Simon Nielsen 11/7/22 Simon Nielsen 11/7/22

Front Porch As An Intentional Gathering Place

“Our architecture and spaces tell a lot about our lifestyle and how we engage with our community. In Lahore, we see different types of front porches and thus different ways of connection and interaction within community. These modes of interaction together form the street life.” Peacemakers Pakistani examine a crucial element in the placemaking of Lahore and beyond.

By Peacemakers Pakistani

Front porch is a place to greet a neighbour, share bottle of water or a meal, encourage conversations (and yes those long goodbye conversations of desi aunties too) a place to sit in the shade of tree or a pergola, a place to celebrate and gather and have fun and also to be civically engaged as it connects our private spaces to public spaces. It is a frontier between our private homes and public spaces of neighbourhood. It reminds us of being a part of human community.

Our architecture and spaces tell a lot about our lifestyle and how we engage with our community. In Lahore, we see different type of front porches and thus different ways of connection and interaction within community. These modes of interaction together form the street life.

Let’s look at the famous street life of Walled City. The narrow roads and on street doors with no defined porches but a ‘thara’ (slab) connected to buildings base for sitting and interaction is provided. The ‘thara’ is the most used place for gathering and conversations among men living in the Walled City. And as streets are narrow and houses fronts are up close women are often seen or heard as communicating with each other behind their windows from houses across the street (what an interesting sight especially for the people used to living with a lawn buffer or 30 ft wide road as separation between houses).

This form of architectural or functional addition to a building is a welcoming opportunity for people to relax and have conversation with their neighbours and also strangers and also vendors. One of the reasons why Walled City environment feels safe regardless of uneducated or uncivilised boys and due to some good old men and natural surveillance (eyes on the street), their presence adds vibrancy to the street life. It’s these different forms of interaction that attracts the humans with social nature to spend time and appreciate the urban fabric of the Walled City.

Moving on and let’s talk about societies with small porches and front lawns (as by-laws requirement) with 30 ft wide road separating houses. The thara culture is not seen in other parts of the city but sometimes a bench in the front lawn is seen and utilised by people passing by to rest. It is also used by home owners to spend time and have conversation with friends. Sharing food items among neighbours is a common culture here because sharing is caring.

It is also common for a beggar to ask for help and that kind of compassionate exchange also happens through front porches. Buying items from vendors, meanwhile meeting a neighbour and having conversation on street is not something rare, it happens very often. The thing that keep these kind of streets alive are people walking to nearby grocery stores, finding public transport, beggars, vendors or friends that comes up to visit (conversations happening sometimes at gate or even from road to balcony)

There is another angle to the bigger societies with even larger roads approximately 60 ft to 80 ft width, with inner lawns as well and bigger homes. The social exchange happens but on a rare level. It is also about mindset and how people choose to live and interact with others. Vendors and beggars are also not allowed in such societies. The social exchange happens on front gate or in lawns, hardly seen on road or goes unnoticed due to wide roads and open space. Again, it depends upon how people choose to interact, but the streets and neighbourhoods like these are mainly silent and not very lively. The houses inside maybe loud and lively but streets are quiet.

The social exchange during current COVID19 was suspected to be different or not very likely to happen but it certainly happened as many livelihoods depended on them. People might have taken precautionary measures like masks and sanitisers and kept physical distance but social distance and daily practice of meeting and having conversations and seeking emotional support couldn’t be stopped here (the thara culture kept on).

People also shared food with their neighbours, yet again, because sharing is caring and delivery boys also delivered food to houses and families. Beggars also asked for help because that’s how they fed their families.

And here to mention an amazing practice done by Ms. Rukhsana Izhar, Founder of Rukh Foundation for providing cooked meals to needy people from her front porch. She had been doing it before COVID19 and she kept doing it during the crises. She practices SOP’s and educate people along the way as well (as you can see in the video below). A great example of how a woman leads. We must learn from her as Eid-ul-Adha is also coming and we might need to create such systems of interaction in order to provide meat to needy ones safely.

It’s just an example of how people can keep up their work and help others at any time just by adopting to current situations. I am truly proud to be a part of such community where an exchange of kindness, compassion and care is so common. Therefore, a porch is an intentional place for interaction.

One such success story by another lady, I would like to add here is by Ms. Robina Shakeel, Founder of Aabroo Educational Welfare Organization, who started teaching children of her maid in her car porch. And this passion and demand turned into one and then multiple schools and many children of uneducated parents. She is now running incredible systems to provide honour and healthy education to children. And remember it all started from a porch.

There might be multiple stories of inspiration and motivation from a small element of Architecture i.e. front porch. So pay attention and find out and discover more stories around you or create your own and acknowledge being a part of human community. And take care of your neighbours as it’s sunnah and they have rights over you. Adding vibrancy to your streets and neighbourhood through the process – that’s what placemaking is all about. You have the opportunity to interact and socialise, avail it whole-heartedly.

Simon Nielsen 10/18/22 Simon Nielsen 10/18/22

Public Space Is a Learning Place

“Any public space is a learning ground. We get to meet strangers and interact with them and learn something from them, we get to experience nature and all its glory and lessons, we get to experience and face different challenges as well. We get to meet people of different races and backgrounds and share the place with them without feeling any threat, and there's a chance of becoming a friend with them even if it's just a “salam dua friend" meaning someone you just greet on a daily basis.” Peacemakers Pakistani ask us to look around and cherish the shared learning of public space.

