She has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2023, becoming the first Pakistani and the second woman to receive this honor....
ENVIRONMENT
Yasmeen Lari is Pakistan’s first female architect. Born in 1941 in Dera Ghazi Khan, Lari studied architecture at Oxford Brookes University and became the country’s first woman to qualify as an architect in 1963. She co-founded Lari Associates with her husband, Suhail Zaheer Lari, and gained prominence for designing iconic structures in Karachi.
During the 2022 floods, which displaced millions in Pakistan, Lari shifted her focus to humanitarian work. Through the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, which she co-founded with her husband, Lari has spearheaded initiatives for heritage conservation, including the preservation of Makli Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
She has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2023, becoming the first Pakistani and the second woman to receive this honor.
How does one even begin to describe a visionary like Yasmeen Lari? Words seem insufficient for this trailblazing octogenarian who broke barriers by venturing into the male-dominated field of architecture with sheer determination. After dedicating over three decades to her craft and earning distinction for her work, Lari retired in 2000. Since then, she has focused on what she calls “atoning” for her role in designing commercial concrete and glass structures that contribute to climate challenges.
Lari’s notable projects include the Angoori Bagh Housing as well as iconic commercial buildings in Karachi, such as the Taj Mahal Hotel, the Finance and Trade Center (FTC), and the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) Company headquarters. However, it is not these designs that Yasmeen Lari wishes to dwell upon. Looking serene and elegant, Pakistan’s first female architect emphasizes the challenges the country is grappling with. “Why talk about me,” she asks, “when there are so many pressing issues facing our country that need attention? Look at Karachi - it’s a city no one owns and no one cares about. We should be discussing how to resolve the problems its people face. We need to focus on addressing poverty, providing homes to the homeless, and tackling the threats posed by climate change.”
Lari urges people to recognize the plight of flood and earthquake victims who, year after year, are forced to abandon their homes. “Take a close look at the dire state of poverty - millions in our country are starving," she emphasizes. "Serving the elite alone is not the solution. What we urgently need are affordable and sustainable housing solutions." Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability, she adds, "Our country ranks as the 8th most at-risk from climate change. I deeply regret the environmental damage caused by constructing concrete high-rises; at the time, we were unaware of their long-term repercussions."
According to Lari, all is not lost. “To address this challenge, we must focus on reducing our carbon footprint,” she asserts. “My team has already constructed 50,000 homes for underprivileged communities, and our goal is to reach 100,000.” She explains that these homes are constructed using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, lime, and mud, blending traditional techniques with modern needs. "Each one-room house is equipped with essential facilities, including a toilet, solar panels and chulahs (smokeless stoves), to enhance living standards and reduce carbon footprints.
On addressing the damage to Karachi's urban landscape, Lari remarked, “Much can be done. First and foremost, we must halt the construction of high-rises. There is no need for multi-storied concrete and steel buildings. The biggest issue in Karachi is the overwhelming dominance of concrete. Medians, which should be green and vibrant, are often devoid of vegetation. Karachi once enjoyed refreshing breezes, but high-rises have obstructed this natural gift. My mission is to create open spaces that act as the city’s lungs, now being consumed by concrete structures. Unless we prioritize designs that minimize the carbon footprint, future generations will bear the devastating consequences of our actions.”
Lari highlighted the success of the Kharadar Bagh project, a community-driven initiative she undertook. “You must visit the Bagh,” she said. “Kharadar is one of the busiest and most densely populated areas in Karachi. It had no trees or green spaces for people—no place for recreation. With the help of the local community, we planted 200 trees, transforming the space. Now, the Bagh features shaded seating areas that provide relief during the day and offer residents, especially women and children, a safe and welcoming space to gather, socialize, and breathe fresh air. It has become a much-needed sanctuary in the heart of the city.”
Drawing attention to the rampant destruction of heritage buildings, Yasmeen Lari lamented that these structures are being demolished indiscriminately, often by the very people entrusted with their preservation. “These two- to three-storey buildings were constructed with high-quality stone, which doesn’t emit heat,” she explained. “They are now being replaced by towering multi-story structures made of concrete and steel, which are exacerbating environmental and urban issues.”
Yasmeen Lari underscores the importance of self-reliance, advocating that individuals should not wait for the government to solve every problem but take proactive steps to create positive change. Her work stands as a powerful testament to the idea that determination and commitment can overcome even the most daunting challenges. She has shown that a single individual, fueled by passion and purpose, can transform the lives of thousands. Through her innovative and sustainable solutions, Lari has uplifted impoverished communities, proving that meaningful change begins with the will to act.
