Text & Photographs by Sarah Hafees & Sarah Khan
Historically, man can only build with locally available resources to combat the challenges of nature. As time passed, the powerful ones used architecture as a tool to assert their dominance over people. In the recent past, following the footprints of the Romans, the colonial rulers brought with them their architectural vocabulary and planning principles to civilize their colonies. Karachi, an important port city of the British Empire, had a huge colonial influence on its development, which was later replaced by changing patterns in power and politics. These layers of control, combined with the waves of migrants, have affected the built environment of the principal trade city and have resulted in a heterogeneous mixture of architectural vocabulary and development trends.
Due to Karachi’s incredibly diverse and well-endowed geography, the Department of Architecture and Planning NED University of Engineering & Technology (DAP NEDUET) consciously incorporates study tours to numerous important historical, cultural, archaeological, and contemporary architectural sites in its History & Theory course stream. These study tours are routinely conducted as part of the second-, third, and fourth-year history courses, which cover the understanding of regional history and various civilizations that have left their impressions in Karachi and other parts of the country. This time, a group of first and second-year students from DAP NEDUET recently had the opportunity to explore Karachi’s colonial-era architecture through four historic sites.
The journey began with visits to Holy Trinity Church and St. Andrew’s Church, both Protestant churches that stand as reminders of Karachi’s British colonial past. One interesting feature the students noted was their urban planning-both churches are positioned to be accessible from all four sides, a rare layout in the city’s otherwise dense fabric.
Constructed in 1855 and designed by Captain John Hill of the Bombay Engineers, Holy Trinity Church is a Romanesque basilica built using local Gizri sandstone. Its original 250-foot tower once served as a lighthouse for ships approaching Karachi’s port, making it a crucial navigational landmark. However, due to foundation weaknesses, the tower’s height was reduced to 110 feet in 1905, and the roof was modified from a hut style to its current curved form. The church’s robust structure, round arches, and imposing clock tower make it a striking feature of the city’s historic landscape. Inside, high ceilings and wooden beams enhance its grandeur while maintaining a sense of simplicity.
Next came St. Andrew’s Church, also known as the Scottish Church, built in 1868 and designed by T.G. Newnham, which reflects Scottish architectural influences with its fortress-like structure and Gothic elements. The pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stained-glass windows add to its distinctive style, while the steeply pitched roofs and lancet windows serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, improving ventilation and natural light. Constructed from a mix of sandstone and limestone, the church stands as a testament to Karachi’s colonial heritage and the influence of British railway engineers on the city’s architectural landscape.
From religious history, the students moved on to political heritage at Flagstaff House, once home to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The house, a perfect blend of European and local architectural elements, features spacious verandas, high ceilings, and intricate ironwork on its balconies. Constructed from stone masonry, its symmetrical façade and columned porches reflect the neoclassical style popular during the British era. A highlight of the visit was meeting Liaquat Merchant, Jinnah’s grandnephew, who spoke about the nine commandments of Quaid-e-Azam. His emphasis on women’s empowerment-the first of Jinnah’s principles-sparked an engaging discussion among the students.
The final stop was Frere Hall, one of Karachi’s most celebrated colonial-era landmarks. Built during British rule, its design merges Gothic and Venetian influences. The pointed arches, decorative wooden trusses, and steeply pitched roof give it an air of old-world elegance, while the red and yellow Gizri stone exterior creates a striking visual contrast. Over the years, Frere Hall has transformed from a colonial administrative space to a vibrant cultural hub, serving as a town hall, library, and exhibition venue.
These educational tours allow students to explore significant historical and contemporary sites while learning about the cultural influences on architecture, construction methods, and design. They broaden participants’ perspectives on diverse interpretations of cultural and built heritage, helping them understand what they are learning in the classroom and beyond. Beyond aesthetics, this trip offered students a deeper understanding of how colonial-era architecture shaped Karachi’s urban identity. Observing these structures in person-analysing their materials, layout, and historical significance-bridged the gap between theory and reality. More than an academic exercise, it was a moment to appreciate the city’s rich architectural heritage and a reminder of the importance of preserving such sites for future generations.
Sarah Hafeez is a Lecturer at DAP NED UET & Sarah Khan is a Assistabt Professor at DAP NED UET
