Final Year Project

Project Title

Investigating the Correlation between the Lack of Social Capital Building, Civic Engagement, and Reducing Urban Livability in Karachi: A Case Study of Karachis Cultural and Communal Spaces

Description

Karachi has had a rich history of diverse cultures, strong social capital, and vibrant public spaces. Over time, however, shifts in the citys ethnic composition and political dynamics have impacted its social capital. Once a society characterized by acceptance and openness, Karachi has become increasingly divided along ethnic and socio-political lines. Cultural and communal spaces (including community centers, public libraries, and arts and cultural centers) have been significantly neglected over the decades. The research will explore the reasons behind this decline in cultural spaces and how it has contributed to the erosion of social capital, and vice versa. One factor that will be particularly studied is the government's dis-interest in investing in public spaces, resulting in limited access and rights to shared spaces. By investigating how urban planning decisions are made, the study will analyse whose interests are prioritized and how urban policies impact rights to accessible, and inclusive spaces.