With an aim to promote informal learning spaces in Karachi, The Dawood Foundation (TDF) recently opened its gates to a restored 1930’s home that is now converted into a public space.
Now called TDF Ghar, it will connect the visitors with the rich and vibrant history of Karachi while giving them a place to talk and discuss ideas.
The Dawood Foundation hosted a meet & greet open house for the media personnel today. TDF Ghar will be opened for general public on August 22, 2017, onwards.
TDF Ghar is located in Jamshed Quarters area, which is the first dedicated cooperative residential complex for the middle class in Karachi. The area was developed by Jamshed Nusserwanjee in 1922 and was a home to multiple ethnicities including Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Parsis, and Jews.
TDF Ghar retains its heritage architectural features but has been rejuvenated into a public space, to relive the true spirit of residents of this old cosmopolitan city. This space can be openly used and accessed by the public.
While expressing the vision behind TDF Ghar, Sabrina Dawood, CEO the Dawood Foundation said;
“TDF Ghar represents the ideology of peace, harmony, and equality in rights for everyone. The ideology that was followed by the founders of modern Karachi. TDF Ghar, welcomes everyone to share their culture with others, talk about education, arts, science and preserve history in the best way. This place was previously underutilized, impractical and empty, watching it transform into a public space is the biggest source of pride for me. It is truly a testament to the transformative power of art and legacy in our society.”
The main attraction of TDF Ghar is ‘The Living Room’ museum which comprises antique artifacts and collectibles from as early as the 1930s. Restored with vintage fixtures The Living Room has plenty to captivate on its own terms.
As the name itself depicts that it is a home where the infrastructure, furniture, decoration and the overall ambiance would take one back to the lifestyle of people living in the old Karachi.
In the center of TDF Ghar lies a simple yet beautiful Sehan Café which reminds its visitors of the most famous Irani Café culture of Karachi when sitting on bentwood old Irani chairs and sipping Chai with bun would have been more relaxing than anything else.
One of many specialties of TDF Ghar is a breath-taking view of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum from the roof top where one can sit and relax while enjoying the spectacular view of Mazar-e-Quaid. Moreover, three Numaish Halls and a training room can be utilized for organizing workshops, training, seminars, meetups, exhibitions, and other activities.