::Karavan Pakistan::

The Karavan Programme for Indigenous Technology (KAPIT)

An inbuilt element of the programme is the guidance that will be provided through technical expertise raised as a volunteer corps, in order that the critical elements of the improved vernacular design could be maintained.

The following assumptions are an integral part of the project design:

People can build themselves with time-tested materials and technologies – however, they lack the information for improved construction.
Self-built housing is fast and economical
Local materials e.g. stone masonry walls and mud provide good insulation due to their thickness.
People can build according to their needs, as and when required, beginning with a core unit
Building activity based on local materials, local workforce and vernacular techniques will assist in rapid economic regeneration.

3. The Project
3.1 Heritage Foundation Pakistan
The programme has been developed by KaravanPakistan with support from Heritage Foundation Pakistan (HFP). HFP is a not-for-profit civil society organization dedicated to research, documentation and propagation of Pakistan’s heritage. It was established in 1981 and has since been engaged in developing source material regarding historic sites and monuments, historic urban cores and traditional architecture. In the last few years it has worked closely with UNESCO in propagating heritage issues and managing preservation programmes at the World Heritage Sites of Lahore.

3.2 KaravanPakistan
KaravanPakistan is the community and youth outreach programme of HFP, which was established in 2000. Its great strength are its voluntary committees which have managed to arrange programmes all over Pakistan drawing attendance of thousands of people from all walks of life. Its heritage children mural 5’6” is currently 1600 feet long and growing! Through its MeraPakistan Compact partners it seeks to develop good citizenship attributes among children and foster a sense of pride and ownership among communities regarding our local and national heritage.

3.3 Project Committee
A KAPIT Committee consisting of architects and engineers with extensive background in the use of traditional materials has worked out the parameters and design of the vernacular houses. The Committee consists of the following:

Ms. Yasmeen Lari – Executive Director, Heritage Foundation Pakistan
Mr. Amin Tariq – CEO, Amin Tariq Associates
Dr. Mahmood Husain – Dean, Department of Architecture, Punjab University
Mr. Maqsood Ahmad – Senior Architect, Federal Department of Archaeology
Ms. Sameeta Ahmed – Research Architect, Heritage Foundation Pakistan
Ms. Saba Samee – Coordinating Architect, Heritage Foundation Pakistan, UNESCO Lahore Fort Project

3.4 Objectives
The design is based on the following objectives:

Maximize community participation for achieving low-cost, low-tech improved housing options
Maximize use of improved indigenous techniques for ease of building in constructing vernacular houses
Optimize use of building materials available locally