Covering a total area of , the design of the monument is rooted in the rich
Mughal architecture of the
Subcontinent. Its petal-shaped structure is derived from the traditional
muqarnas of Mughal architecture. As the architect says: "We should learn from history but not remain in it." He used today's technology to modernize the historical form of the muqarnas. The resultant petal-shaped structure emphasizes the importance of unity and togetherness among the people of Pakistan. Rather than symbolizing the four provinces (as is mistakenly observed), it represents the four different cultures of the people of Pakistan. The four large petals represent each of the four cultures, the
Punjabi, the
Baloch, the
Sindhi and the
Pakhtun. The three smaller petals represent: the minorities,
Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. All seven petals, though independent of each other, stand together in unison to form the nation of Pakistan. Standing together, they are protecting the star and the crescent of the
flag of Pakistan. The star of the flag in the monument is designed in shiny black
granite with golden stars, which represent the people who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan. The moon crescent is made from stainless steel with inspirational writings of Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah and
Allama Iqbal. The petals are built of granite (projecting in a suspended cantilever form, among the largest in Asia) and its inner walls are covered with artwork depicting various landmarks of Pakistan, notable people of Pakistan's independence movement and musical and dance themes. The landmarks portrayed include
Lahore Fort,
Badshahi Mosque,
Khyber Pass, and
Minar-e-Pakistan. Other than the People's Monument, there is a museum that narrates the history and story of the creation of Pakistan. These two structures are connected by a large piazza, known as the Freedom Plaza. Though the name of the architect – Arif Masoud – is inscribed in stone on the main dedication plaque located outside the main plaza, he has honoured all construction workers by placing their hand impressions all along the long walls flanking this Freedom Plaza on both sides. At the farthest end is a viewing platform which gives a
bird's-eye view of
Islamabad. From the air, the monument looks like a star (centre) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the petals), these represent the star and crescent on Pakistan's flag. ==Museum==