Text by Fariha Tahseen
Lecturer, Department of Architecture,
NED University, Karachi
Learning from a master architect in a real environment that brings architecture to life sounds like a ‘dream’. There are moments in architectural education that need to transcend classroom walls. It looks forward to unfolding in real spaces where experience, wisdom, craftsmanship, and compassion intersect. The dream comes true when a site becomes a school and an architect becomes an inspiration. It becomes a moment of awakening, rather than merely an academic experience, when design becomes real, when ideas turn into structures, and when mentorship becomes a memory. Standing amid the unfinished walls being designed to heal, it is worth experiencing the profound connection between architecture and life itself.
A field visit, as an ice-breaking activity across routine studios, brought us to an under-construction building of spatial grandeur and technologically equipped as a state-of-the-art emergency center at Liaqat National Hospital, Stadium Road. It reminded students of Batch (2023), Department of Architecture, NED University, Karachi, that architecture is not just a lifelong profession, aiming to learn, observe, and reflect. Indeed, every building, meeting the bar of an architectural master piece, teaches its own lessons that just need to be present enough to listen. For the students, experiencing architecture as a living experience was a revelation when architecture from studio drawings and theoretical discussions came alive in front of their eyes. The unfinished corridors, the dancing lights, raw finishes, intricately intertwined complex services, minor details to magnificent design elements, and above all, the coordination between different trades, all illustrated the immense collaboration behind any built work. Most importantly, it was a lesson that architecture is not just about design, but it is also about responsibility, leadership, and foresight. It was a reminder that an architect’s role extends far beyond aesthetics, that touches lives, functions, and emotions from the decisions, such as the placement of a column to the choice of materials that impact the lives of future users.
It was a lovely experience today. Learned a lot! I think such trips prove fruitful, as we’re able to properly visualize and understand the concepts and the in-depth work behind those beautiful buildings even better. (Laiba Kafil)
Learned a lot of new things, and how the big-scale construction process goes on, liked how they were explaining all the slightest details. (Rabiha Imtiaz)
It was a great learning experience. We observed how the design focuses on patient comfort and functional planning. The spaces were well-organized with a modern and practical approach. Overall, it helped us understand how architecture meets healthcare needs effectively. (Ali Aswad)
The visit was really good. Ejaz Sahab explained many new things, and especially the ramp experience was the best part. We learned a lot from this visit and observed many details related to MEP, flooring, and HVAC work. It was a great opportunity to understand how practical site work connects with what we study in class. Overall, it was a very informative and valuable experience. (Syeda Aimen Fawad)
What made the day truly memorable was Ar. Ejaz Ahed’s interaction with students, throughout the visit, reflected the spirit of true mentorship, patience, insight, and deep humanity. There was no distance between a legendary architect and the students – only shared curiosity and mutual respect. Despite being among the most senior and respected architects in Pakistan, he guided the students with patience and attentiveness, ensuring that every question found an answer.
Ar. Ejaz explained the design and structural logics, material selection, and services coordination significance behind the design of a hospital as the most complex and technical project. His vision shared not only the technical aspects of construction but also the ethical dimensions of being an architect who vows patience, precision, and empathy. Ar. Ejaz works as an architect who speaks volumes of clarity, functionality, and sensitivity to the elevated human experience within medical spaces. Decades decades-long association of Ar. Ejaz with Liaqat National Hospital is a living story of the institution’s medical excellence growing in parallel with architectural excellence as a true reflection of vision and wisdom.
By sharing his time, knowledge, and kindness, Ar. Ejaz transformed an ordinary field trip into a lesson in professionalism, humility, and lifelong learning. Visits like these underscore the significance of mentorship in architectural education, when senior professionals open their sites and experiences to students. They not only teach design and construction but also pass on values that shape the future of the discipline.
