But, such influences can be harmonized with the local to make it more meaningful and pragmatic. There is no ready-made recipe available but the solution lies in the "Thinking globally, Acting locally"

Dr. Neelam receiving certificate from Ex.Minister for Social Weifare, Shaheen Attiqur Rehman at the occasion of a Workshop on women in Higher Education Management.

Interviewed by  150 180
Ar. Yasira Naeem Pasha

Women are considered to be better halves for men. Despite the difficulties, they face in our male-dominated society; they have always been a great source of help for them. Invasion of women in every field of life is not new but still there are some of the rare examples in certain fields who not only accepted the challenges for them but also successfully proved themselves.

Dr. Neelum Naz is the first Pakistani lady who received her Doctorate degree in architecture. Also she is the only architect in Pakistan who proudly stands with a Post-Doctorate degree in this field. Meeting with this remarkable lady has always been a great experience. She seems to be a very contented personality.

"To me teacher is a builder of a nation so great teachers are the one, who implant courage, knowledge as well as character in the human soul." She says while describing her profession.

ARCHI TIMES: To start with your early education, where did you study for your early years?* 

Dr. Neelum Naz: I received my early education in Dipalpur and Sahiwal, two major historical cities of Pakistan Sahiwal at the time was known as  Montgomery named after an English military commander and then at its centenary the name was changed to Sahiwal for which I have faded memories.

AT: Coming to the professional education and specially to the Architectural field, was it your own choice or otherwise how did it happen?


Dr. N N: Yes, to some extent it was my own choice. At that time, profession of architecture was not common ly known.  Though my father wanted me to become a doctor but it was against my psychology to see people suffering from blood, pain and disease. It was very crucial for me to go against his will, but I could see inside me a reaction. 
It is very interesting that in the college initially I entered in the pre-medical group but then after a hard battle I changed to pre-engineering. As my father was from irrigation department so I decided to be an engineer because I was not inspired by the regular masters degree. Although I was not very clear but I was determined to do something different.  After completing my F.sc, I got admission at N.C.A. in architecture in 1973 without wasting any time. This was my first experience to be away from my parents and home and start my hostel life. When I completed my first year at N.C.A., news of U.E.T admissions appeared in the newspaper. 
At that time N.C.A. was offering national diploma and there was ambiguity in connection with its equivalence with degree so my father suggested me to go for degree course. In addition, he did not like much the college atmosphere. Thus I applied for admission at U.E.T. At that time admission at U.E.T for females was only open in two disciplines i.e Architecture and Town Planning. Engineering disciplines were not opened for females so this is the way I entered in architecture programme.  I tried for the migration to get credit for the one year study but rules did not allow for intra-city migration. 

When I peep into my memories of that time, I find some interesting anecdotes: When I did my  matriculation in 1971 at Sahiwal, my father got transferred to Gujranwala, his native city. I went to say goodbye to my teachers in the staff room., where two of my teachers were sitting, one of my teachers asked me about my future plans. I replied that madam if I would secure more marks in Hygen physiology I would go for pre-medical and if more marks in mathematics I would go for pre-engineering. 

The teacher replied O.K. by opting pre-medical you could become a doctor but what about mathematics? I instantly replied "engineer" because teaching was never my passion. As I was short and slim, the teacher looked at me from head to toe and said to the other teacher "Mrs. Khan this girl was saying she would become an engineer". I could never forget these words mouthed by her throughout my career.

Prof. Dr. Neelum Naz with other Ph.D. students during her farwell dinner at the University of Sheffield, England

Medical profession was the most favorite choice of my father so he wanted to see me as a medical doctor which I refused.  When I completed my PH.D, in 1997 from the University of Sheffield, England, the very first thing that I did was the call to my father in Pakistan and expressed with joy "Father you wanted me to become a doctor and I fulfilled your ambition in the form of Ph.D. (doctor)".  As this was the big accomplishment, tears started running down my eyes.

AT: During your academics, were you inspired by any architect of national or international fame?*


Dr. N N: At that time, there were not many locally trained architects in the profession, so there was no role model.  As it was not the age of I.T so the access to the works of international architects was not readily available as we find now. However, I was inspired by the two of my teachers; Professor Irshad Burney and Pervaiz Vandal.

AT: How was your experience working with LDA and then practicing architecture just after your bachelor degree?

Dr. N N: Working with L.D.A. was very challenging as I got the opportunity to work on high profile despite being a junior. At that time, acceptance of architects in the development authorities was not fully recognized and they were working on work charge basis. However, Chief Engineer, COL. Retd. Farooqi was very supportive in this connection. Governor Gillani, was determined to restore the old character of Lahore i.e. "city of gardens". Work on Race Course park, now named as Gillani Park , was initiated. I personally made a presentation to the Governor along with two other architects.  I was assigned the duty to develop the sand model on the site to study the contouring and other related design issues.
I also worked on the renovation of the Allama Iqbal Park to change its passive character to active by adding different activities for the children. I also attended its inauguration ceremony graced by the presence of the late President of Pakistan, Gen. Zia-ul-Haq.

Receiving shield of LiterarySociety from Lt. Gen.(R) Muhammad Akram khan, Vice Chancellor,UET, Lahore

AT: What made you to opt to teaching profession, and leaving practice which you were doing before? 

Dr. N N: I was inspired by one of my friends, Shahida Ghani who was lecturer in the Department of City and Regional Planning. After being selected by the Selection board, I got the letter of appointment by the university. My parents were also in favor of my joining in teaching professor as it was considered as a noble and prestigious profession for ladies in our society.
Therefore, I decided to give it a try despite many apprehensions.  My destiny favored me and soon I became one of the favorite teachers in the department.   I always had the urge to excel in my profession, so I worked with complete sincerity, dedication and commitment.
Though my teachers were my role models, but I developed my unique style of teaching.  I always considered teaching more than a mechanical process of sending and receiving information. To me teacher is a builder of a nation so great teachers are the one, who implant courage, knowledge as well as character in the human soul. Commercialization in education has done great damage to his role as it has degraded him to the status of low-maid employee.
 AT:  What is your philosophy about architecture? What is it all about in your opinion?
 
Dr. N N: To me architecture is one of the essentials for human existence and it is fundamental to all human affairs.  One of my research paper entitled "Myth of architecture" was printed in the "Archi Times" which is clear reflection of my philosophy of architecture.
My approach is not mechanical which considers architecture merely as a product of building components such as walls, rooms, roof, floor, windows, doors etc. constructed in different materials. To me Architecture is a meaningful spatial rhythm which over powers human spirit and creates long lasting impressions on the user as well as the viewer

AT: You have a broader vision of multinational architecture. How do you see Pakistani architecture and its identity?

Dr. N N: I see Pakistani architecture completely devoid of its identity and meaning.   It lacks in its character like we do as Pakistanis.  As Pakistanis, we are becoming lover of foreign dresses, language, eating habits etc. Similarly, European design trends acts as the role model for most of the local architects.
As architecture is rooted in the human society and local context therefore, our architecture does not spring up from our soil and deviates greatly from our socio-physical conditions.
I understand that in this age of globalization, it is not possible to resist cross-cultural influences.  But, such influences can be harmonized with the local to make it more meaningful and pragmatic. There is no ready-made recipe available but the solution lies in the "Thinking globally, Acting locally"

Dr. Neelum Naz sharing her experience with DCET Students

AT: What type of difficulties did you face in your field, specially being a female, since the early time period for female architects was a bit more challenging?

Dr. N N: Being the first female lecturer to enter in the department, I have become a role model for the other females. During my student life, I was the only girl student in my class so that provided me with the opportunity to groom myself to face the challenges to survive in a male dominating environment.  In teaching, as I was in competition with my male colleagues so I never wanted to be a loser being a female.
At work place, I don't believe in gender discrimination and segregation and stand shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues.  I complimented them but at the same time supplemented them.  So far I have enjoyed respect and cooperation from the administration as well as by the vast majority of male faculty members. 
Elements of leg pulling are always there but I believe that when the targets are high and noble, such low tactics die their own death.  Uzma Gillani's dialogue in a national fame drama "Warris" keeps on giving me the strength.  She said that barking of dogs at the caravan can never stop it and despite all the hardships it has to continue to reach to its destination.

