What's happened
A dispute has erupted over proposed changes to the iconic Arlington House in Margate, UK, with prominent artist Tracey Emin leading protests against the management's window replacement plan. Meanwhile, Karachi's Mohatta Palace faces threats from urban development, raising concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage in both locations.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Nadia Khomami in The Guardian, Tracey Emin argues that the proposed window changes at Arlington House would 'destroy the architectural character' of the building. Emin's stance is echoed by the Twentieth Century Society, which emphasizes the need for preservation. In contrast, Freshwater Group claims the changes are minimal and part of a broader refurbishment plan.
Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlights the precarious situation of Mohatta Palace in Karachi, where urban development threatens its existence. Faisal Siddiqi, the palace's lawyer, notes that 'greed is more important than heritage,' reflecting the ongoing struggle between development and preservation. The Independent reinforces this sentiment, stating that the palace's historical significance is at risk due to legal disputes and urban encroachment.
How we got here
Arlington House, a brutalist landmark in Margate, has been a subject of admiration and cultural significance since its completion in 1963. In Karachi, Mohatta Palace, built in the 1920s, symbolizes the city's multicultural past but is now threatened by urban encroachment and legal disputes.
More on these topics
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Karachi is the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh. It is the largest city in Pakistan and seventh largest city proper in the world.