Client & Owner: Karachi University

Design Scope: Architecture, Landscape Architecture

Design Team: Saifullah Sami, Umair Siddiqui.

Location: Karachi University Karachi, Pakistan

Total Area: 153,000 sq ft surface area

Completion Date: Unbuilt

The proposed building for Karachi University’s Department of Visual Studies (KU-DOVS) is situated on 2.25 acres (9,105 square meters) of open land west of the Student Teacher Club (STC) building that has served as the Department’s home since its inception in 1998.

The 153,000 sqft (14,214 sqm) building consists of academic spaces for 6 disciplines belonging to the visual arts and accommodates 900 students and 50 teachers. In addition to studios, lecture rooms and faculty offices, there are amenities such as a dedicated arts and architecture library, computer labs, work-shops, open-air amphitheater, sculpture garden, cafeteria and visiting artists’ residences.

The administration offices, auditorium and art gallery will continue to be housed within the STC which will itself be restored to its original design as envisioned by its renowned French architect Michel Ecochard. A pedestrian bridge between this and the new building will serve as the link between new and existing.