Here I am ideating on the things I plan to do with Commune.
There are many ways I look at Commune. For me, it is not just a physical place we will build together someday—though that will happen. To me, being part of the Commune is about adopting a certain way of being, a particular lifestyle. Commune is both a place and a way I idealize my own existence. In order to create that ideal society, I keep thinking about its components.
Building a network of like-minded people is the core purpose of this website. It’s about finding a tribe that resonates with this kind of thinking and wants to come together. They may be living anywhere in the world—we may only meet remotely—but by sharing our thoughts, we can still be together.
Building with Mud
Mud has been a material that has stayed with me for a long time. During my time at the National College of Arts, I had the opportunity to research how mud-based architecture could be developed. I studied architects who worked entirely with mud. I had a particular inclination toward building a new, handy, and efficient compressed earth brick-making machine. For this, I need someone who shares a similar passion. Currently, I am advising RIZQ on their low-cost housing research project and may have the opportunity to design the machine with them.
Ranjish – A Sentiment Sharing Application
This may sound trivial, but when I think of an ideal world, sharing emotions and professing love is the most foundational step toward building it. I’ve always maintained that I could live in the ugliest place on earth if I’m with the right person. For me, home has always been a human—a relationship. Everything else is just an addition to that home. I’ve also been in situations where my inability to express myself cost me a lifetime of regret. I’m currently building an application for sharing sentiments and flowers, using Urdu poetry as a medium to express the subtle and complex emotions of being human.
Commune App
The Commune app is a new way of looking at shelter—or home, as we call it. Typically, when describing a house plan, we think in terms of bedrooms, dining halls, kitchens, stores, garages, or porches. That’s what an architect would ask for. However, Commune looks at home differently. For Commune, home is a soulful place where your life centers. It is an experiential place. You describe a home in terms of experiences—living with people you love, doing things you love, protecting nature, and living in harmony with it. These are at the core of a home at Commune.
Mushroom Farming
I’ve been growing mushrooms since 2009. Mushroom farming was the first business I ever did, and I still grow them every year as a hobby. Mushrooms solve many of our problems. Beyond the act of growing them—which is in itself a spiritual experience—they can help Pakistani agriculture by utilizing organic waste. They can also serve as a low-cost protein alternative and become a steady secondary income for many.
Community to Exchange Books
Books have transformed me as a person. Many people I call my mentors today are ones I’ve only known through books. We have prototyped a design for a mobile application that could become the Commune book-sharing experience.
Music and Fine Arts
Music and the fine arts—including drawing, painting, and sculpting—have been an integral part of my life for many years. One of my key goals is to enable passionate individuals in these fields to pursue their passion.
For a community, I believe art is a major binding force. It has the power not only to transcend religion, culture, and boundaries but also to give individuals a perfect reason to enjoy life. Before it entertains anyone else, art first entertains the creator.
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