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Dr Yasmeen Lari delivered Sir Ian Athfield Memorial Lecture at in:situ 2026 organized by NZIA & CAA General Assembly

Dr. Yasmeen Lari was invited to deliver a keynote speach at the in:situ 2026 Conference and CAA General Assembly, hosted by the New Zealand Institute of Architects at the Aotea Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, from September 8–10, 2026.

As part of the program, she delivered the prestigious Sir Ian Athfield Memorial Lecture, where she presented her groundbreaking vision of barefoot social architecture and community-led climate resilience.

On September 9, she further contributed to the discourse at the Architecture Beyond Boundaries Breakfast, engaging in a dynamic joint conversation with architects Peggy Deamer (USA) and Chitra Vishwanath (India), in a session co-hosted by Architecture + Women.NZ (A+W NZ) and NZIA. Details of the conference and video of Dr Lari’s complete lecture can be found at the following:

Dr Yasmeen Lari's Lecture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvGrlzlJ87E

Gala Dinner:

in:situ 2026 Conference + Commonwealth Association of Architects | Gala Dinner Awards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7MDludF9BE

NZIA in:situ:

https://www.nzia.co.nz/in-situ/

NZIA Instagram Post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYDYYqlEuiV/

Mai Ghariban’s Chalta Phirta Cinema & Library (Mobile Cinema Projector mounted on Donkey Cart)

The Mai Ghariban Chalta Phirta Cinema & Library, a project of the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, is a multi-purpose travelling cinema and library which uses a donkey-led cart, a cane shed, books, and a projector to provide entertainment and educational content about various issues (health, family planning, religion, etc.) to underserved villages in Pakistan.

Assembled in Tando Allahyar, the first active Chalta Phirta Cinema made its way to Jan Muhammad Wijlo Village for its first ever screening on Monday, the 27th of July, 2026. Greeted by curious villagers who were amazed by this “house on wheels”, the mobile cinema’s structure itself fascinated people. As a children’s series was projected on the wall, the children reached out to greet the characters, touching the projection and standing close to the screen where their friend appeared. Even the adults could not tear their eyes away from these images materialising out of thin air.

The reaction of the viewers highlights the value and purpose of a project like the Chalta Phirta Cinema in Pakistan’s rural areas. In the 21st century, it is almost unimaginable for someone to go their entire lives without seeing screens and consuming media through television, cinemas, and smartphones. Yet for the people in Wijlo and many villages like it, screenings such as this are unheard of.

The impact of the Chalta Phirta Cinema & Library cannot be understated. It brings the opportunity for learning through new media; to share stories of success and joy that can inspire and incentivise impoverished communities to change their situations. 1 cinema/library has the capacity to reach 90 villages in 3 months, and with 1 200, all 18 000 villages can be given this opportunity twice a month.

Denso Hall Rahguzar celebrates 14th August and gears up for inauguration.

The Denso Hall Rahguzar Eco-Street in Karachi, a project spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan is gearing up for its grand inauguration. After months of preparation, the improved walking street has been renewed and will be accessible for all. With the installation of brand new store signs, local tilework, and the transformation of the urban space into a green haven, Denso Hall Rahguzar is one of the Foundation’s many projects dedicated to using architecture to make cities more liveable and environmentally conscious.

Additionally, as part of Independence Day celebrations, the Nazafat Organisation, an organisation of the Dawoodi Bohra community, graciously organised a Plantation Programme on the 14th of August as part of their Project Rise, gifting Denso Hall Rahguzar with tens of moringa trees. Furthermore, they promised to adopt the forest in the future, taking responsibility for its care and growth. This is just one of the various ecological and humanitarian initiatives taken up by Nazafat, who are operating tirelessly across Karachi and the world at large with the objective of promoting civil hygiene, cleanliness, sustainability, and urban greenery.

Lessons From the Global South : Decarbonize, Decolonize, Democratize Architecture - Lecture at ETH Zurich

Dr. Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s pioneering architect and globally recognized advocate for sustainable heritage conservation, delivered an inspiring lecture at the Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich.

In her lecture titled: Lessons From the Global South : Decarbonize, Decolonize, Democratize Architecture, she shared insights from her decades-long journey of blending architectural innovation with community empowerment, highlighting her work on zero donor villages, climate-resilient structures, and the revival of traditional crafts.

