Marvi Mazhar

architect | researcher | spatial practice / advocacy | Goldsmiths @viscult | @CheveningFCDO

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

@gulraizkhan Horrible public space design and waste of money. Local governance will not learn from existing dilapidated plans in other parts of the city and continue to spread the same layout. Cheap kitsch

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

Disney heritage beautification plan in #Karachi right in front of @KmcPakistan - one hand we are heading and preserving heritage like Empress Market / Hoti Market / Frere Hall and then on extreme level this is what we are doing. A top down cheap decisions. Who has the right ?

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

The numerous activities we did on this square with the right kind of cultural programming, its heartbreaking to see how governance takes advantage of civil societies intent to sabotage the long term strategy. May the urban initiators learn from interventions. @HazimBangwar

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

When I wrote about "where is culture investment' I kept thinking about maintenance and questioning a long term continuous relation with Karachi: https://t.co/UDgkSUsHtv
#development #culture #karachi #urbanplanning @HazimBangwar @KmcPakistan @SindhCMHouse @DCSouthKarachi

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

Architects / Urban planners can only design. But care management and design continuity falls under maintenance of the city's local governance. How long can we see ribbon cutting events but instead a strategy which manages the city with an intent?

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

So sad to see irrelevant governance, obsessed with making birds aviary without any design or sensibilities. I just crossed Frere Hall and all the birds are hurdled without any shade inside where they can secure themselves. Insan bhi aik ajeeb chez hai. @KmcPakistan @SindhGovt1

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

Videos from Commons mela last night is also failure of #governance where safety and measures are not taken into consideration. Vendors have the power to install structures in public spaces without any documentation to sign safety and regulation measures. Who is checking?

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

The Supreme Court of Pakistan banned billboards and hoardings on public property in #Karachi ordered in 2018 and 2022. This ruling mandated the removal of all advertising boards from roads, bridges, and greenbelts to ensure public safety and restore the city's urban landscape.

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

The amount taken by local governance on allowing billboards is a short term gain and collapse of infrastructure. Just like how construction is a loose game, Many public events are allowed in #Karachi without any safety paper work.

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

Cities which are not regularly maintained have suffered the most. Urban centers like #Karachi where Parks directors and authority are sitting and not doing their jobs, tree felling might be natural phenomena but when maintenance and regular upkeep is not done - this is enviable

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

Time to reflect and learn that such weather conditions are now just going to escalate and we in #urban centers need to rethink what tensile structures mean. In last 10 min I witnessed solar panels, pan ke khokhay, shoddy bus stops, security guard booths, construction nets flying.

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

I’ll be in discussion at Alhamra Arts Center (Lahore) on two very important topics : 1. Research training and practice in heritage and 2. Understanding cities through walking and storytelling - #heritage #cities #lahore #Karachi

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

Without protection of residents or senior citizens life none of these developments are meaningful. I concluded that if Karachi is that important hold a roundtable; be part of discussion and take grassroot partnership rather than commercial partnership. #karachi @KmcPakistan

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

My statement at Karachi Press Club in alliance with Karachi Residents Committee: Karachi’s public parks are under increasing threat from commercialization, privatization, and land-use practices that prioritize revenue over public welfare. 1/8

[Marvi Mazhar @marvimazhar]

After listening to 3 residents what resonated are three points:

1. Padel Court Sounds all night
2. Flood Lights & 24 hr unmonitored Traffic
3. Lack of maintenance of parks and open spaces