INTRODUCTION 

Haveli Barood Khana in Lahore, a remarkable structure dating back to the 18th century, was originally constructed as an ammunition depot. Over time, however, this historic building has undergone significant transformation, reflecting the adaptive reuse of architecture in response to changing needs and circumstances. Today, Haveli Barood Khana serves not as a military storage facility, but as a vibrant residential space and personal office, embodying the evolution of its spatial configuration. 

This transformation did not occur overnight; rather, it was the result of incremental growth and thoughtful adaptation. As the demands of its surroundings and occupants shifted, so too did the function and form of the Haveli. What began as a utilitarian structure dedicated to storing gunpowder has gradually been reimagined and repurposed, blending historical significance with contemporary functionality. This essay will explore how Haveli Barood Khana’s adaptive reuse reflects broader trends in architectural evolution, highlighting the delicate balance between preserving the past and accommodating the present.

Historical significance of Haveli Barood Khana

Haveli Barood Khana was one of the well-known historic houses in the Old Walled City of Lahore. History for this dates back to the mid-19th century. Constructed in the 18th century during the reign of the Sikhs, Haveli Barood Khana was originally designed for use as the residence of the commanding general of the Sikh army. The name "Barood Khana" itself means "ammunition depot," hence rightfully signifying the dual function of this building as a residence and ammunition storage. In the 1840s, the haveli belonged to Mian Karim Buksh (military general), and it was the beginning of its linkage with the well-known Salahuddin family. This was the transition that marked one of the important chapters in its checkered past; the haveli later served as a residence for Mian Amiruddin, an important leader in the All-India Muslim League and Lahore's first Muslim Lord Mayor, during the Pakistan independence movement.

Apart from the military and political incidents, Haveli Barood Khana has also seen many architectural changes. It was in about 1901 that Zanan Khana ( female quarter ) and Mardan Khana ( male quarter ) were added to it. During that time, certain changes needed to be brought into the house in accordance with people's changing needs and changing societal framework. 

Orientation in space 

The haveli faces the Lahore fort.  It is placed in the walled city of Lahore in the very compact street and is surrounded by residential area and few shops around it making it located in the inner city makes it happening and adds to the transaction value of the space. The haveli has a courtyard , specifically designed to respond to the local climate in an era prior to the availability of today’s technologies related to thermal comfort.In an increasingly populous urban habitat, the courtyard type showed exceptional ability to provide ventilation and light. Social requirements were also catered for with this type of design in that it provided an element of community living within the boundaries of the house.

Cultural and Contemporary Relevance

                                                                                                                                 - Photography by Anum Awam 

Haveli Barood Khana is one of the last enclaves of local authenticity and architectural heritage. It carries most of the unique characteristics through its use of traditional building materials, passive design techniques, and adherence to the social structures of its time. Compared with those standard westernized idea of single-family homes which has different values of privacy and in that somehow losing the essence of transactional value, this haveli manages to retain its historical essence, seamlessly combining modern advancements with the historicism of the place.

In an expression of respect, its design takes after the traditional courtyard plan but easily adapts to modern needs, which include car parking, office spaces, and air-conditioning units. This ability to retain historical integrity with modern functionality is underlining its lasting relevance to continued significance in reflecting both the past and present.

Shift of the Transactional value of the space overtime 

Each courtyard is placed in such a way that there is a view out of it to some larger open spaces; place it so that at least two or three doors open from the building into it and so that the natural paths which connect these doors pass across the courtyard and at one edge, beside a door, make a roofed veranda or a courtyard reached porch, which continues both to the inside and to the courtyard."

The function of the areas of the haveli has partially changed, but still holds its original form. The open space in front of the haveli was converted into car parking, the baithak was converted into a bedroom, and the sheesh mahal was converted into a relic room. The kitchen had undergone renovation with modern equipment; installation of air conditioners and heater in the house was completed for extreme weather. The haveli has adapted well to the changing family setup and technology advancement. 

In this haveli, a definite gradient from formal spaces to informal spaces can be observed. The entrances lead to the main courtyard and the office space, which are more formal areas. Further into the house are the more intimate inner courtyards and, then, the enclosed rooms. Moving to the first floor, the level of privacy increases. Slowly over time, the intimacy gradient has diminished. The havelis have a plethora of rooms opening into courtyards from various sides, thus allowing constant movement and activity during the day

Outdoor furniture such as benches, swings, and traditional beds, charpai are placed in the courtyard and the terrace, for the residents to socialize and relax. During the winter season, a portable fireplace is set in the center of the courtyard, around which comfortable seating arrangements are made. The basement functions as a music room. Due to its cool temperature, it is frequently used in the summer to relax and enjoy music. The rooftop and terraces are used to acquire sunlight.

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The verandas of these structures not only act as thermal buffers but also facilitate a smooth transition between inside and outside. This kind of layout offers a succession of space from public to private, which enhances good social interaction. Through the presence of trees, potted plants, hanging vines, floating lilies, and other flora—functions to gratify the outdoors as a much more enjoyable space and soften all the more rigid, paved surfaces identified with courtyards and terraces alike. Thus, courtyard design is a very vital position for traditional architecture spaces  with respect to the needs of the users,doing functions for both purposes: functional premise. 

Adaptive reuse 

The function of the areas of the haveli has partially changed, but still holds its original form. The open space in front of the haveli was converted into car parking, the baithak was converted into a bedroom, and the sheesh mahal was converted into a relic room. The kitchen had undergone renovation with modern equipment; installation of air conditioners and heater in the house was completed for extreme weather. The haveli has adapted well to the changing family setup and technology advancement. 

The adaptive reuse of Haveli Barood Khana not only preserves a significant piece of architectural heritage but also revives its cultural relevance by integrating it into contemporary life. The structure showcases the potential of historical architecture to be repurposed in a way that respects its past while accommodating modern needs. This approach to adaptive reuse serves as a model for similar projects, illustrating how architectural conservation can coexist with innovation and functionality.

Spatial Adaptation:

The original layout of the haveli is adapted to meet new functional requirements, such as converting residential spaces into gallery or exhibition areas. This often involves reconfiguring interiors while preserving key architectural elements like arches, columns, and decorative ceilings. The courtyard might be repurposed as a central gathering space or atrium, serving as a focal point for the building's new use.

The function of the areas of the haveli has partially changed, but still holds its original form. The open space in front of the haveli was converted into car parking, the baithak was converted into a bedroom, and the sheesh mahal was converted into a relic room. The kitchen had undergone renovation with modern equipment; installation of air conditioners and heater in the house was completed for extreme weather. The haveli has adapted well to the changing family setup and technology advancement.

Material Conservation: 

Preservation of original materials is paramount in maintaining the authenticity of the structure. Techniques like lime plastering, brick repointing, and careful wood restoration are used to conserve the building fabric. Any new materials introduced must be compatible with the original ones to avoid issues like differential movement or chemical incompatibility.

Overall even though this place may have been designed for some other purpose ,through the years the space has formed its own purpose and adapted and incrementally found its purpose. 

   References

1. Akhtar, Munazzah. 2021. “Analysis of Barood Khana.” Archetypal level. www.academia.edu.

2. “Haveli Barood Khana : a living chronicle of Lahore's heritage.” 2024. www.graana.com.

3. Meinecke, Michael. 1996. Patterns of stylistic changes in islamic architecture. illustrated ed. N.p.: NYU Press.

4. Nawaz, Muhammad A. 2012. “The old world charms of Mian Salli.” 2012.

5. Qureshi, Rabiya Ahmed. n.d. “Investigating Sustainability of Traditional courtyard houses.” www.mdpi.com.

6. Salli, Yousaf. 2022. “The story of Haveli Barood khana.” 

7. Yousaf Salli Tour.shaikh, Ali. 2015. “Havelis of the walled city Lahore.” (Lahore , Pakistan), 2015.

8. www.researchgate.com. n.d. “Haveli Barood Khana.”