By Peacemakers Pakistani

The behavior of people in public spaces brings to light the issues that the nation or citizens are facing not only on surface level but on a deeper level as well.... If only one has time to focus, observe and analyze. After that when an issue is brought to surface one must try to help solve them in a compassionate manner instead of sitting there and criticize and complain about things. And what one must remember always, the change starts with one human, let that human be you!

So being an observer here is what I have to share with you....

1. We often observe intolerance and impatience in people on road, everyone wants to pass through first, not allowing other person to move ahead or waiting for their own turn. Well, "waiting??", what does that term mean! Unfortunately, we seem to be ignorant of this term. Here in Pakistan, it is sarcastically said "tu lang ja saadi kher" meaning "you can walk over us, we are okay with that". These kind of sarcastic remarks come from deep disappointment I believe and it is becoming our limited belief with time, unconsciously, which is not good. The reason being consumerism culture to me where everything is available at just one click that people have forgotten the habit of waiting for right time and instant gratification being one big disastrous mindset due to that as well. Also, the rat race in which everyone is rushing blindly.

So next time you are outside, observe.... Not only others but yourself as well.... Are you rushing? Are you part of the rat race everyone is? Is it hard for you to wait for your turn? How does it feel in your body? Where can you sense it within you? How is it showing up in your behavior? Then, observe in others, around you, how can you see it happening around you? Is it worth being a part of and keep on practicing daily? If not, what else would you like to practice daily so you may become that human who is tolerant and patient and going with the flow of nature. InshaAllah.

2. People have lost respect for each other including themselves. You can see it in the ways people treat each other on road or any other public space. The way they address each other, the name calling, the harassment cases particularly with girls/women, the bullying with boys, even the abusive behavior and language very frequently seen around. I find some signages and quotations on vehicles as disrespectful and sarcastic as well, there is no need for that but it is frequently seen because sense of humor is being misunderstood and an excuse for disrespect. I wonder why people have forgotten that respect is a fundamental need and moral value of a human being. Allah has given a human being great respect, why people have forgotten their value and position?

So, do you think that those who disrespect strangers would respect those at home? Do you know that the relationship we have with ourselves is what we reflect on the outside with others? How is your relationship with others? How do you treat others? How is your relationship with yourself? How do you treat yourself in times of tension and stress? How do you show yourself self respect? Is it all making sense to you?

3. I see adults (mainly homeless people and drug addicts I am referring to here) showcasing disgusting habits and activities in public and open spaces and living their lives as very discouraging and pitiful state, and then I wonder when I see children around them, (also homeless) not addicts yet but what else would they be if they see no good example around them? Children follow the steps of elders, what are they seeing, what are they copying? Unfortunately I have seen 2 children once mimicking how to smoke hiding from the elders, I have also seen children name calling and harassing girls older than them, I have also seen children laughing at lame jokes just like how elders would with different understanding and intention though, I have seen lot... I wish I was ignorant but I am not....

So what do you think how can this situation be minimized? Do these adults need to be schooled or these kids? What future do you see for them? What might be the cause of their homelessness and drug addiction? What would our kids be learning from them as they see them frequently on roads on daily basis? What mindset and behavior do we need to teach our children towards these people they encounter directly or indirectly? What could be our role as responsible citizens? Do share with me.

4. Leisure, rest and play are rights of all human beings. As we all work daily, either being a student or working person be at home or at office or any profession, the homemakers are included as well... But do we have time and space to rest play and have a leisure time? Is it for free? Are we given the opportunities to enjoy and rest? Are we availing those opportunities? I mainly see people, now, spending their free times in restaurants or in markets.... Consumerism alert! Spending money isn't my kind of rest, play or leisure activity, i mean spending money now would mean me being disturbed to earn money again for more free time or my responsibilities. For me that's double the pressure and stress. Isn't it true? For me, leisure walk on street or in the park that's more relaxing and relieving, the interaction with nature even for few minutes is a source of energy booster but I find it difficult because of the security concerns mainly due to lack of facilities and vehicles on road and yes creepy people lacking mannerism... But, why other people are not outside? I mean if there are more people out for rest and leisure wouldn't it feel secure, the natural surveillance would be such a great support. But do we have time for that, is it a priority for us? Why not? Is rat race and consumerism culture is again a culprit here? What do you think? Do you go out or not? Why yes or no?

5. Any public space a learning ground, we get to meet strangers and interact with them and learn something from them, we get to experience nature and all its glory and lessons, we get to experience and face different challenges as well. We get to meet people of different races and backgrounds and share the place with them without feeling any threat and there's a chance of becoming a friend with them even if it's just a salam dua friend meaning someone you only meet to greet and part ways (on daily basis) how amazing that is.... But for quite some time we haven't been allowed to be outside especially children and women to experience the outside world so we see lot of children and women lacking social skills and having self esteem issues because they weren't allowed to grow and fulfill their developmental needs. No wonder why our nation lack leaders...!

So I want to ask you now, what else have you been able to observe in public spaces around you and what other people behaviors teach you about the crisis in your country? What sort of crisis are there? I have only mentioned 5 but there are many that I have observed. What solution do you have to mitigate these crisis? Do you think if we reclaim our public spaces being a responsible citizen and being a better human (not just supposing that we are but becoming one) and set new examples rather good examples of how a society should behave and be and inspire our children as responsible adults and showcase good moral values, can that be a sensible step to transform our communities and the behaviors around us? There is nothing to prove to anyone just to be... Just to live a healthy life for ourselves. Just a lifestyle that's not only good for me or you but for everyone... Do you think that it can be done? Do you want to do it? Share your feedback. I am here listening.

