Machine Khana RehabilitationKabul, Afghanistan
On October 5, 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Aga Khan Cultural Services – Afghanistan (AKCS-A) and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The preparation and implementation of a strategic action plan for the creation of a ‘Heritage Zone’ in the vicinity of the Kabul River in the Old City was determined a key activity of AKCS-A under the MoU.
A study aimed to develop realistic scenarios for the planning and implementation of the ‘Kabul Riverfront Transformation’ (KARIT) project, which is within the legal and policy framework of AKCS-A’s contribution to the larger ‘Heritage Zone’ along the city’s riverfront area was carried out by AKCS-A in 2017. The overarching goal of the KARIT project is to contribute to the development and stabilization of the urban fabric of Historic Kabul by improving living, working, and environmental conditions for local communities.
A strategic component of KARIT is the modernization, transformation, and reuse of the Machine Khana (MK) industrial complex, an underutilized series of historical industrial buildings and warehouses along the riverfront, being used for government and institutional functions despite their dilapidated condition. This complex has been substantially repaired and modernized, creating valuable commercial and public space that can generate much needed revenue for the State through legitimately taxable property.
A strategic component of KARIT is the modernization, transformation, and reuse of Machine Khana complex which consists of a series of underutilized historical buildings and warehouses built in the late 19th century and are located along the Kabul riverfront currently vacant.
The Machine Khana historical industrial complex has been changed into a modern commercial site, encompassing modernization and reuse of existing historical buildings, the landscaping, infrastructure, and construction of new service buildings activities designed and implemented by AKCS-A.
The Machine Khana modernization project is an important component of the overall KARIT project. The objective has been to rehabilitate and reutilize the existing facility for social, commercial, economic, and cultural use by the public. Apart from commercial spaces, the project also includes buildings for public services and civic uses like libraries, exhibition spaces, and conference halls.
The project's primary objective is to foster economic development and breathe new life into the urban fabric of central Kabul by implementing strategic measures to enhance living standards, improve working conditions, and enrich social and commercial environments. Additionally, it focuses on upgrading public spaces and open landscapes around the project area, creating a more inviting and functional setting for local communities. Envisioned as a dynamic new retail and services hub in the heart of Kabul, the project will serve as a catalyst for urban regeneration, bringing renewed energy and opportunities to the city's downtown area.
Extensive restoration work on the 26 masonry warehouses and 2 administrative blocks has been completed to the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality, with all final finishes brought to completion by August 2024. These restored structures now reflect a perfect blend of historical preservation and modern functionality, ensuring they are fit for contemporary use while maintaining their original architectural charm.
In addition to the restoration, the construction of 3 new toilet blocks and 2 transformer rooms has been successfully completed. Comprehensive utility installations, solid waste management systems, and underground storm-water drainage works were executed as part of an extensive landscaping program, which was finalized by the end of 2023. To optimize the use of the site, internal and external lighting systems, both functional and architectural, were thoroughly tested, providing adequate illumination for activities during evening hours.
The landscaping and planting activities have been thoughtfully designed and executed to complement the restored and newly constructed elements, fostering a vibrant and inviting environment. This includes the installation of an open-air canopy structure to accommodate itinerant commercial activities, adding to the site's dynamic character.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
On October 5, 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Aga Khan Cultural Services – Afghanistan (AKCS-A) and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The preparation and implementation of a strategic action plan for the creation of a ‘Heritage Zone’ in the vicinity of the Kabul River in the Old City was determined a key activity of AKCS-A under the MoU.
A study aimed to develop realistic scenarios for the planning and implementation of the ‘Kabul Riverfront Transformation’ (KARIT) project, which is within the legal and policy framework of AKCS-A’s contribution to the larger ‘Heritage Zone’ along the city’s riverfront area was carried out by AKCS-A in 2017. The overarching goal of the KARIT project is to contribute to the development and stabilization of the urban fabric of Historic Kabul by improving living, working, and environmental conditions for local communities.
A strategic component of KARIT is the modernization, transformation, and reuse of the Machine Khana (MK) industrial complex, an underutilized series of historical industrial buildings and warehouses along the riverfront, being used for government and institutional functions despite their dilapidated condition. This complex has been substantially repaired and modernized, creating valuable commercial and public space that can generate much needed revenue for the State through legitimately taxable property.
A strategic component of KARIT is the modernization, transformation, and reuse of Machine Khana complex which consists of a series of underutilized historical buildings and warehouses built in the late 19th century and are located along the Kabul riverfront currently vacant.
The Machine Khana historical industrial complex has been changed into a modern commercial site, encompassing modernization and reuse of existing historical buildings, the landscaping, infrastructure, and construction of new service buildings activities designed and implemented by AKCS-A.
The Machine Khana modernization project is an important component of the overall KARIT project. The objective has been to rehabilitate and reutilize the existing facility for social, commercial, economic, and cultural use by the public. Apart from commercial spaces, the project also includes buildings for public services and civic uses like libraries, exhibition spaces, and conference halls.
The project's primary objective is to foster economic development and breathe new life into the urban fabric of central Kabul by implementing strategic measures to enhance living standards, improve working conditions, and enrich social and commercial environments. Additionally, it focuses on upgrading public spaces and open landscapes around the project area, creating a more inviting and functional setting for local communities. Envisioned as a dynamic new retail and services hub in the heart of Kabul, the project will serve as a catalyst for urban regeneration, bringing renewed energy and opportunities to the city's downtown area.
Extensive restoration work on the 26 masonry warehouses and 2 administrative blocks has been completed to the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality, with all final finishes brought to completion by August 2024. These restored structures now reflect a perfect blend of historical preservation and modern functionality, ensuring they are fit for contemporary use while maintaining their original architectural charm.
In addition to the restoration, the construction of 3 new toilet blocks and 2 transformer rooms has been successfully completed. Comprehensive utility installations, solid waste management systems, and underground storm-water drainage works were executed as part of an extensive landscaping program, which was finalized by the end of 2023. To optimize the use of the site, internal and external lighting systems, both functional and architectural, were thoroughly tested, providing adequate illumination for activities during evening hours.
The landscaping and planting activities have been thoughtfully designed and executed to complement the restored and newly constructed elements, fostering a vibrant and inviting environment. This includes the installation of an open-air canopy structure to accommodate itinerant commercial activities, adding to the site's dynamic character.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture