The Sitara Market Redesign was envisioned as an English garden-inspired public urban landscape that transforms one of Islamabad’s busiest commercial hubs into a serene community-oriented escape. Located in G-7 Markaz and covering approximately 3 acres, the project reinterprets the timeless charm of romantic English gardens—known for their lush planting, meandering pathways, and informal beauty—within a modern urban setting. The goal was to create a multifunctional space that offers leisure, visual delight, and restorative experiences to shoppers, residents, and workers alike. The concept blends history and contemporary design, positioning nature as an integral part of a dense commercial hub. By creating shaded rest points, tranquil water features, and interconnected pathways, the redesign serves as both an ecological and social intervention. It highlights how even within highly built-up districts, thoughtfully designed landscapes can restore balance, enhance community well-being, and provide inclusive public spaces that foster belonging and interaction.

The design process began with an in-depth study of site access, pedestrian flow, and the need for a central visual anchor. Two main entrances were introduced for smooth accessibility, feeding into a system of curvilinear pathways inspired by the fluid geometry of English gardens. These paths create a series of spatial experiences, guiding visitors through shaded pavilions, open lawns, hedged enclosures, and tranquil water features. The landscape integrates multiple focal elements to enrich the sensory journey. Two strategically placed pavilions act as shaded gathering nodes, while a central ornamental lake and fountains establish the heart of the garden. Four wooden bridges enhance connectivity across the water, offering picturesque views and moments of pause. Hedges and pavement patterns weave organic textures into the composition, evoking whimsical movement and enclosure. Together, these elements not only elevate the market’s visual identity but also ensure a cohesive, engaging flow for visitors, encouraging both exploration and rest.

At the heart of the design is a planting strategy that ensures year-round vibrancy and ecological balance. Seasonal flowers provide bursts of color, evergreen shrubs create stability, and ornamental trees offer shade and vertical rhythm. The swirling hedge patterns add visual depth and dynamic movement, nodding to the playful informality of English gardens while enhancing spatial variety. Beyond aesthetics, the planting fosters a restorative microclimate, mitigating heat and improving air quality in the bustling market environment. Socially, the garden functions as a green refuge in the middle of commercial chaos, giving residents, shoppers, and workers a space for relaxation, gathering, and reflection. It symbolizes inclusivity, ensuring that everyone from passersby to families can find joy within its paths. Ultimately, the Sitara Market redesign demonstrates how landscape architecture can reimagine urban commercial centers as spaces of well-being, beauty, and connection, proving that nature and commerce can coexist in harmony.