DHA Waterfront Development
UNIQUE WATER WORLD
Waterfront developments the world over show piece the city, mirroring the life and rhythm of its people. They are prime properties dedicated to harmonious living, casual entertainment, classy dining, multifaceted recreation, family outings- the ideal one-stop living environment. In Karachi, Pakistan Defence Officers Housing Authority (or DHA, as it is fondly called) has a virgin, unspoilt waterfront of nearly 14 kilometers begging to be developed. From the windswept Arabian Coast to the colored waters of Gizri Creek lies an opportunity that awaits fresh initiatives. The residents of Karachi are soon to see a qualitative change in their lives and in their concepts of relaxation style and fun.
DHA is constantly endeavoring to enrich the environment. It cannot choose to ignore the possibilities that its waterfront offers. Therefore, it has embarked on an ambitious and modern programme through a painstakingly produced master-plan for its water front developments.
PROCESS & RATIONALE
The master-plan for DHA waterfront developments has evolved over many hours of labor. It has been subjected to competitive evaluation and finalized through an integration of the best elements. A detailed Terms of Reference Memos was given to 19 outstanding architects in Pakistan. Their submissions were scrutinized by an 'Award Committee' that found the design concepts of Messrs Shakeel S Hyder, Consultant Tech International and Meinhardt as the top three entries. Mr. Shakeel S Hyder was then hired to integrate the leading designs under direct DHA supervision. The mater-plan divides the waterfront of 14 kilometers into seven distinct Zones (A to G) in harmony with the terrain characteristics. Parameters were then established to allocate compatible activities to each Zone. The aim is to achieve a harmonious blend overall, while ensuring that activities do not conflict within adjoining Zones.