Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan's first female architect, has been awarded the UK's King Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. This recognition is a testament to her pioneering work in championing zero-carbon self-build concepts for displaced populations in Pakistan. Her career has been dedicated to advocating for sustainable and affordable housing solutions for marginalized communities in the country.
The Royal Gold Medal and its Importance
The Royal Gold Medal is one of the highest accolades for architecture worldwide. It is personally approved by the monarch and awarded to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the advancement of architecture.
The award is presented by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to those who have made noteworthy contributions to the profession of architecture. Previous recipients of the Royal Gold Medal include renowned architects such as Balkrishna Doshi, Sir David Adjaye OBE, Dame Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Lord Norman Foster, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Sir George Gilbert Scott.
Yasmeen Lari's Contributions to Architecture and Humanitarian Work in Pakistan
Yasmeen Lari's contributions to architecture and humanitarian work in Pakistan are immeasurable. Since officially retiring in 2000, she has focused on creating environmentally friendly construction techniques to help people living below the poverty line and communities displaced by natural disasters and climate change.
She co-founded the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan with her husband, Suhail Zaheer Lari, in 1980, pioneering the design of self-built sustainable shelters and housing. Through her efforts, Lari has created 50,000 dwellings, making a significant impact on the lives of countless people in Pakistan.
Advocacy for Women's Rights and Gender Equality
The award-winning architect has also been an advocate for women's rights and gender equality in Pakistan. She has paved the way for women to enter the traditionally male-dominated field of architecture in the country. Lari's work has shown that women can excel in architecture and contribute to the development of the built environment in Pakistan.
The British High Commission's Congratulations and Live Build Event
The British High Commission in Pakistan tweeted their congratulations to Yasmeen Lari, along with images of students from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Britain who gathered in London to "live build 2 zero/low carbon structures designed by Lari."
The event showcased Lari's innovative techniques for sustainable construction and highlighted the importance of environmentally friendly housing solutions.
Yasmeen Lari's award is not just a recognition of her work as an architect but also as a humanitarian who has devoted her life to improving the lives of marginalized communities in Pakistan. Her dedication to sustainable and affordable housing solutions has made a significant impact on the lives of countless people in the country.
Yasmeen Lari's win of the UK’s King Royal Gold Medal for Architecture is well-deserved recognition of her pioneering work in championing zero-carbon self-build concepts for displaced populations in Pakistan.
