KARACHI: Tiny, intricate models of several historic and popular buildings created by students of Karachi University’s visual studies department, as part of their first-year project, were put on display on the campus on Monday at the Foundation Hall.

The miniature landmarks included Empress Market, Frere Hall, Khaliq Dina Hall, KMC building, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Hindu Gymkhana, etc.

“For two whole months, the students carried out extensive research, photo documentation, drawing and drafting of the original landmarks. After rigorous finishing and minute detailing, the students finally put up these miniature models for display,” explained Tania Nasir, the in charge of the visual studies department.

Each student group was first tasked with selecting a landmark and then recreating it on a scale of 1/8th, she added.

“Our goal this semester was to push the students to experiment with an array of mixed media and create real-life architectural landmarks of Karachi as miniature models. The foundation year consisted of architecture, industrial design, and graphic design students who were split into seven groups,” she said.

Co-instructors Asim Mehdi Kazmi and Muhammad Owais assisted students in considering their major options, sharing a breadth of experiences while promoting in-depth thinking and skill development.

“Each year, the course ends with a final project which incorporates skill, technique, and understanding of the material/media learned over the semester with students putting up their finished work for the public showcase,” said Mr Kazmi.

Appreciating students’ efforts, Mr Owais said students tried their best to recreate these architectural landmarks as close to real as possible using various textures and techniques such as sand, clay, metal wires, cement, plaster of Paris, play dough, woodwork, laser cutting, etc.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2021