My fascination with old buildings is not a new one; it started way back when I was a child, but it came to life when I started university and did a few projects related to the historical architecture of Karachi. Doing research on old buildings and photographing them just intensified the appeal.

During my third year at university, along with completing other projects related to old buildings, I decided I should do my mini-thesis on the historical architecture of Karachi, proposing to create a virtual heritage walk - something which cities with a lot of history, strong architecture and urban character should have. All in all, the entire project was for the people of Karachi and tourists to know the heritage of this vast city.

Extremely excited, I started working on it and the first building where I wanted to go to was the well preserved structure of Frère Hall, situated between Abdullah Haroon Road (formerly Victoria Road) and Fatima Jinnah Road (formerly Bonus Road). The beautiful Venetian Gothic style with yellowish Karachi limestone and red and grey sandstones from Jungshahi always used to mesmerize me.

I designed the walk so that it would inaugurate from Frère Hall, oblivious to the fact that I won’t be allowed to take pictures or even visit the vicinity for research purposes. Relentless, I still tried asking people here and there, but I couldn’t manage to find a way in. Disheartened and sad because most of our architectural heritage was not preserved, I realised that one of the very few buildings which actually is maintained, was off-limits to the public. And so, Frère Hall was cut out of my plan and I had to map out my project in a slight different way than initially planned.

Now, a decade after being sealed shut, the majestic hall is open to visitors and allows cultural activities to take place again. I don’t think I can explain what a wonderful experience it was to just wander around the lush green garden of Bagh-e-Jinnah or to just admire the beautiful building from British Raj days.

It has said by people that if you can’t go to see the Sistene Chapel ceiling painted by Micelangello, you can always go to Frere Hall to see what Sadequain did. The legendary artist dedicated his last piece to the citizens of Karachi. However, with its fading colours, the national treasure in the Sadequain gallery is in dire need of care.

The Liaquat National Library, which is supposed to be one of the few good libraries in Karachi, has more than 70,000 books in store. With amazing archives and a huge collection of books, it had the same problem as the Sadequain gallery, it is left in a poor state with no one to take care of it. The books are in heaps with layers of dust and dirt, offering no proper seating area.

Although dismayed with the state the interior is in, my excitement at the possibilities cannot be dampened. After all, who knows what the citizens of Karachi are willing to do now that they don’t have to stay off limits!

Eefa Khalid is the Visualizer at Dawn.com

The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.