"The Fallout Shelter" delves into the profound question of “what if?” when faced with the worst-case scenario, envisioning a dystopian future shaped by the devastating aftermath of Nuclear World War. In this context, the focus is on Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, hypothetically targeted by a nuclear missile.

Humans have the tendency to ignore their problems until the problem arrives on their doorstep; however, the inevitability of such catastrophic events necessitates proactive measures which aren’t being taken in today’s world. Maheen's undergraduate thesis combines architectural design, psychological insights, and environmental strategies. By analyzing case studies of subterranean structures and applying conceptual frameworks, it aims to address the unique challenges of post-apocalyptic living.

The proposed design, situated in PAF Air Base, Rawalpindi, aims to redefine the role of architecture in disaster scenarios, demonstrating how subterranean spaces can transcend mere survival to foster human adaptability, emotional resilience, and a sense of community in post-apocalyptic dystopian scenario. By bridging the gap between practical efficiency and emotional connection in architecture, the design addresses real world concerns for many Pakistanis.