the India-Pakistan Border’ deals with one such binary created decades ago by the advent of history and conflict, leading to the division of the once united Indian Subcontinent; a binary created by one line drawn on a piece of paper. For decades, this divide shifted the discourse of architecture from a sociocommunal domain to that of ugly, hostile borders with haunted stretches of no man’s land. However, very slowly, the paradigm has been shifting; through momentary flickers of light in the darkness of pain. This gives rise to a new hope of using architecture as a tangible medium to write a chapter of peace in the history of mankind. This project is a bold yet sensitive attempt to blur boundaries and diffuse the binary; to identify, highlight and weave a web of relationships and interdependencies, including tangible aspects like arts, resources, trade, infrastructure, development and intangible aspects like shared history, food, memories and nostalgia to heal and connect. Through this project, the architect and the architecture take up the role of a mediator, bridging the divide by carefully tackling various complexities like geopolitics, bio-physics, socio-cultural aspects, economic and power dynamics to realise a common ground within the No Man’s Land, celebrating relationships, interdependencies and more importantly… Humanity!
Riyesh Patil | Thesis - May 2021