Simon Nielsen 9/6/22 Simon Nielsen 9/6/22

Women In The City

“And for me to have a comfortable journey across my city I need safe zones and management in public transport services, and I need space to walk alone or with my kids, especially the one who is in the pram.” Peacemakers Pakistani challenge us to look at our cities and ask if they’re comfortable for all citizens. Do we really succeed in creating safe and inclusive places for everybody?

By Peacemakers Pakistani

“The vision ‘women in the city’ is beautiful. It depicts culture, harmony, open mindedness and freedom; when they are fearless and happy”, says Umaima Naeem.

Previously when I used to think about this topic, I used to research and find ways for making cities safer for women, but now for the first time, I want to experience the city from the perspective of providing comfort to the women. This means that I explore and re-imagine the city for myself as a woman for the sake of being comfortable in my city, rather than being safe.

Because this term ‘safety’ is no longer serving me to feel related to my city, rather it arises a feeling of insecurity and escape in the back of my mind. It brings barriers, cameras (cameras are only useful after something had happened, anyway), controlled movement, and all those things that force me to stay alert and formal rather than being me. It tells me that I can’t explore my city unless I am sure that I am safe, which is not the only way to do it. There is a possibility that I feel comfortable than I can go out and explore as well and relate to my city, its spaces and its people, hopefully.

This also tells me that in order to feel comfortable I have certain rights to be fulfilled, and I must know that what they are. Women are different from men and yes the gender thing counts and we must embrace that rather than denying that. We need more than what men need from their places and so let’s reclaim the places for us! Let’s learn today about what we as a girl/women rightfully need as I explore the city from the lens and need of a woman.

As I step out of my home, I prefer travelling through public transport or walk on foot more than men. Men use cars more. And that means I contribute to the sustainable travelling, more points on my side. But the problem is that the city is being designed for cars rather than what I prefer to use. And for that reason in order to travel comfortably I have to resort to private cars and uber services which clearly shifts the sustainable mode of travelling by me, not my choice though!

And for me to have a comfortable journey across my city I need safe zones and management in public transport services and I need space to walk alone or with my kids especially the one who is in the pram. I need space, I need footpath. I also need trees for shelter. And also, I need benches and a nice place to sit and relax and to wait. A sitting element that is comfortable as it is placed near trees, lights and shade and is visible during day and night time. It is not something that I need only, it is a basic necessity for active mobility, for people who are sick, disable, caretakers, child caretakers etc. We all need a comfortable place to sit as we travel across the city at whatever time.

Also, as a woman, I tend to use toilets more often than men for sake of myself or my children. Also if we analyze, women bathroom (toilet seat/wc) should be at least three times the size of men bathroom. Also, there should be a safe space for my children to wait for me especially the ones in the pram, if I ever travel alone with my kids. As an architect I can imagine the spatial requirements of a facility. And I must ask for more space and facility than men if I want more girls/women to use city spaces.

Also when it comes to designing spaces we tend to segregate spaces for boys and girls in a manner that is restricted to certain play or activity. It is mostly visible in playgrounds. The accessibility and movement of girls shouldn’t be hindered and restricted rather than facilitated in a fair manner. There must be the opportunity to have different types of play and activities in one place at same time.

And yes, comfort isn’t just a matter of providing amenities but also a psychological comfort is required to step into a place. That can happen if a girl/woman is sure that if any mishap happen, she can report to management and an action will be taken. Say no to sleaze! Campaign awareness and protection units must be placed and organized in public spaces. It’s time to provide girls/women the rights they have and make this city a place of pride for all.

All of this is possible if we start partnerships with architects, urban planners, transit authorities, landscape architects and planning agencies and educate the design professions about ways to build projects from the outset that consider women’s safety and comfort as a key element of their design program; this could set the stage for and induce the psycho-social, behavioral, and cultural changes that need to take place before women are truly able to enjoy public spaces and engage fully in the civic life of their cities. And it is being done by Global Placemaking Network in different countries.

These rights and demands of women in the city are from the findings in Barcelona, Spain as they lead their project called ‘Superblocks’ meant to reclaim the streets for pedestrians as cars occupy more space than any other road user, cyclists or just hangouts. Do check out how they are practicing and creating spaces that are built for women and other vulnerable citizens as well.

Simon Nielsen 8/14/22 Simon Nielsen 8/14/22

How Girls Disappear From The Public Space

“I believe that when girls/women start disappearing or hiding in the city, children disappear as well. And that’s how a downfall to community life or city vibrancy begins.” Peacemakers Pakistani share a crucial story of the use of public space.

By Peacemakers Pakistani

(These are brief findings from some personal experience and the stories girls told me in Pakistan)

In one of our articles previously, we have shared what public space means to us… public space can be interpreted as the public living room of a city, of which our houses are the bedrooms. A place where everyone, regardless of his or her background and ideology, can communicate with each other, share laughter and enter in to debate about anything. It is also a place in which people can sit and look at other people, while they can also be left unhindered if they want to be alone amongst strangers. Despite the public character, the place must ensure intimacy and give people the feeling of safety and comfort. In addition, a good public space must be able to emphasise a transition and interplay from the private domain to the public domain, whereby one for instance - while sitting at home - can look at a square from the window of his house and can let his thoughts wander for a moment.