AT: How, in your opinion architectural education has contributed to the betterment of the whole society?  Dr. N N:

Architectural education is nevertheless playing an important role in shaping up our society as well as local architecture. To me, architecture belongs first to a branch of philosophy before it constitutes the foundation of practice.  In architectural education, science, art and social science occupy positions of almost equal importance.  As a result, architect becomes jack of all and master of none.  Due to its abstract nature, it is difficult to measure its contribution in concrete terms.  Generally, it has produced a class of locally trained architects of vision who are contributing at different levels: government, semi-government as well as private.
In the act of learning designing of buildings he is trained to be creative, original, rational, analytical, playful, empathetic etc. As a result, it provides greater insight into lives of the people (values, beliefs, aspirations, strengths, shortcomings) than any other art form.  Architectural education turns our individuals with positive outlook to people, spaces and places, which to me is one of the major contributions.  In addition, it focuses on the development of a balanced, sustainable and tasteful approach to the built environment. As built environment makes one-third of the urban environment so the role becomes more significant and meaningful.

AT:You have been abroad for your higher studies and you are teaching here in Pakistan for more than 22 years. What is the basic difference in the educational system in both scenes? 

Dr. N N: The basic difference is in the teaching methodologies and examination systems.  In our country, broadly speaking people perceive education an activity within a  class room, cramming for the final examination, reports cards, certification or degrees.  Children at home are given the impression to gain education to get a job with good salary.  At institutions, teaching is confined mainly to the bookish knowledge delivered by the teacher which is evaluated on the basis of stereotype examination.
As a result, education imparted creates passive minds and suppress the mental faculties of thinking, intellect, imagination and experience.  No serious efforts are made to inculcate confidence to think intelligently, independently along constructive lines.  On the other hand, in west, education is focused on to develop a free spirit of analysis to explore the unknown.  There is a need to change our meaning attached to education which is not for material or mundane motives but for the enrichment and development of inner-self. It is high time to design our education system which creates a link between theoretical knowledge (why) and its practical applications (how) rather than focusing on one half of the equation.  To lead the world, students should be good at both why and how.
AT: Being a part of the senior faculty in a great institution i.e. UET Lahore, what is your perception towards the room for introducing new design  philosophies?

Dr. Neelum N: Design philosophy is like a seed from which architecture is going to emerge. It is never fixed and keeps on oscillating between past, present and future.  Human societies are in a process of evolution and determine particular style of architecture relevant to that period.  Moreover, meaning attached to the places and spaces is never fixed.   Educational institutions should be the first one to respond to such influences and modify their approach accordingly.
Demand from the industry is a reflection of cur rent trends so close interaction should be developed between the institutions and field. We keep on revising our existing courses of studies to produce visionary architects. At present, graduates of our department are proving their mettle at the national and international level.

With the Punjab Governor, Lt. Gen. (R) Khalid Maqbool during his visit to newly constructed ''Khadeeja Hostel'',UET,Lahore

AT: Teaching Architecture makes you "Architect of Architects". Which aspect of you is still unexplored for yourself?
 
Dr. N N: Many aspects of a human personality remain unexplored during life time; same is true about me. As I was always occupied with my teaching and other administrative duties therefore, I could not explore that there is a poetess hidden within me striving to find expression.   Few years back, I made a humble beginning and so far have written number of poems in Urdu. Initially I was hesitant to disclose but then I build up the confidence to recite my poetry in informal gatherings.
This brought further encouragement and some of my peoms have been published in the local newspapers as well.  AT: You have a long and notable list of achievements, keeping this in view, the
question arises, what after Post-Doctorate?

Dr. N N: There is no last station in the journey of learning.  To me it is an endless and continuous process.  I start feeling stale after routine teaching after certain period and feel like re-freshening again.
Travel, visiting sites of historical significance and other universities acts as a catalyst.  After availing a post-doctorate award, HEC debar you for five years to apply for another award.   Once I fulfill this condition, Insha Allah I may like to avail another one.  Still there are many other avenues to be explored.
AT: Having a very broad profile in education, what will you advice the females coming in this profession?
 
