Breaking Barriers: The Incredible Story of Pakistan’s First Certified Woman Architect
As an aspiring architecture student, I find myself drawn to the transformative power of architecture, especially when it comes to addressing pressing global challenges. One shining example of this transformative potential is Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s first certified female architect, whose visionary approach is reshaping communities and providing a beacon of hope in the face of climate change.
In the aftermath of the devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022, displacing 33 million people and causing extensive damage, Yasmeen Lari embarked on an ambitious mission: to construct one million flood-resistant homes by 2024. This caught the whole world’s attention, not only for its sheer scale but for the innovative and sustainable methods she employs.
Lari’s architectural vision revolves around a fusion of traditional wisdom and innovative design solutions. Recognizing the urgent need for resilient housing, particularly in flood-prone areas, she boldly championed the use of bamboo as a primary building material. This departure from convention fascinated me. Bamboo, not traditionally associated with Pakistan, has proven to be an ideal, cost-effective, and eco-friendly choice. As an architecture student, witnessing the transformative potential of unconventional materials fuels my belief in the power of innovation.
The Prefabricated Bamboo Huts designed by Lari, each costing a mere 25,000 Pakistani rupees (USD 88), have become symbols of resilience for vulnerable communities. These structures are not merely shelters; they are a testament to affordability, quick construction, and environmental sustainability. Bamboo’s ability to absorb carbon contributes to the fight against climate change, aligning with the global call for eco-friendly practices in architecture.
What sets Lari’s work apart is her commitment to community involvement and empowerment, a departure from traditional approaches to humanitarian aid. Her architecture goes beyond constructing homes; it aims to break the cycle of dependency by providing essential facilities like water, toilets, and innovative self-built stoves. The participatory, low-tech approach, exemplified through free YouTube tutorials on her foundation's YouTube account, empowers flood-displaced individuals to actively contribute to building their homes. This aspect resonates with me as an aspiring architect, emphasizing the importance of engaging communities in the design and construction process.
Yasmeen Lari’s commitment to community empowerment is encapsulated in her “co-building and co-creation” philosophy. Her Heritage Foundation operates with a motto of “zero carbon, zero waste, zero donor,” aiming not just to provide shelter but to reduce poverty and empower communities to be self-sufficient. This character aligns with the evolving role of architects as facilitators of positive societal change.
Pono Colony, one of Lari’s developments, serves as a living testament to the success of her approach. This pilot village, consisting of about 100 houses, demonstrated resilience during last year’s monsoon floods. The elevated bamboo-framed structures, constructed with lime-hardened mud walls and thatched roofs, withstood rushing water, showcasing the efficacy of Lari’s flood-resistant designs. As an architecture student, witnessing real-world success stories reinforces the impact we can have on communities through thoughtful and innovative design.
Lari’s use of the Dhajji Dewari technique, a traditional construction method of that region, involving wooden frames filled with bricks and mud, adds an extra layer of resilience to her designs. It’s not just about flood resilience; it’s a holistic approach to addressing multiple challenges faced by communities. This interdisciplinary approach is an inspiration for someone like me, emphasizing the broader impact architecture can have on society.
The international acclaim that Yasmeen Lari has received, including the 2023 Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects, highlights the significance of her dedication to using architecture for humanitarian causes. This recognition motivates me as an aspiring architect, showcasing the potential of our field to bring about positive change on a global scale.
In the face of climate adversity, Yasmeen Lari’s work stands as a guiding light. It illustrates the potential of architecture not only to build shelters but to foster resilience, empower communities, and shape a sustainable and collective future. As the one-million-home target inches closer to reality, Lari’s Barefoot Social Architecture stands as a model for addressing climate challenges worldwide.
As architecture students, let’s heed her call to adopt climate-conscious practices, prioritize collective well-being, and embrace a new world order that values sustainable, community-driven architecture. In Yasmeen Lari’s work, we find not just blueprints but a blueprint for a better, more resilient world.