It means that terraces, balconies and windows are a mode of transition from private to public domain and can play a vital role in forming the frame of urban space. But, do we see girls/women using it freely, like boys/men do? The answer is NO! Let me share a story here: Once there was a girl standing in the window of a home in the old settlement of Lahore. The window opened right into the street; it was her favourite spot to enjoy the hustle bustle of street life. She was just a little girl playing mindlessly with her bangles as she looked outside of her window. Right then, she noticed, a man on a cycle crossing the street again and again, and on paying attention she knew that he was looking at her, noticing her; he was a man old enough to be her father’s elder. She got scared and hid herself in disgust. Not only she closed the windows, she threw her bangles away as well.

This incident not only moved the girl from the urban frame but also hindered her movement and perception about the city spaces outside home and its people. Also, it encouraged the street being taken by boys as there was no reason left to scold boys for standing near a house where there is a possibility that a girl might appear in the window, because she won’t. This is not only a story happening in the old streets but in new societies as well. Because it’s the behaviours that are causing problem not the urban frame, it’s how people are using their spaces that matters not the way the spaces are connected to each other, because spaces and their connection differs from place to place, it’s human nature that stays the same. The only possibility for change is present if people change their way of perceiving things in their mind and how they react to it and also if people start giving value to other beings and their rights. That’s only how the change is possible.

Streets also come under the category of public spaces. When a girl steps out of her house, her eyes are wide open not out of wonder, anymore, but out of alertness about her surroundings due to the incidents of harassment, robbery, fast pace cars, insufficient space for movement etc. She feels like she has to be hyper alert to protect her. She feels unsafe when she is out alone, whatever the time might be.

Another story I would like to share here, about a girl, who had recently learned how to ride a bicycle. She went out one afternoon on her bicycle to explore her neighbourhood, after school hours, she was happy and then suddenly she realised she was being chased by boys on a bike. She somehow managed to escape them but they had seen her entering her home unfortunately. That night, her bicycle was stolen from her porch. And since then, the girl didn’t step out of her house alone, and also stopped enjoying the walk in her porch. The limitations incidents like these put on the child aren’t just about outside home but within home boundaries as well, these limitations take place within minds. Girls are more vulnerable to such incidents as they perceive and react in a sensitive manner, they either hide themselves or they go out violently, protesting or doing whatever they wish. Both of these reactions aren’t healthy for girls themselves or the children that might be under their care.

Women/ girls potentially use public transport more than men. But now they are adapting to personal cars or uber drivers which eventually add more cars to streets and fail the concept of sustainable public transport. The reason is clear…. Harassment and evil incidents happen in public transport and areas everyday and every moment, unfortunately. The reaction is an outcome of actions that are being overlooked by officials and city policy makers and management.

Let’s talk about parks, a place needed for leisure, picnics and for healthy connection with nature. Parks have trees for shade and comfort but, it also screens the inner park from outer roads or neighbourhood. Playgrounds are different, they are dominated with spaces for boys and their sports, which lead to girls feeling, left out, which is another story. But about parks, the threat is different, if there are not enough girls or women using the place at the same time, there is always this fear that something might go wrong at any moment. So, the interaction with nature that was meant to restore energy through restful activity is reversed as the energy spent on mental stress activity and alertness to keep oneself safe from the surroundings.

I conclude here that, all of these small factors lead to girls/women disappearing from the city fabric and also not owning spaces with freedom and joy. And I believe that when girls/women start disappearing or hiding in the city, children disappear as well. And that’s how a downfall to community life or cities vibrancy begins. Therefore, we must try to consider things to change, rather than subside and act passive to the happenings in the city. Because, the evil might come back grown stronger, or let’s just say it already did; look around what’s happening already. Don’t you agree with me?

Simon Nielsen 2/22/22 Simon Nielsen 2/22/22

Slow Down, Look Around

“You know public spaces are a source of free entertainment. And honestly, I love this aspect of public or outdoor places. But what is entertainment and why is it important? Entertainment generally means “an event, performance, or activity designed to provide amusement or enjoyment to others.” So basically, it’s an act that gives you joy and some good time.” Peacemakers Pakistani.

By Peacemakers Pakistani

Have you ever noticed yourself rushing from one destination to another? Being in movement not only physically but also mentally. Picturing your next destination and chores you have to do and people you have to see and meeting you have to attend, or presentation you have to give or lecture you have to attend… This kind of rush???

Like in real desperation to be where you want to be… To just reach there and the crowd fades away… The traffic, “Oh my God, why are there so many cars on the road” “I am in hurry, let my car pass through” “Get out of my sight you lazy drive”… Ahh! These slow drivers! “Where are you coming man, let me just go through” “Oh my, is it time to fight???” “Is it time to block the road?” “Oh man!” This signal! “Why are there signals?” “I am going to be late, definitely”. Like the real deal to just get out of your vehicle and get your chores done… That tick tock kind of thing on your mind…

Have you ever noticed? Well if you did, it’s okay. You are normal. We all do have same tick tock situation because we live in real busy urban world…

But what if, today, you just slow down… To observe! To not rush! To breathe! To just look around! The term slow is a movement or action at a relaxed or leisurely pace. Drop that fast pace of yours! And slow down to take in the essence of happenings around you… In the city you live… About the people you share common traditions with… About the environment we all breathe in…

At hawkers with colourful objects, or kids either going to Madrassas or playing out at streets, or a family on a bike, or an old man passing by, or at shop owners setting up, waiting for customer or laughing together at regular jokes…

Maybe you will reach your destination a moment late… But you might be less stressful or a less frustrated… Maybe you will find yourself smiling or maybe your forehead crease will be a little smoother… And trust me, you will feel good, certainly! I am saying it because I do… every time... When I slow down & observe & feel!

