Our national heritage embarks our cultural symbol in form of Karachi Port Trust's Head Office Building. It was incorporated in the era of British government in sub-continent. The first glance of the building reminds us the renaissance of British Raj. It is a wonderful amalgamation of British, Hindu and Gothic cultures. George Wittet has designed the KPT Head Office, who was a consultant architect of the Government of Bombay. Wittet was also the Architect of the Prince of Wales Museum / the Gateway of India (1908).
This grandeur building is located near the business hub of the city at Eduljee Dinshaw Road, Karachi. Its structure was completed in 1915 under the supervision of the Engineering Department, KPT, and the cost incurred for its completion was Ra 974,990/-. Lord Willingdon, the Governor of Bombay, inaugurated the KPT Head Office Building on 5th January, 1916. It occupied a large area about 1400 sq. meter. On the other side, KPT Head Office Building has a historical side, in the First World War (ie 7th February, 1916 to 6th May, 1919), the building was converted into 500 beds hospital, aimed to serve people. In 1780, Mirs established this site called "Chabootra", as mentioned by Architect Arif Hussain. The color of building and material used in the construction was very unique as the color of the building is in yellowish color that is Sepia, stone based. The curvature of this building is matchless and makes it stand tall amongst many structures. In building's center curve, there is a large dome placed at the top of it. Domes are the prominent feature of Roman Architectures. Design of KPT Head Office and architect seems to be inspired by Roman Architects. Although, Domes were common feature in Islamic architecture but were canvassed in different styles. The other classic materials of the buildings are its doors, windows and arches, which arc huge in size. The combination of well designed windows and arches enhances its beauty.
Exterior and interior of the building is very simple yet unique. Rooms are spacious and have high ceiling on it. The building seems as if it consists of three to four floors, but practically the two floors gap has been kept to make it colossal. The other interesting feature of the building is the teak wood works. Teak wood is very expensive and used in this building excessively. The wood works on the window is painted in dark green color, which adds more to its adornment. KPT Head office building had only one entrance with a huge door and 2 large anchors are kept on both sides. Striking arches of the corridors crafted, in both exterior and interior, arc symbolic Roman Styled Architecture. The floors are tiled with black & white color and are easily washable. These tiles are called cemented tiles, purposely made of by adding different colors in the cement. As we have already mentioned earlier, the usage of teak wood is found everywhere in the building, even the elevator is also wooden. While going up in elevator, you can experience a site seeing of every floor that passes by because there is no wall present in between. There is only one railing back of the elevator, which is uncovered and mechanism of the elevator is visible. On its 2nd floor, there is a huge and specious Board Room, where all the meetings arc held, presently there are two huge arch shaped glass windows which has beautiful glass paintings. Old clock kept there by the name of Elliot Brothers Company, London, further enriches its heritage value. On 2nd floor, the third most important room is the Record Room, which is used for keeping the records of the original proceeding. All the proceedings from 1893 till to date are kept here. This symbol of history is still in its original shape and is well maintained by the Karachi Port Trust.
Karachi Port Trust Office Designed by Mr G. Wittet F.R.I.B.A., F.U.B. Consulting Architect to the Government of Bombay Constructed Departmentally by the Engineering Department of the Trust Total cost Rs 9,74,990 Opened by his Excellency Lord Willingdon G.C.I.E. Governor of Bombay on 5th January 1916.
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