Dr. N N: Being the first female lecturer to enter into the department, I have become a role model for the other females. As I was in competition with my male colleagues so I never wanted to be a loser being a female. At work place, I don't believe in gender discrimination and segregation and stand shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues. I compliment them but at the same time supplement them.  So far I have enjoyed respect and cooperation from the administration and faculty members.
Elements of leg pulling are always there but I believe that when the targets are high and noble, such low tactics die their own death.  My advice to my junior female teachers is that they should change their outlook to life.  To look beautiful they should think beautiful rather than making use of artificial make-up.  They should be modest in their dress and appearance so that the students don't get tempered by their physical appeal.  They should sharpen their mental level above than an average female and command on the subject to create everlasting impressions.
AT: Could you give us the highlights of your recent project of the girl's hostel in UET Lahore? What was your basic theme of design?

Dr. N N: Being a female, I never hesitate to work for the good cause of female students.  I worked on the initial design of the hostel and then left for Turkey for my Post-doctorate.  Maintenance of communal bath areas has always been very critical for the hostel authorities.  To resolve the long standing issue, our Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Retd. Muhammad Akram Khan took the bold step to provide attached bath-rooms.
The double storey hostel comprising of 56 tri-seaters with attach bathrooms thus accommodating 168 residents.  Construction work started in July, 2005 and was completed in Feb. 2007 with a total cost of Rs. 29 millions.  When I came back from Turkey in Jan. 2006, I offered once again my services to supervise the project. As I have a long experience of running girl hostel of UET therefore, I had to make certain changes/additions to make it more conducive for the girls living. 
I got the inspiration from "wajood-e-zun sey hey tasweiray kayanat mein rung". I wanted to make the girls hostel look more colorful as compared to other buildings in UET as I believe that like people buildings also have gender.  Instead of using single glass on the front facade, I decided to combine green (from spring) and golden (from sun) glass by dividing the Aluminium panels into harmonious geometrical patterns.
I tried to change the concept of fort like appearance of boundary wall and designed it as a decorative element.  After completion, this has become a unique façade of its very first kind in the UET. Governor of the Punjab, Lt. Gen.(R) Khalid Maqbool visited the hostel in Feb. 2007 followed by the inauguration by the President of Pakistan, Gen. Pervaiz Mushraf, on the 18th convocation held on 15-3-2007.
I believe that completion of the building is not an end to the design process but it is the beginning.  User of the building is the best source to give the feedback, so once the building is occupied and life is established there then Post Occupancy Evaluation Study is a must to decide the success or failure of the architect's decisions. At an informal level, I have started receiving feedback from the residents to know the design shortcomings for the future guidelines.

AT: Any suggestions for the better and developed landscape design in urban Ares?

Dr. N N: Cities are like an organism and governed by the cultural, political, social and physical changes taking place in a society.   Growth of the cities is indispensable but by proper planning they can be made sustainable.  Unfortunately, we as a nation lack understanding of the nature of problems thus mostly short term solutions are preferred over long term.   Instead of going for mega scale buildings emphasis should be placed on user-friendly spaces.  In this age of commercialism, buildings in the major urban centers have been reduced to the level of money generating machines and source of quick turn-over. 
Multinational companies and land mafia is grabbing the valuable land within and around the cities.  Commercial plazas are mushrooming along major urban roads without making their feasibility study.   Fascinating computer generated images of such projects are betraying the resultant problems with special reference to parking and traffic.  Due to lack of comprehensive planning, major cities of Pakistan are sprawling at an unprecedented rate and are being tuned into jungle of automobiles.  As a result, urban landscape is being degenerated and badly suffering from air and noise pollution.  Design professionals have largely failed in choosing appropriate forms and processes that shape and vitalize our lives.  I am the great admirer of nature as it the most powerful teacher of design and construction that we have.   The origin of all things is found in nature and that is where we must go to look for solutions to our urban problems.

In front of Mosque model during her visit to Legoland, Billund, Denmark

Unfortunately, we as a nation lack understanding of the nature of problems thus mostly short term solutions are preferred over long term.   Instead of going for mega scale buildings emphasis should be placed on user-friendly spaces.  In this age of commercialism, buildings in the major urban centers have been reduced to the level of money generating machines and source of quick turn-over.   Multinational companies and land mafia is grabbing the valuable land within and around the cities.  Commercial plazas are mushrooming along major urban roads without making their feasibility study.