Look around! You may find different stories happening around you. And why you must do that? When you have so much work to do. Well…

You know public spaces are a source of free entertainment. And honestly, I love this aspect of public or outdoor places. But what is entertainment and why is it important? Entertainment generally means “an event, performance, or activity designed to provide amusement or enjoyment to others.” So basically, it’s an act that gives you joy and some good time. That’s why it is important because it’s a matter of your joy in daily life. There are various methods of entertainment & various types of entertainers. We all may have different interests and thus different memories.

One of my favourite childhood entertainment memory is a man with a monkey (Bandar aur Dugdugi). A monkey which does acts on his trainer’s command & makes people laugh & admire its intelligence. I can still remember that dugdugi’s tuktuk in my mind… An exciting & cheerful memory! I have happened to see a tamed bear in my street as well!

Oh... But how come you have not seen the funniest incident of monkey jumping onto people’s car on traffic signal while its trainer asks for some money. Oh my! All those screaming passengers!!!

Then, there are those musical entertainers we see in television & movies performing in squares & streets. Even though, in Pakistan, we don’t have this culture. But how can you forget the “Dhol wala group”??? The drum beaters checking their instruments or practising along green belts is such a delight. Just hearing the beat of familiar sound makes me smile… I often come across this type of entertainment at Ferozepur Road & Wahdat Road intersection and Allaho Chowk.

And if you can hear that sound & visually recall dhamal and bhangra moves, then credit goes to you. As you had paid attention to your surroundings, once & then it was stored in your memory…

Hey, do you recall the loud vendors passing through the streets? Then you must have realised that your street is a public space and it doesn’t belong to you alone but to all and thus you got to bear noise of people moving, kids playing or fighting, vendors calling out “gheeya, tinday, aalo, tamatar le lo….” “Machine theek kara lo…” “Loha raddi de do…” And some real time entertainers actually having punch lines to seek your attention to their stall or they might even sing a complete song to sell their items or maybe to enjoy while they sell what they have to… I recall this:

لسی ٹھنڈی ٹھار اے

لسی دی بهار اے

لسی مزے دار اے

I have another reason. Have you ever find yourself reading & loving the messages your city has to tell you? Well, of course by city I mean its people - who else will write or display those messages – it’s by people indeed. People who got enough of time to do something that can entertain or make others feel joy. Not all are here to entertain you or give in their time & thought for you. You know.

So, the messages! Yes. Yes. Exactly... Those behind the trucks & rickshaws... Let's have a look at some awesome messages...

"ماواں ٹھنڈیاں چھاواں"

"Mother as a cool shade"

"یہ میرے ماں باپ کی دعائیں ہیں"

"These are my parent's prayers."

You see, the sense of gratitude towards parents. It's constant reminder that one needs all time... Haven't you ever felt gratitude towards your own parents when you come across such messages?

Some sort of self expressionism is also evident in these displays. Like:

سڑک سے دوستی سفر سے یاری دیکھ پیارے زندگی ہماری

I befriend the road, my companion is the journey. Look at my life, dear.

آغازِ جوانی ہے ہم جھوم کے چلتے ہیں لوگ سمجھتے ہیں ہم پی کے چلتے ہیں

I swagger because I am young; the world thinks I reel because I'm drunk.

They are also used as mobile or moving advertisements on public transport. It makes one journey on road - thoughtful, interesting & fun. And the reason why I like to see them is...

I highly appreciate the penmanship of people belonging to Pakistan. Like real time thing, real talent! Similarly the truck art is also an artist exhibiting his talent leaving it onto road. Not preserving his masterpiece but letting it get dirty or scratched or worse but fulfilling its duty of carrying loads to its place while amazing people with its colours along the way. Well, don't think I am distracted I am just highlighting an important part of Pakistan here.

Not all sources of entertainment require money or debit card, some only requires your attention, sensory involvement and an appreciation to the entertainers. They need you to see, hear, feel, think and respond. So are you willing to be attentive in the present moment?

You see how Pakistani or Desi people just express even serious things in funny ways… Well, for me, I see them as a sign of optimism & happiness. It sparks joy in me & make me feel love for such messages. And I find kind of comfort in them. Like assurance by my own people and something I have been seeing my entire life and its never outdated. Doesn’t it move you that how people are sharing their creativity in amazing ways & also for free??? Aren’t they all entertainers??? Who doesn’t need such entertainment for free?

It makes me able to put my guards down. I am not alone on the road, there are other people as well, and they are communicating in different ways. It also makes me feel good because at least some people are confidently owning & sharing what they are, in real & they aren’t insecure to let the world know what they want to say out loud. What if we all just recognise our power of sharing the words of wisdom, joy or creativity, and communicating with others?… How interesting this world can be…(some personal sentiments included consciously)

But, hey! This is not the only form of how our people share messages with us…. Ever noticed, flowers & vines in the balconies & terraces & lawns and flowers on the greenbelts??? Like, people sharing their love for nature & its beauty with the world rather than material bricks, paints alone or rigid facades… Do they not add calming effect to your mind? I see it as a good deed – providing comfort to someone just passing by.

