Role and importance of culturally rich traditional residential Buildings toward heritage tourism and digital marketing in the historic city of Uch Sharif, Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

As in other parts of the Country, traditional buildings are fast diminishing in city Uch Sharif, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan as well. The irreplaceable examples of traditional wisdom and ingenious craftsmanship are being struck down one after the other by the cyclone of urbanization super-charged by market forces.

Contemporary buildings are seemingly unable to provide what traditional buildings used to offer. That is why the demolition of traditional buildings is considered irreparable damage to our valuable traditional asset. A few traditional buildings that have survived contain valuable information and need to be documented precisely before they are all gone. In-depth analyses of spatial organizations, use and adaptation of various spaces to the requirements of the functions taking place in them, architectural elements, building materials, and construction methods in traditional buildings, is therefore essential. It will give an insight to the solutions that were followed in traditional buildings as the most appropriate response to the multifaceted problem of thermal comfort, cultural appropriateness, and cost-efficiency. It will be of substantial academic and practical value to the present as well as future generation of architects and other building professionals in this region.

This is due to a variety of technical and cultural aspects that have restricted and limited the use of sustainable measures for energy-efficient, culturally sensitive, and cost-effective building design. This research aims to identify and promote such design practices, and develop the community’s acceptance and ability to use compatible designs, materials and techniques.

Key words: Culture, architecture, heritage, traditional houses, Uch Sharif, indigenous material, South Punjab