Introduction

This article explores how architectural design of an institutional space can enhance social interactions and communal exchanges within a space. These spaces are also referred to as transactional spaces. Transactional spaces are the spaces where social and communal exchanges occur among people. IBA Student Centre is a recreational facility for students in IBA campus, located in Karachi, Pakistan. The facility is spread over an area of 34000 sq.ft to increase the social interaction in campus. 

Source: Archdaily

Reimagining Recreation: How Spaces for Play Became Places for Connection

Recreational spaces are designed specifically for leisure, social activities and communal interaction. The idea of recreational spaces was very informal in earlier times. Places like markets, castle grounds and religious institutions were used for festivals and communal gatherings. During  the Renaissance period, recreational spaces were formally introduced in the community in the form of gardens. These gardens were for leisure, social gatherings and were a symbol of wealth and power. During the industrial revolution, green spaces became crucial for people to escape the industrial environment. In the modern era, recreational spaces have become more than a place just used for communal gatherings, it has become a place where people interact with each other on a daily basis, it has become a place which promotes physical and mental well-being, it has become a place which promotes sustainability.

Breathing Space: How IBA Student Centre Brings Ventilation and Vitality to the Campus

IBA Student Centre is situated right in the heart of Karachi due to which they experience hot and humid climate throughout the year. It is surrounded by dry landscape with the ocean being on the far west, south-west side of Karachi. Because of these climatic conditions, to cool down the surroundings,  the IBA campus has tried to add vegetation all around the campus and also has a large water body.  The Student Centre is also designed in such a way, such that it has multiple open spaces and multiple fenestration for filtered light and good ventilation.  The structure stands out because of its geometric design, yet blends with the other buildings of the campus because of the similar language of the building.

Source: Author

Flowing Spaces and Fluidity: The IBA Student Centre's Design Dynamics

The most striking feature of the IBA Student Centre is its triangular form. The plan doesn’t just stand out due to its unique design but also helps in efficiently using the space. Because of this triangular form, it helps in forming compact as well as large spaces with different and multiple functions to each space. This geometry also helps in tackling the problem of space  as the amphitheatre is placed on the roof, at the intersection of the two triangular masses. The building interacts uniquely with its surroundings . The way they have strategically placed the entry and exit points and outdoor sittings  complements the landscape. For the interior layout, there is clear zoning of spaces for different functions in the building such as lounge areas, recreational spaces, study rooms, library facilities, staff offices, meeting rooms, cafeteria, exhibition hall, gym facilities, outdoor space, computer lab, media rooms, green spaces etc.. The movement in these spaces is more horizontal and vertical. The double heighted spaces and incorporating landscape with the interior creates a visual fluidity  for the people. The atrium becomes the focal point of the structure. The spaces start organising themselves around the atrium. Private spaces like administrative offices, study rooms, and libraries have been placed in such a way so that they can provide a quiet and focused environment meanwhile recreational spaces, lounges, cafeteria, common rooms, dining facilities are designed and placed in such a way so that it can create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. These areas are well connected by transitional spaces like ramps, stairs, pathways and corridors. They have also designed landscaped terraces, courtyards or gardens for informal gatherings and social interaction.

    Source: Photo  by Archdaily Annotated by Author

The Great Indoors-Outdoors: IBA Student Centre's Seamless Social Flow

The whole point of building a student centre was to increase the overall social interaction across the university.  The design of the structure is such that it creates these spaces for informal gatherings and interactions. The study rooms and common areas have movable partitions and flexible furniture arrangements so that the setup of the space can be altered according to the requirements. The atrium not only helps in light and ventilation but also creates a space for interacting with people. The stairs which lead to the amphitheatre also have a ramp  but instead of making the ramp with concrete or other material they have used grass so that it also becomes a place where people can sit and enjoy the landscape. 

Transparent Trends: Unpacking the IBA Student Centre's Contemporary Design

Contemporary context refers to the current trends, conditions and values influencing architectural design and practices. It includes many aspects of how the buildings are designed and used in present times. IBA Student Centre has many aspects of modern architecture.  The sleek and modern design with clean lines, double heighted spaces, glass facades and open spaces that promotes accessibility and transparency.  Some of  the spaces are designed for being multi-functional. For example, the common areas or the study rooms have movable partitions so that they can be used for workshops and other programs. The triangular geometry was done purposely by the architects to tackle the problem of limited space. These geometry covers less area and still allows the architect to add spaces like amphitheatre and atrium in the structure.  The structure also uses sustainable materials in construction and finishing, and also has solar panels and green roofs to make it more environmentally friendly.

Beyond Efficiency: Why IBA Student Centre Needs a Design Overhaul

The IBA Student Centre's design falls short of truly embracing the concept of transactional spaces. Despite having outdoor areas, the overall layout feels artificial and segregated, with rigid zoning according to function. This compromises the potential for spontaneous interactions among users, a key aspect of transactional spaces. In contrast, the Teacher Student Centre (TSC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, successfully balances design and functionality by incorporating a central open space and open-plan layout without segregation. Unlike IBA, TSC avoids compartmentalization, fostering a more dynamic and interactive environment. By prioritising efficiency over design, IBA Student Centre misses the mark on creating a truly transactional space, whereas TSC serves as a model for effectively merging functionality with open, inclusive design.

Zones of Separation: The Unintended Consequences of Defined Spaces

The IBA Student Centre's spatial configuration effectively addresses the current academic and leisure needs of the student body. However, its design may not fully embrace the principles of transactional spaces, which value flexibility, adaptability, and spontaneity. The centre's layout, with its defined zones and separate areas, may influence the types of social interactions that occur within the space. This design approach may result in a campus hub that feels functional, yet potentially misses opportunities for more dynamic and inclusive social experiences.

References

“IBA Student Centre / Najmi Bilgrami Collaborative.” 2014. ArchDaily. IBA Student Centre / Najmi Bilgrami Collaborative | ArchDaily.

Aralan, Rahat. 2019. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE AND    PLANNING 26 (1st issue): 71. 2519-5050.

Khan, Hasan U. 1985. Architecture of Pakistan. Karachi: Oxford University Press.

“Teacher-Student Centre, University of Dhaka.” n.d. Wikipedia. Accessed August 13, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teacher-Student_Centre,_University_of_Dhaka.