architect of Namal Knowledge City
Tony Ashai

Tony Ashai is an internationally acclaimed architect and master planner, distinguished for his unparalleled experience, knowledge, and design acumen. Born in Kashmir in 1964, Ashai completed his Bachelor's degree from the School of Architecture in Chandigarh, India, and obtained his Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design from the State University of New York in 1987. Ashai established his architecture practice in Los Angeles in 1997 and in Dubai in 2007. In 2021, he received an invitation from Imran Khan, to master plan and design the Namal Knowledge City, a project intended to accommodate 10,000 students. Driven by his profound love for Pakistan and deeply inspired by the noble vision of Khan, Ashai humbly accepted the opportunity to contribute his expertise and passion to this transformative initiative.

DESIGN IDEOLOGY

Tony Ashai’s design ideology for Namal Knowledge City embodies Imran Khan's vision. Inspired by universities like Oxford and Stanford, the 1100-acre site is divided into north and south campuses. The North Campus houses academic buildings while the South Campus hosts residential facilities, creating a harmonious balance between study and home for the students and faculty alike. The Town Center serves as a community hub for the residents, housing all necessary facilities while also promoting social interaction. Separate areas for boys’ and girls’ hostels ensure privacy, while faculty residences are located separately. Allied facilities such as a central kitchen, sports complex, mosque, and faculty clubhouse are also included. Ashai’s dedication to timeless design ensures Namal Knowledge City will stand as a symbol of educational excellence and community cohesion, inspiring generations to come in a unique urban campus surrounded by natural beauty.

ARCHITECTURE & LOCAL MATERIALS

Namal Knowledge City takes inspiration from the traditional local architecture of the region, prioritizing timelessness over modern trends to create a sense of belonging within the local context. Leaning towards classicism, it also embraces the unique character of the locale, featuring elements like arches and colonnades that establish its distinct identity. It’s character reflects a deep connection to the local heritage and landscape, embodying a harmonious blend of tradition, sustainability, and timeless design principles. All building materials are to be locally sourced to showcase the region's abundant resources. From the native stone extracted from surrounding mountains for cladding external walls to local sand used for plastering, each material will be carefully selected to enhance both the appearance and durability of the buildings while seamlessly blending with the landscape.

SUSTAINABILITY

Namal Knowledge City prioritizes environmental consciousness through sustainable design features. With a commitment to achieving a zero-carbon footprint, combustion processes are eliminated. Cars are prohibited on campus, with designated parking areas at entrances and internal transport facilitated by electric cars and buses. Bike lanes with tree cover offer shade and thermal comfort, encouraging eco-friendly transportation. Geothermal heating and cooling systems enhance energy efficiency, utilizing pipes buried two meters underground for water circulation. This system regulates indoor temperatures without relying on passive mechanisms. By harnessing renewable energy and promoting sustainable transportation, Namal Knowledge City exemplifies environmental stewardship and fosters a greener future.

BOYS HOSTEL

The boys' hostels are designed as mixed-use buildings, featuring commercial spaces on the lower ground floor. These commercial areas are accessible directly from the main Boulevard road, providing convenience for both residents and visitors. To ensure privacy and security for the students, a separate entrance road is proposed at the ground floor level, located at the back of the building. This dedicated entrance road offers discreet access to the hostel facilities, allowing students to enter and exit without interference from commercial activities.

• Covered Area: 87,200 sft
• Beds Capacity: 412
• Lower Ground: Commercial Zone
• Ground Floor + 5 Storeys: Boys Hostel

GIRLS HOSTEL

The design of the girls' hostels is centered around respecting and preserving Pakistani cultural and family values. These hostels are intentionally designed with a more introverted approach, providing a sense of privacy and security for the residents. Each hostel features a large courtyard, serving as a communal space where residents can interact and socialize while still maintaining a sense of protection and privacy.

• Covered Area: 65,730 sft
• Beds Capacity: 446

TOWN CENTER

Town Center comprises of 4 building blocks encircling a central Piazza. The building blocks are two to three stories high with parking in the basement, a range of commercial establishments, such as retail shops, coffee houses, grocery stores and stationary shops at the ground level, and apartment-style modular accommodations on the upper floors for the professors and visiting faculty members. These living spaces come in various configurations, including studio apartments, two-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom apartments, ensuring flexibility and suitability for different occupants. This integration of commercial and residential elements within the town center fosters a vibrant and inclusive community atmosphere, where academics and visitors can engage in work, leisure, and social activities in close proximity.

• Covered Area: 199,977 sft
• Modular blocks: Blocks A, B, C & D

TOWN HOUSES

For additional faculty housing, 28 units of modular townhouses have been proposed. By staggering the townhouses, each unit preserves unobstructed views, as they ascend along the natural contours of the landscape. This design approach allows townhouses situated behind others to enjoy panoramic vistas over those in the foreground. Embracing local culture, each townhouse will feature courtyards at the entrance. The residences will offer two or three bedrooms for faculty members, along with an additional staff bedroom for housekeepers. Adequate parking facilities will be provided to accommodate the needs of the faculty, ensuring convenience and accessibility,

• Covered Area: 55,000 sft
• Modular Units: 28 units