Historic Urban Squares as Traffic Islands: A Case of Regal Chowk, Mall Road Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The research article is an effort to identify the features which are responsible to fetch changes in the historic character of these public spaces. The core objective of this paper is to review the causes of the transformation from traditional to modernity to provide social,
Economic and environmental benefits to the public. Historic urban squares are sitting rooms for communal activities and symbolize the community in which they are positioned. Urbanization in the form of Urban sprawl shattered the historic environment and these squares / chowks were ruined and malformed into traffic islands. Case study method has been used to study the selected area, Regal Chowk Mall Road Lahore. The current situation of Regal Chowk reflects the amazing blend of traditional and modern architectural styles due to the increased commercialization. Analyzing the constraints, conclusions has been drawn to develop a framework for planned interventions in the historic urban environment.