The Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not merely a monument, it’s a living testament to centuries of cultural evolution. Yet, entire sections of this historic complex have long remained underutilized, disconnected, and inaccessible to the public. The South-West Sector Redevelopment spearheaded by Sheher Saaz in collaboration with relevant heritage authorities marks a groundbreaking effort to revitalize this neglected precinct through a placemaking lens.
Spanning over 33 kanals, the project encompasses multiple underused sites: old administrative blocks, walled-in spaces, and deteriorating heritage structures including the Pakistan Institute of Archaeological Training and Research (PIATR) facilities.
The vision?
To reclaim, adapt, and activate these zones into educational, cultural, and community-serving spaces, preserving heritage while embedding public utility.
Site No. | Existing Use | Proposed Use |
Site I | Former PIATR & Archaeology Dept. Office (Admin Block) | Heritage School – educational facility with green facades and restored views of Diwan-e-Aam |
Site II | WCLA Admin Block II | Modern Corporate Office – workspace for WCLA with efficient planning |
Site III | Rear Open Space / Barracks | Amenities Block – public toilets, inventory room, shaded waiting areas |
Site IV | West Wall Archways | Connectivity Restoration – excavation to reconnect with Royal Kitchens |
Site V | Hujras near Akbari Gate | Heritage Café – leisure space blending heritage architecture with modern hospitality |
Site VI | Peripheral Ground Near Fort Wall | Multi-use Public Plaza – children’s play area, amphitheater, digital displays, craft zone |
Component | Before – Neglected & Forgotten | After – Purposeful & Engaging |
Site I: PIATR Admin Block | Disconnected, visually obtrusive, no public use | Educational Heritage School, green-clad, views toward Diwan-e-Aam |
Site II: WCLA Admin Block | Outdated offices, inefficient use of space | Redesigned corporate-style offices with optimal layout |
Site III: Service Space | Underused barracks and parking area | Visitor-friendly amenities with shade, sanitation, and signage |
Site IV: Royal Kitchens Access | Disconnected and inaccessible | Restored 3-arch connection to Royal Kitchens |
Site V: Akbari Gate Hujras | Locked and unused | Café space with restored arches and cultural ambiance |
Site VI: Ground Adjacent to Wall | Vacant and underutilized | Family zone, seating areas, digital screens, art installations |
Transforming administrative ruins into vibrant community functions
Prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and walkability
Spaces for heritage learning, craft showcase, and storytelling
Play zones, family spaces, and cafés invite multi-generational use
Reclaiming overlooked corners for civic engagement
Restoring lines of sight between monuments and public spaces
for performances, talks, and heritage storytelling
for artisan stalls in a controlled, dignified setting
with safe, shaded, and interactive design
to bring history to life
suggested by visitors for panoramic visits
to improve visitor comfort and functionality
A pre-design visitor survey revealed:
🔹 Strong public demand for food areas and shaded rest zones
🔹 Enthusiasm for digital displays and panoramic viewpoints
🔹 Need for clean, safe, and family-inclusive facilities
“We don’t just want to see history we want to experience it.”
– Visitor feedback from onsite survey
All interventions respect the material integrity, scale, and historic texture of the Lahore Fort. Adaptive reuse strategies include:
Turn heritage sites into community-oriented public assets
Embed education, storytelling, and local identity into physical space
Bridge heritage conservation with modern urban needs
Cultivate civic pride, inclusion, and long-term stewardship
The South-West Sector Revitalization of Lahore Fort is not a static preservation project, it’s a living placemaking endeavor, where layers of history meet the dynamic needs of today’s urban citizens.
By activating this overlooked precinct, we open a new chapter of learning, leisure, and legacy within one of Pakistan’s most sacred cultural landscapes.
Placemaking is not just about restoring walls, it’s about restoring public life within them.
