Interior View of the Central Market
India and Pakistan are two countries with tense relationships due to terrorism and land dispute. Because of these tensions, three of the four border crossings stations have been closed, in order to tightly control and monitor the crossings between the two countries.
However, the people of these two countries strive to have a better connection with their neighboring country. Evidence of this is at the Waga border crossing station where once a day at sunset, the countries participate in a duel ritual where hundreds or even thousands of people come to watch the ceremonial lowering of the flags.
The purpose of the ceremony is to fill people with national pride as well as to express compassion and comradery toward their fellow man.
Border ceremony at sunset
The goal is to reopen the currently closed Hussainiwala border crossing station in an effort to lead the people of two neighboring countries to a more peaceful future. The plan is to do this by having an open border crossing where people can drive for the first time, from one side of the neutral zone to the other, instead of having to get out and walk.
Features include auditorium space where the traditional ceremony takes place, as well as an open market where people from India and Pakistan can come to sell and trade goods and build better relationships with those on "the other side." The purpose of having only one building as the joint border crossing station is so the two countries work together towards a common goal.
Within the site, the aim is to have a strong sense of public and private space. The public spaces are open to bring people together but are covered by steel screens to protect travelers and merchants from harsh sun and wind, as well as to give a more defined sense of space and enclosure.
The veiw as travelers enter the border crossing from the train
The red sandstone is local to both countries so the material will not need to be imported on freighter ships. Streamlined day lighting and wind ventilation will naturally course through the site by keeping public areas open and private areas screened off. This allows wind and sun to enter the space, while also maintaining privacy for the employees. The hope is that the design is not only good for the environment, but also for the two countries' future.
Veiw as travelers drive across the border
