Ilsa Ahmed
Architecture BArch
University of Karachi
Graduates: 2022
Specialisms: Interior Architecture / Illustration / Digital Arts
My location: Karachi, Pakistan
Ilsa Ahmed
First Name: Ilsa
Last Name: Ahmed
University / College: University of Karachi
Course / Program: Architecture BArch
Graduates: 2022
Specialisms: Interior Architecture / Illustration / Digital Arts
My Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Website: Click To See Website
About
All of my ideas begin with dreamlike illustrations that represent my vision of the future. My passion for functionality, sustainability, and inclusivity helps me refine ambitious concepts and transform them into concrete solutions that challenge preconceived notions about space. Throughout this process, research has been and continues to be a close ally in my search for an artistic voice.
My paper, titled "Critical Framework for the Development of Women’s Shelters in Karachi," has been accepted for presentation at the UIA 2023 CPH World Conference in Copenhagen, which is a significant achievement. In addition to my architectural work, I am an illustrator and an enthusiast of film and animation. In the future, I hope to combine my love for architecture and the arts by designing sets for Broadway productions.
Critical framework & design for the development of women's shelters in Karachi
Domestic violence or abuse is inflicted upon 20-25% of women globally. It generally occurs where they should be the safest; under their own roofs. To escape their predicament, the women, in search of safety and security, escape to facilities designed to shelter and protect them. Unfortunately, there are an increasing number of women’s shelters worldwide that are crowded, involve communal living, offer little or no privacy, and include restrictions related to living conditions. The built environment of shelter homes should have a positive impact on the health, recovery, and wellbeing of the survivors, not the other way around. The aim of this project is to understand the architectural requirements of women’s shelters based on the needs of women who are victims of psychological and/or physical abuse. This research will explore novel strategies and innovations that can be applied in order to design a space that inspires feelings of security, inclusivity, and comfort, which these women are in desperate need of. This study seeks to understand how architecture can help these women heal and start anew. This project has also focused on how architecture can help build a self-sustaining community and how these women can enter the workforce. To understand the current living standards of these women, the architecture of two of Karachi’s women’s shelters was studied and analyzed. Interviews were conducted with the inhabitants and on-site social workers at the shelters in Karachi. The illustrations I made for this project were featured on Archdaily in an article called "Design for Inclusivity at the UIA World Congress of Architects 2023". My paper on this subject was selected to be presented at the UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen, Denmark and will be published in a Springer journal. This submission contains a link to a video of me presenting my paper at the congress. It is no more than 17 minutes long and may help you understand my ideas better! :)
Competitions
