Ziyaastan; The Place Where Light Returns proposes a tolerance center in the village of Sharda, close to the Line of Control, as a strategy to revive and reimagine Kashmiriat through architecture. 300 years ago, Sharda University was a symbol of intellectual, spiritual, and cultural existence. In her undergraduate thesis, Zoya Bashir aims to rebuild the lost relationships of the 1947 partition and restore harmony among the impacted communities by fostering dialogue, healing, and cultural reconnection. It envisions a permit-based access system - welcoming Kashmiris from both sides of the border, as well as local and international tourists.

The design of the Tolerance Center at Sharda begins with the adoption of an octagonal grid system, a conscious departure from hierarchical or axial planning. The octagon serves as a spatial bridge between the square (earth) and the circle (divine). In this context, it becomes a framework for peace, symbolizing balance, multiplicity, and openness. The pre-existing remains of Sharda University, a sacred and historic part of the site, also exhibit octagonal spatial traces. This provides both a structural precedent and a symbolic anchor for this approach.

By creating spaces for cultural exchange, collective memory, and cross-border dialogue, the project actively reclaims the spirit of Sharda Peeth as a historic seat of learning and connection. The design facilitates meaningful interactions between divided communities, fostering reconciliation through shared experiences rather than formal negotiations. Every element, from the library and craft center to the sensory gardens and communal eating spaces, is carefully crafted to promote inclusivity, remembrance, and hope. In doing so, the architecture becomes more than a backdrop; it becomes an active participant in restoring lost ties, enabling emotional return, and imagining a peaceful future built on mutual respect.