Ghayyoor Obaid Architects (GOA) was selected to lead this ambitious project through a closed competition, where several firms were invited to present a preliminary proposal and feasibility study. GOA emerged as the winner, initiating the design process in 2021.
Located in Lahore's Financial Trade Centre (FTC) in Johar Town, the project faced a number of challenges, notably the area's poorly defined bylaws. These vague regulations resulted in delays during the submission phase, necessitating careful navigation to align the design with evolving and often unclear guidelines. The project went into construction in 2022.
The site itself presented further obstacles: a long, narrow plot that required innovative solutions for circulation and parking. With the client requesting an additional 20% parking capacity beyond the bylaw requirements, efficient parking design became a critical consideration. The air-conditioning strategy was another crucial aspect of the project — in light of rising electricity costs, the system needed to be highly flexible to allow for future adjustments as energy demands and pricing fluctuated.
Originally conceived as an office tower, the building features a ground-plus-14-story structure, with five floors designated for use by the Seasons Group of Companies, while the remaining floors were planned for rental as commercial office space. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the local economy, the client pivoted and decided to convert the lower floors into a hotel catering to business travelers and visitors to the nearby Expo Centre. This shift further exemplifies the building's flexibility and GOA's ability to adapt the design in response to changing market conditions.
This project stands as a testament to GOA's commitment to delivering innovative, flexible designs that not only respond to immediate functional requirements but also anticipate future challenges and opportunities.
