Lahore, Pakistan

Mahleej Gola



Lahore is Pakistan’s second largest city and the capital of Punjab province,Historically, it served as a key node along Mughal trade and military routes, linking Central Asia to the Indian subcontinentIts growth was shaped by this strategic position, functioning as a center of governance, commerce, and movement.Today, Lahore remains a dense and rapidly expanding metropolis, continuing its role as a major economic and cultural hub




It is a rapidly growing metropolis shaped by its historic urban fabric and expanding peripheral sprawl. The city’s dense inner neighborhoods contrast sharply with its outward growth, where increasing reliance on private vehicles has intensified congestion, heat accumulation, and severe air pollution. As one of the most polluted cities globally, Lahore faces urgent challenges in balancing growth with environmental resilience.

1.General info




2. Building Typologies



3. Neighborhoods

I.Walled city Lahore

II.Model Town

III. Gulberg

4. Challenges - Sprawl and Smog



Lahore faces a severe smog crisis driven by a combination of rapid urbanization, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and seasonal agricultural burning. The city’s sprawling form has increased reliance on private vehicles, leading to high levels of exhaust pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. During winter, cooler temperatures and low wind speeds create temperature inversions that trap these pollutants close to the ground. Additionally, emissions from brick kilns, construction dust, and cross-border crop burning contribute to the accumulation of fine particles (PM2.5), forming dense smog. This results in hazardous air quality, reduced visibility, and significant public health risks, making smog a persistent urban challenge rather than a temporary condition


Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning 2026 — Ann Arbor, US