Her lecture not only illuminated the intersections of heritage and sustainability but also encouraged students and faculty to reimagine architecture as a tool for social transformation and ecological responsibility.

Video of her lecture can be viewed at the following link:

https://video.ethz.ch/speakers/d-arch/2026/spring/fs26/v/AXi3hcYj_GR

Mothers of Dr Yasmeen Lari’s zero donor villages teaching children the craft of Rilli making and cloth stitching.

In Dr. Yasmeen Lari’s zero donor villages, mothers have taken on the role of cultural custodians by passing down the traditional crafts of Rilli making and cloth stitching to their children.

These vibrant patchwork quilts and finely stitched garments are not only practical but also carry deep cultural significance, reflecting the artistry and resilience of Sindhi heritage.

By teaching these skills, the mothers are ensuring that their children grow up with both creative expression and a sense of continuity with their ancestral traditions. This intergenerational sharing strengthens community bonds, nurtures self-reliance, and preserves a craft that embodies dignity, identity, and pride in local heritage.

Children from Mai Ghariban village schools taught their mothers and community women to count.

Children from Mai Ghariban village schools became teachers in their own right, guiding their mothers and other community women through the basics of counting.

This simple yet powerful act not only bridged generations but also fostered confidence and independence among women who had previously been excluded from formal learning.

By sharing their knowledge, the children helped strengthen bonds within the community and opened doors to greater participation in everyday tasks, financial decisions, and collective empowerment.

Dr Yasmeen Lari invited a Kashigar from Halla to fabricate series of terracotta items for Zero Donor Pottery Villages.

A Kashigar, Gulam Abbas, from Halla was invited by Dr. Yasmeen Lari, CEO of the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, to fabricate a series of terracotta items.

This initiative was designed to support zero-donor specialized pottery villages by enabling them to produce and market these items within surrounding communities. As part of the effort, Mr Ghulam Abbas crafted geometric-patterned tiles intended for use by village schoolchildren.

Fabrication and delivery of a scale model of Pakistan Chulah to be displayed at V&A Museum, London

Dr. Yasmeen Lari’s Pakistan Chulah was fabricated at one-third scale to be featured as part of the permanent display at the Victoria and Albert East Museum in London, United Kingdom.

The Chulah was meticulously crafted by Chulah Icon Ms. Dani from Pono Colony, Mirpurkhas. Following its completion, it was carefully packed and dispatched to ensure timely delivery ahead of the inauguration of the V&A East Museum in April 2026.

Dr Yasmeen Lari was invited to deliver Kinoshita Lecture in Architecture 2026 by Chinese University of Hong Kong.

We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable Kinoshita Lecture in Architecture 2026, 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, delivered by the extraordinary Dr. Yasmeen Lari.

Her work on building resilient, zero-carbon architecture and empowering marginalised communities, especially local women, brings us new thinking and inspiration for our shared future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Yasmeen Lari for her generosity in sharing her profound insights and commitment to humanitarian work, spatial justice, and sustainability.

A huge thank you to Mr. James H. Kinoshita for the generous support of the prestigious Kinoshita Lecture Series.

A video of complete lecture of Dr Lari can be viewed at the following:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DdP-yvIFfyI

Dr Yasmeen Lari wins 2025 achievement award at 7th Lisbon Architectural Triennale

In response to the catastrophic floods that struck Pakistan in 2022, Yasmeen Lari pledged to help build over one million houses, guided by her “four zeros” philosophy: zero carbon, zero waste, zero donors, and zero poverty. Achieving this goal without relying on donors, philanthropy, or external financial aid makes Lari's later career truly unique.

Yasmeen Lari will be present at the opening days of the Triennale 2025 (02 to 04 October), where she will deliver a public lecture and receive the Lisbon Triennale Millennium bcp Awards trophy, designed by Álvaro Siza and crafted from waste marble sourced in Estremoz, Portugal.

Article featuring Dr Yasmeen Lari can be viewed at the following:

https://www.trienaldelisboa.com/news/d/news_37fdb785-2d06-11f0-a872-bc24114270fc

https://c3globe.com/the-7th-lisbon-architecture-triennale/