Welcoming Architecture
Pakistan
Young architectural talents from Pakistan find inspiration for the Goethe-Institut’s new educational centre in Karachi.
In September 2024, seven architecture students from Pakistan embarked on an extraordinary study tour of Germany. As winners of an architecture competition organised by the Goethe-Institut Karachi for the construction of its new educational centre, the students had the opportunity to explore key landmarks of German architectural culture – from the iconic Bauhaus sites in Dessau and Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie to the Olympic Park in Munich. At the core of the tour, organised by the Goethe-Institut’s Visitors Programme, was an exchange of ideas about sustainable building practices and the role of architecture in creating open, welcoming and socially meaningful spaces.
A highlight of the visit: the striking roof structure of Munich’s Olympic Park | © Goethe-Institut
Supported by architect Asma Zaid, who served as a member of the competition jury, the students travelled to Berlin, Dessau and Munich – exploring architecture that stands for both environmental responsibility and social sustainability.
Steel, granite and lots of light: students visit the Neue Nationalgalerie | © Goethe-Institut
The Bauhaus landmarks in Dessau also left a lasting impression on the group. The principles of light, transparency and social openness that defined the Bauhaus movement could be seen as a common thread running through many of the buildings visited on the trip – from the Berliner Philharmonie to Munich’s Olympic Park. The park’s distinctive tent-like roof symbolises not only architectural innovation but also the spirit of openness embodied by the Olympic Games. Neha Mansoor, a student specialising in roof structures, was particularly impressed by these designs. Wearing safety harnesses, students took part in a guided tour across the roof of the tent, offering them spectacular insights into the engineering feats of the 1970s.
The Gasteig in its temporary location at HP8, a former transformer hall repurposed as a home for various cultural institutions. | © Goethe-Institut
In September 2024, seven architecture students from Pakistan embarked on an extraordinary study tour of Germany. As winners of an architecture competition organised by the Goethe-Institut Karachi for the construction of its new educational centre, the students had the opportunity to explore key landmarks of German architectural culture – from the iconic Bauhaus sites in Dessau and Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie to the Olympic Park in Munich. At the core of the tour, organised by the Goethe-Institut’s Visitors Programme, was an exchange of ideas about sustainable building practices and the role of architecture in creating open, welcoming and socially meaningful spaces.
A highlight of the visit: the striking roof structure of Munich’s Olympic Park | © Goethe-Institut
Architecture that connects
Buildings that open up to the city, facilitate encounters and support diverse uses – this vision was at the core of the architecture competition launched by the Goethe-Institut in early 2024 for students across Pakistan. The winning designs stood out for their creative approaches to sustainability: from multifunctional learning spaces and natural ventilation systems to the use of recycled materials, such as ice-cream packaging and fast-growing bamboo.Supported by architect Asma Zaid, who served as a member of the competition jury, the students travelled to Berlin, Dessau and Munich – exploring architecture that stands for both environmental responsibility and social sustainability.
Steel, granite and lots of light: students visit the Neue Nationalgalerie | © Goethe-Institut
Icons of architectural history – experienced firsthand
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie, an architectural masterpiece designed by Mies van der Rohe. For participant Yaqoob Amir, it was a special experience to finally see up close the details so often studied in textbooks – door handles, door frames, window profiles. “Seeing these elements in person reinforced my belief that details like these are what define good design,” said Amir.The Bauhaus landmarks in Dessau also left a lasting impression on the group. The principles of light, transparency and social openness that defined the Bauhaus movement could be seen as a common thread running through many of the buildings visited on the trip – from the Berliner Philharmonie to Munich’s Olympic Park. The park’s distinctive tent-like roof symbolises not only architectural innovation but also the spirit of openness embodied by the Olympic Games. Neha Mansoor, a student specialising in roof structures, was particularly impressed by these designs. Wearing safety harnesses, students took part in a guided tour across the roof of the tent, offering them spectacular insights into the engineering feats of the 1970s.
Sustainability as a starting point
The tour was not just about architectural highlights but also in-depth exchanges with experts. During a visit to Transsolar KlimaEngineering GmbH in Munich, the students talked to engineers about innovative concepts in energy efficiency and building climate control. “We discuss these topics a lot in Pakistan – but here we could see how these concepts are actually put into practice,” explained Insiya Huzaifa, clearly impressed.
The Gasteig in its temporary location at HP8, a former transformer hall repurposed as a home for various cultural institutions. | © Goethe-Institut
In future, the focus will increasingly shift towards innovative solutions for existing buildings. The renovation of Munich’s Gasteig cultural centre, which aims to set new standards with expansive glass façades integrating original structures, was presented as a model for sustainable urban renewal. A concept that could also hold relevance for Karachi.
