Designing Imaginations: A Public Space Inspired by ECOTOPIA
An Ecotopian public space in the natural landscape of Balochistan, creating a narrative-driven environment that fosters social interaction, contemplation, and a profound connection with nature.

“The world is but a canvas to the imaginations” – Henry David Thoreau Mariam Dua explores the experiential properties of architecture in Designing Imaginations, illustrating its ability to relate to our imaginations, as architecture has the power that existed deep within our mind and thoughts. This undergraduate thesis proposes an Ecotopian public space in the natural landscape of Moola Chotok, Balochistan. The project redefines public realms by merging utopian ideals with ecological sensitivity, creating a narrative-driven environment that fosters social interaction, contemplation, and a profound connection with nature. The 40-acre site, adjacent to waterfalls and mountainous terrain, is designed as a journey of discovery. The master plan employs radial planning to maximize panoramic views and ensure seamless connectivity.

The 40-acre site, nestled beside waterfalls and mountains, is envisioned as a journey of discovery. Radial planning maximizes panoramic views and ensures seamless connectivity, while the concept of Unity of Opposites harmonizes solitude and community, built form and nature. Layered terraces, elevated walkways, and spaces carved into the topography create dynamic spatial experiences. Iconic “Supertrees” with aerial paths act as vertical gardens and circulation spines, hosting meditation pods and viewing decks. Scattered treehouses, floating swings, and meditation blocks offer intimate retreats, while a vibrant Crafts Bazaar in yurt-style structures fosters cultural exchange and supports the local economy. The program extends to a rooftop lounge, restaurant, children’s valley, and camping areas, catering to all ages. Sustainability is integral, with passive climate strategies, solar harvesting, and rainwater management. Materials like rammed earth, bamboo, and thatch merge the architecture with its natural setting. By sequencing active social zones with quiet reflective ones, the master plan offers more than recreation—it frames architecture as storytelling and a catalyst for social transformation.

The project's goal is to create an ideal social setting that will not only serve as a recreational space, but will also serve as a model for shaping society and providing an alternative gateway. The project sets up a new socializing and recreation destination that incorporates outdoor entertainment values such as security, quality, functionality, uniqueness, and escape. The objective of this thesis is to emphasize the important role that imaginations play in the evolution of contemporary architecture. This introduces a new recreation model, which will boost Pakistan's image and role as an international tourist destination while also providing a new way to enjoy for indigence.










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