Dr. Kamil Khan Mumtaz, a renowned Pakistani architect explored the contemporary issues of design and development with reference to modernity and tradition at the lecture held at Aga Khan University on 16 December 2003. The programme was this academic year's first presentation from Aga Khan University's Special Lecture Series (SLS) that feature talks by prominent personalities with the aim of providing students and the general public with a broad-based education to enrich their understanding and appreciation of humanities and social sciences. Earlier speakers in the series have included Pakistan's famous author, Bapsi Sidhwa; His Royal Highness Prince Hasan of Jordan; the historian Stanley Wolpert; internationally renowned artist, Gulgee, Ambassador Jamsheed Marker and the Urdu humour writer Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi.
Dr. Mumtaz’s lecture, titled “The Problem of Continuing Tradition in the Modern World”, discussed architectural structures with reference to modernity and tradition by reviewing two current projects for a mosque and a tomb (one near Gujrat and another near Lahore, in Pakistan) and exploring the characteristics of traditional architecture along with concepts like the creative process. He eloquently spoke on the modern movement where creativity is understood to be the creation of a complete new form, starting from zero. This mindset rejects all preconceived forms, notions and traditions. In contrast, the traditional world cherishes beauty as a divine attribute and strives not to create but to reflect beauty. It sees no distinction between art and craft. For the ideal forms are beyond time and space, beyond the 'zahir' i.e. the visible and the material.
Dr. Mumtaz, who is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz, is well-known for his tireless work in preserving, restoring and rejuvenating Pakistan's architectural tradition. He has been influential in raising the standard of architectural design in general and has tried to develop architecture for Pakistan that is responsive to the climate, the economy and materials rooted in the indigenous culture.
He has also been a member of the Steering Committee of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, established 25 years ago by the University's Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan. This award, the world's largest and most prestigious architectural prize, seeks to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of societies in which Muslims have a significant presence. He has also served as Visiting Critic at Aga Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture at the two top US Universities, Harvard and MIT. This programme is dedicated to the study and teaching of Islamic architecture and urbanism, visual culture and conservatism. Kamil Khan has been active in Lahore's conservation and building scene. He set up the Anjuman-i-Maimaran and served as its president. He has served as the Head of Architecture at National College of Arts, is the founder member of the Lahore Conservation Society and is on the Board of Governors of the Authority for the Preservation of Moenjodaro, located in Upper Sindh.
Earlier, AKU President Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, introducing Dr. Mumtaz to the audience said that Kamil Khan's works and words are steeped in history and heritage. The lecture, which wove the concrete with the metaphysical, provided the listeners with a glimpse of the process through which an ideal form can be created by drawing inspiration from the traditional architecture, so that the final product is a reflection of the divine beauty.
