|
Dr. Kamil Khan
Mumtaz, a renowned Pakistani architect explored the contemporary
issues of design and development with reference to modernity and
tradition at the lecture held at Aga Khan University on 16 December
2003. The programme was this academic year's first presentation
from Aga Khan University's Special Lecture Series that feature talks
by prominent personalities with the aim of providing students and
the general public with a broad-based education to enrich their
understanding and appreciation of humanities and social sciences.
Earlier speakers in the series have included Pakistan's famous author,
Bapsi Sidhwa; His Royal Highness Prince Hasan of Jordan; the historian
Stanley Wolpert; internationally renowned artist, Gulgee, Ambassador
Jamsheed Marker and the Urdu humour writer Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi.
Dr. Mumtaz’s
lecture, titled “The Problem of Continuing Tradition in the
Modern World”, discussed architectural structures with reference
to modernity and tradition by reviewing two current projects for
a mosque and a tomb (one near Gujrat and another near Lahore, in
Pakistan) and exploring the characteristics of traditional architecture
along with concepts like the creative process. He eloquently spoke
on the modern movement where creativity is understood to be the
creation of a complete new form, starting from zero. This mindset
rejects all preconceived forms, notions and traditions. In contrast,
the traditional world cherishes beauty as a divine attribute and
strives not to create but to reflect beauty. It sees no distinction
between art and craft. For the ideal forms are beyond time and space,
beyond the 'zahir' i.e. the visible and the material.
 |
| Well-renowned
architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz speaks on "The Problem of Continuing
Tradition in the Modern World” at Aga Khan University Special
Lecture Series. |
Dr. Mumtaz,
who is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz, is well-known for his tireless
work in preserving, restoring and rejuvenating Pakistan's architectural
tradition. He has been influential in raising the standard of architectural
design in general and has tried to develop architecture for Pakistan
that is responsive to the climate, the economy and materials rooted
in the indigenous culture.
He has also
been a member of the Steering Committee of the Aga Khan Award for
Architecture, established 25 years ago by the University's Chancellor,
His Highness the Aga Khan. This award, the world's largest and most
prestigious architectural prize, seeks to identify and encourage
building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations
of societies in which Muslims have a significant presence. He has
also served as Visiting Critic at Aga Khan Programme for Islamic
Architecture at the two top US Universities, Harvard and MIT. This
programme is dedicated to the study and teaching of Islamic architecture
and urbanism, visual culture and conservatism. Kamil Khan has been
active in Lahore's conservation and building scene. He set up the
Anjuman-i-Maimaran and served as its president. He has served as
the Head of Architecture at National College of Arts, is the founder
member of the Lahore Conservation Society and is on the Board of
Governors of the Authority for the Preservation of Moenjodaro, located
in Upper Sindh.
 |
| Kamil
Khan Mumtaz is presented with a souvenir after the lecture. |
Earlier, AKU
President Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, introducing Dr. Mumtaz to the audience
said that Kamil Khan's works and words are steeped in history and
heritage. The lecture, which wove the concrete with the metaphysical,
provided the listeners with a glimpse of the process through which
an ideal form can be created by drawing inspiration from the traditional
architecture, so that the final product is a reflection of the divine
beauty.
|