You like it what I just shared with you, right? So just slow down! Start enjoying life by being conscious of sensory plethora. Let public place activate your senses to full potential so it can store incidents in memory & make you smile even if it’s not physically there anymore. Or that memory shall invite you to visit the place again with its sound… And if you can recall any sound while reading this, you are truly amazing!

May this happen all in goodness… May you have a good day today & tomorrow. May your journey be a cheerful one. May you not risk your life while rushing today. Amen

Have wonderful time & memories while noticing the world around you! May you find interesting & soulful entertainers out there… Remember! You can find real joy around yourself… If you are ready to find it for free.

And ending with a quote... Sharing with you what’s popular lifestyle trend in the world nowadays: “Slow Living”

“It’s about knowing and passionately loving the things we value. And designing our lives to spend the most time possible enjoying them. It’s about having intention and consciousness in our activities. About escaping the mindless scrolling and unproductive multi-tasking and focusing on purposeful action.” –Kayte Ferris

Be the part of right trend because Now is the Time! Fall in love with your surroundings and yourself. Will you?

Simon Nielsen 2/21/22 Simon Nielsen 2/21/22

Environmental Impacts Of Death

A person’s final resting place can be the foundation of flowerbeds or feed the roots of the tree, or it can pose major environmental hazards through the continuation of a person’s carbon footprint even after the death. Peacemakers Pakistani explore the final footprint.

By Peacemakers Pakistani

Death is a part of life and it has its environmental effects as well. The ritual of different types of burying or cremating a dead body is so deeply ingrained in religious and cultural history that there is no question on it, but they are far from environment friendly practices.

The environmental impacts of death is largely determined by the type of funeral and burial opted by the person or community. Apart from the Islamic burials, the process of preserving and sealing corpses into caskets and then plunging them into the ground is extremely unfriendly environmentally. Toxic chemicals from the embalming (It is the process of preserving a body to delay the natural break down of cells, which begins with death), burial, and cremation process leach into the air and soil, and expose the livings to potential hazards.

"The best way is to allow your body to feed the earth or ocean in a way that is sustainable for future generations", says Susan Dobscha, a professor and editor of a book about the green-burial industry, called "Death and a Consumer Culture”.

1. Embalming is the process of pumping chemical mixture of formaldehyde, phenol, methanol, and glycerine into the body through an artery to delay the body's rate of decay. This could be used for display purposes during funerals, long-distance transportation, or for use for medical or scientific research. It is also said to give the body a life-like appearance for public viewing.

Formaldehyde is a potential human carcinogen and can be lethal if a person is exposed to high concentrations. Its fumes can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Phenol, similarly, can irritate or burn the flesh, and is toxic if ingested. Methyl alcohol and glycerine can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, and throat. According to an article published in the Berkeley Planning Journal, more than 800,000 gallons of formaldehyde are put into the ground along with dead bodies every year in the US. That is enough to fill one and a quarter Olympic-sized swimming pools each year.

The next reason that why these burial practices are bad for environment is many materials go into the burials. According to the Berkeley Planning Journal, conventional burials only in the US, every year use 30 million board feet of hardwoods, 2,700 tons of copper and bronze, 104,272 tons of steel, and 1,636,000 tons of reinforced concrete. The amount of casket wood alone is equivalent to about 4 million acres of forest.

2. Cremation: Burning the body into ashes to be kept in an urn or scattered into the water is called cremation which is practised by some religious cultures. Cremation is considered as less harmful than pumping a body full of formaldehyde and burying it on top of concrete, but there are still lots of environmental effects to consider. The process requires a lot of energy and creates air pollution by releasing hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere, including carbon monoxide, fine soot, sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, and mercury emissions. In contrast to a natural burial, in which a body is simply left to decompose in nature, cremated ashes are sterile and do not supply nutrients back into the earth.

Eco-friendly options for the burials do exist. For example:

3. Natural Burials: the process of interring a body in earth in a manner that allows it to decompose naturally. The process does not use vaults, traditional coffins, or toxic chemicals. Instead, bodies are wrapped in biodegradable shrouds and laid to rest where they can decompose more naturally. Bodies are buried six feet deep without a coffin, in an ordinary soil to aid the decomposition.

Without the embalming fluids, the body of an adult person normally takes eight to twelve years to decompose which is the minimum time for the body to decompose. However, if placed in a coffin the body can take many years longer, depending on type of wood used. For example, a solid oak coffin will highly slow down the process. There was a case where a body was exhumed in an oak coffin and it was found to still be in a state of decomposition some 50 years later. Along with that, a lot also depends on how deep the coffin is buried, the state of the soil and the local water.

Decomposition begins several minutes after the burial, with a process called autolysis, or self-digestion. According to the laws of thermodynamics, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another, and the amount of free energy always increases. In other words, things fall apart, converting their mass to energy while doing so. Decomposition is one final morbid reminder that all matter in the universe must follow these fundamental laws. It breaks us down, equilibrating our bodily matter with its surroundings, and recycling it so that other living things can put it to use.

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”

There are several benefits of natural burials which are:

1. Elements that are present in the human body are present in lesser or greater quantity in the soil. It is more scientific to bury a dead body, as it easily gets decomposed and mixed in the soil.

2. There is no pollution unlike cremating the body which produces hazardous chemicals in the atmosphere.

3. When dead bodies are buried, besides the trees being saved, the surrounding land becomes fertile, and it improves the environment as it enriches the soil nutrients.

