Architecture and design for a globalized world have come to this point in imitating the confused reality of our cultures that classifications have lost their rationale and necessity completely. While modernity doesn’t stand attested in the absence of traditional architecture, buildings of today taking precedence in history and tradition also result in being superficial due to the primacy of modern programs and requirements that have to be addressed. We are faced by a certain kind of dichotomy that is making it harder for Art and Architecture critics to be comparative, analytical and comprehensive with respect to the conservative forms of writing and classification still in use. Therefore, even when certain projects are termed to be Traditional or Modern, their classification refers to the domination of stylistic inspiration alone.

Basing our classifications on stylistic inspirations and partial executions, we have tried to come up with different projects for this issue of A+I. The building of Oxford University Press in Karachi boasts off a reawakening of the city’s colonial past in its rich accentuation of transient spaces, materials and an overall grandiosity. Besides, it is one of the projects that can easily demonstrate the liaison between influences of tradition and modern day fundamentals of a work place.

Revitalization of the Village restaurant adds to determining the worth of traditional design elements in a very modern sea-front setting. The restaurant offers a mixed variety of food in a pleasant and a western way, where the sea hosts you in the background and the sun can be seen setting through the wide-open glazed windows. Placed alongside many international fast-food chains, the traditional surfaces of a modern eat-out place gives customers, coming from different parts of the city, a sense of belonging that makes it a popular sea-view spot.