Revitalization of Urban Spaces for Socio-economic Sustainability within the Walled City of Lahore: The Case of Chowk Wazir Khan
Abstract
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Urban transformations play a vital role in developing or ruining the historic urban landscape of heritage sites. Indeed, there is a close relationship between urban morphology and cultural and socioeconomic activities conducted in the urban spaces of historic cities. The current urban interventions and intrusions have fashioned new developments in and outside the historic core of Lahore. Chowk Wazir Khan, situated in the Walled City of Lahore, contains intricate Mughal architectural elements and remains a versatile public space that serves as a center of cultural and economic activities. This study is focused on the priorities of urban transformations during the revitalization, regeneration, and reconstruction projects implemented in view of preserving the socioeconomic sustainability of the aforementioned heritage site. The interventions like conscious transportation, landuse, street scape etc have a great impact on the built environment, also affect the continuance of the traditional roles within historic environment. The main aim is to explore these socioeconomic variables within the historic setting and their impacts on the heritage site. The study also aims to draw the indicators which generate pressures on the historic city. The current research would help to discover the complex economic and technological processes enacting urban change in order to balance social activities, support the future of the historic center, and contribute towards social sustainability. To conclude, urban transformations in historic cities such as the Walled City of Lahore must be planned and centered to its historic urban fabric. Furthermore, public urban spaces should be intended and organized keeping in view the economic needs of the residents.
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References
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