4. Burying dead bodies is very cheap. It hardly costs any money as compare to cremating or casket burials.

5. The land used for burying a dead body can be re-utilised for burying another body after a few years since the human body gets decomposed and mixed in the soil.

"People [who] choose to be buried in the friendly burial area are the people who want wildflowers blooming on their grave and butterflies fluttering about", says Larkspur Executive Director John Christian Phifer.

There is also a newer trend in natural burials that aims for even bigger ecological benefits. For example:

4. Capsula Mundi, which is an egg-shaped pod through which a buried corpse or ashes can provide nutrients to a tree planted above it. It is an egg-shaped pod, an ancient and perfect form, made of biodegradable material, where our departed loved ones are placed for burial. The bodies will be laid down in a fetal position in larger pods and the Capsula will then be buried as a seed in the earth. A tree, chosen in life by the deceased, will be planted on top of it and serve as a memorial for the departed and as a legacy for posterity and the future of our planet. Family and friends will continue to care for the tree as it grows. Cemeteries will acquire a new look and instead of the cold grey landscape, they will grow into vibrant woodlands.

5. The Burial Suit is made of organic cotton and lined with specialist mushroom spores, so a person buried in it will soon be covered in growing mushrooms. Their remains will feed the mushrooms, which quickly break down organic material and remove toxins from the environment, in turn delivering nutrients to the soil and surrounding plants.

We know that in the throes of grief, the environment might often be the furthest thing in families’ minds. But during a person’s life, if he/she tries to live Eco-friendly life then why the process of death should be any different. Its not likely for a person to discuss their body disposal method but, now, we have to when it poses major environmental hazards! I hope we take things serious in a light manner.... I hope we do....

Simon Nielsen 2/17/22 Simon Nielsen 2/17/22

RISE Lahore (Food For Thought)

“The point here is to open the door for all & make space for all & attend those who show up themselves or send someone else in their place as their advocates. I hope you get what I mean. You see how it relates to the flexibility that we just talked about in the 'resilient' Lahore? WE ACCEPT ALL THOSE WHO JOIN IN - THEMSELVES OR SEND OTHERS IN THEIR PLACE. It's about 'us'... about 'we'....“ Peacemakers Pakistani shake up Lahore and envision a future city resting on strong communities. Let the shaking begin!

By Peacemakers Pakistani

The latest event theme for Conscious Lahore 2021 i.e RISE Lahore got me thinking about these terminologies and my vision on the topic..... This is what I came up with.

What does Resilient Lahore means to me?

Resilient (literally) means having the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or situations....

It means we don't remain stuck in a place or situation.... It means we are flexible enough to make room for changes - expected or unexpected.... It means we have both a growth mindset and not a fixed mindset.... It means we are not easy to break because of our elasticity which is ultimate strength after all....

WE GET BACK UP EASILY EVEN IF WE FALL! WE DON'T REMAIN THERE!

We as citizens.... We as community....

We who build systems....

What does Inclusive Lahore mean to me? Inclusive (literal) means not excluding any of the parties or groups involved in something. Let's suppose 'something' as Lahore...... So the question arises: who are the groups or parties? The first step for me is the identification and naming all of them from A-Z, from different dimensions, each and every one of them and then asking this question: are they part of the process and our consideration or not? Let me mention here... When we start the work, it is indeed overwhelming to think about how to involve all? Well, start with some method at least, maximum groups at least if not all at start & as you start the process, expansion happens naturally if you have the intention for it. People join in themselves. The point here is to open the door for all & make space for all & attend those who show up themselves or send someone else in their place as their advocates. I hope you get what I mean. You see how it relates to the flexibility that we just talked about in the 'resilient' Lahore? WE ACCEPT ALL THOSE WHO JOIN IN - THEMSELVES OR SEND OTHERS IN THEIR PLACE. It's about 'us'... about 'we'....

What does Sustainable Lahore mean to me?

Sustainable (literally) means having the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level... Also, conserving ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.

So..... It means making choices that can be maintained and be beneficial in longterm.

Let me ask few questions here that are directly related to problems that we are facing currently or the choices being made that bother us. (Just to get you started to just think)

1. Do we really need more high rises? Have the existing ones been used to its full potential and are they bringing in more benefit & revenue to the city as compared to what it has taken from Lahore and its resources?

2. Do we really need more automobiles? Do we have petrol? Can we afford it today? Why are we crying then?

3. Do we need more trees? Are we conscious & grateful towards the existing ones? Are we taking the benefit from it? Are we giving back to it?

4. Are we making right choices as professionals or are we just making money by adding toxicity to our Lahore/ our homeland?

What does Equitable Lahore means to me?

Equitable (literally) means what exhibit the quality of being fair and impartial - being fair to all parties... Justice and fair judgement and decision starts with listening to all parties attentively & without any prerequisite or plan.... The freedom of speech, act, behaviour, this all comes when a person knows that there is equality and there will be justice now and always. There is this feeling of trust among people, within community and in systems... This results in responsibility, ownership, pride, discipline, faith & unity. This is the root of setting moral systems right. This is the moral obligation in itself. So where do we stand? Are we bias in any area of our life? Do we breach the rights of anyone? Are we fair in our dealings? We need to figure things out on our own and then go out ask others for it.... Firstly, we are accountable for our acts to self & our lord & then we can go out demanding for things.... Government comes later... Maybe we are part of some game that makes the government systems. Like a puzzle piece. Just think about it! Make that part, which is your responsibility, right.... This might lead to making the entire structure right. Even though a little shift will shake the structure, but this will make other parts to shift too & the chaos will lead to balance soon. InshaAllah. Let that shaking begin! Also, a psychological fact here: shaking/ sobbing/ movement is one way of releasing the stuck and traumatic energies from body and we have been through lot of stress since partition that runs in our systems as humans and as communities and ultimately in systems. We are in dire need of shaking. Let's just do it!

The goal or mission we can have as a conclusion of it:

WE GET BACK UP WHEN WE FALL OR EVEN IF WE JUST BEND FOR A WHILE BECAUSE WE ARE INTO THIS TOGETHER, ACCEPTING EACH OTHER UNCONDITIONALLY & SUPPORTING EACH OTHER NO MATTER WHAT. WE ARE JUST TOWARDS ALL PARTIES. AND WE MAKE CHOICES FOR OUR COMMUNITIES & OUR CITIES THAT ARE BENEFICIAL FOR ALL & CAN BE MAINTAINED IN LONG-TERM.

Here's the link to the recording of complete session on RISE Lahore:

(You can listen to my presentation at the timing 1:57:00)

Simon Nielsen 11/15/21 Simon Nielsen 11/15/21

What Makes a Place Lively And Secure?

A place appears to be lively and secure due to human presence. If we see people around us projecting good energy and vibes, finding comfort in a place, we, too, reflect that energy and find comfort. That’s basic human nature. But the point to ponder is what brings people out in place? What attracts them to a place? Azbah Ansari and Peacemakers Pakistani answer an essential question.

By Peacemakers Pakistani

*Photo: LumenSoft Technologies/Unsplash*

A place appears to be lively and secure due to human presence. If we see people around us projecting good energy and vibes, finding comfort in a place, we, too, reflect that energy and find comfort. That’s basic human nature. But the point to ponder is what brings people out in place? What attracts them to a place? Peacemakers Pakistani answer this essential question.

William H. Whyte already gave an answer:

“What attracts people most, it would appear, is other people."

But the first question that might arise regarding people in a place, would be, what are they doing in the place? Undoubtedly, people presence makes a place lively but a meaningful presence and activity makes it secure and worthy of being in. So, what do we expect from a place where people are present and doing their activities freely? Ever wondered that? What activities and people generally come to your mind about any place in your mind?

If people are free to do what they want to do, we can see different people in a place, beyond gender roles and racism. We can see them as beings – a human more than just an appearance but a being, fulfilling a purpose and living a life. It might be different from your trials and aspirations but when all people with differences comes together that’s how a picture gets completed. Whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. But to get to the whole, we need to pay attention to the parts and bring them whole together in a rightful manner.

I am going to share a list of people doing/offering different activities as per their needs (fulfilled we assume, as we picture an ideal place) and abilities. So, let’s see how many different people and activities we can come up with regarding any public place and how these small parts can complete a whole picture and make it vibrant and lively. Feel free to share and add any type to this list. For the picture, allow your imagination to run wild and feel the human presence around you. Imagine yourself in any place you want and keep on adding these people if their activities suit the place in your mind.

A vendor with a convenient space selling his goods, having some seating space to entertain customers as well if he is a food vendor. A busker playing music and entertaining others in a space where there are people who will pay for it. A local artist making & selling sculpture or artwork. A market goer or customer making his way to exchange or buy goods. A commuter or food van parked in a secure place during the day, performing duties to provide others with services.

An office worker who came to eat outside with fresh air away from the computer screen. Maintenance workers relaxing & stretching to get started with work again, also they have some space to store equipments in the meantime. A book reader sitting in a quite secluded space totally absorbed by his book. A runner or walker out in space with fresh air and doing exercise for healthy life. A local resident enjoying a quiet space in which to appreciate nature as he has no garden. An old man sitting under a tree watching kids play. Few couples (of all ages) sitting at different spots talking about things that matter to them, unaware of people around them. Few of them are just walking as well, one of them has a baby stroller and they are walking in the place in front of you.

A human being simply connecting with nature & its creations. A tourist or 1st generation migrant exploring, learning more about the culture of city & collecting memento from the visit, subjects & objects to photograph, activities to participate in and much more, doing it all freely without bothering or feeling any eyes on him/her. A differently able person having a convenient access zones towards public spaces, toilets & amenities. An emergency aid provider rapidly accessing to patient in a space to give first aid without barriers.

Have you pictured it all, or most of it? How did it feel? Do you want to go there, where people are? Indeed, people go where people are. People generally go out for needs and entertainment, activities like shopping, work, play, leisure time, something new, rest and to distress. That’s a basic human need as well. Therefore, the foremost objective for any public space project should be to provide activities & entertainment for all kinds of users considering their needs & demands. Only that will make a place livelier and secure, even though it is not the only way to do it, but it is the first step to start from. Equity and Inclusion strategy as we call it in placemaking.

And as you enjoyed it all, just for a moment think about it from the ‘eyes of the child’. Oh the wonderful eye that registers everything in his mind and stores everything in his pure heart. What great messages would he be learning if he was in such environment? How happy and secure he must be feeling! How much liveliness his presence and sense of being would be adding to the place! What else can be a true indicator of a liveable city if not that of the presence of happy children in streets and public spaces? Think about that too, because it is important.

The Empty Square