Excerpt:‘Bangabandhu Complex’ is an architecture thesis by Sadia Ishtiaque from Department of Architecture, BRAC University, that proposes solutions seeking to revitalise the marketplace in order to more effectively adapt to rapid urbanisation in the context of Sylhet, Bangladesh. This project intends to nurture green cover, develop social and cultural spaces, and, in turn, provide a better urban environment for businesses, employers, and residents.
Introduction: Bandar Bazaar, Sylhet’s core business hub, has become incredibly congested due to unplanned and unregulated growth. Without any prior planning or supervision, this area has expanded horizontally as a result of increasing urbanisation and other socioeconomic trends. As was expected, the central city region becomes a significant commercial core that is constantly active with a variety of commercial and public-private official operations. The planning process for this commercial centre does not, however, support the current situation.
This architecture thesis aims to identify the elements significant to this condition and offer architectural solutions that will help rejuvenate this area in order to more effectively adapt to rapid urbanisation and provide a better urban environment for businesses, employers, and residents.
The client, Sylhet City Corporation (SCC), has presented a development proposal for a location of around 17.8 acres of land to be developed as a commercial and recreational centre, known as Bangabandhu Complex (BC). The area is home to the Sylhet Government Pilot High School as well as the Hasan Market, the Municipal Market, Laldighi Hawker’s Market, and Kudratullah Market.
Solid Void Map of the neighborhoodLand use map of the neighborhood
The neighbourhood is a multi-layered, mixed-use community within a larger urban area. The 1950s marked the beginning of commercial growth. For residents of Sylhet, this neighbourhood serves as their main commercial hub. The primary road is connected to a number of administrative buildings, schools, and retail shops. In this region, there is a need for cultural and social spaces.
Study of Surma RiversideSurma RiversideStudy of Waterbody and greenery
The city supermarket is intended to serve as a public shopping area for the middle-class population and is situated in Bandar Bazar, Sylhet’s primary commercial region, alongside the Surma River. The City Corporation was able to construct this structure in 1982 by filling up Lal Dighi, one of Sylhet’s primary water resources.
Study sketches of the marketsSylhet Hawker’s MarketSylhet Super Market and Laldighi Hawker’s Market
The area is extremely important to the general public since it is a CBD (Central Business District). Some important administrative buildings exist close to the city’s supermarket. The neighbourhood has failed to draw visitors as a result of inadequate planning and management, which resulted in economic loss and wasted potential urban space.
Design Process
Conceptual SketchesForm Derivation
Thorough studies and site visits were conducted to analyse the site. The project’s major design considerations were determined through the study and analysis and were as follows:
Adding cultural amenities since the neighbourhood lacks such spaces
Connecting the riverside to the city
Increasing the green cover in the neighbourhood
Improving accessibility and walkability
Increasing legibility
Creating social spaces for interaction among inhabitants of the neighbourhood
Designing courtyard bazaars
Preserving the memory of Hasan Market
Designing a more enjoyable riverside
Functional Zoning
In order to facilitate access, the market operations were preserved on the ground floor. The plaza connects the site to the city and the river bank. People can take in the city view from the plaza, which is connected to cultural blocks.
Final Outcome
Top ViewPerspective View of the complex
Sylhet, a city that is constantly evolving, aspires to become a vast metropolis by enhancing its qualities and relationships with neighbouring towns. As the city grows larger and more populated, the residents of this town are unable to communicate with one another. The identity of each community is at stake when new roads and buildings are constructed. Over the past 20 years or more, growth has accelerated, losing balance with even the remaining essentials of life.
Axonometric ViewPerspective View of the PlazaPerspective View from the elevated plaza
Cultural places are disappearing as commercial and residential areas have been expanding rapidly. The absence of social and cultural stability has left an impact on the younger generations. The most vital regions for a city are its green spaces, yet as cities get more populated, these spaces are disappearing. This architecture thesis intends to enhance green cover and develop social and cultural spaces. The raised plaza serves the city’s residents and connects the riverbank to the historic Hasan market.
Courtyard BazarCourtyard Bazar
Maintaining and stacking marketplaces is a tremendous task and challenge in this particular region. To address this issue, the local employers and the government have to function together. To make this possible, open communication between the government, residents, and workers is necessary. As a result, a vibrant community with busy open spaces and a bustling public market can be planned and implemented.
Model
Conclusion: By recognising the factors essential to the current condition and providing architectural solutions, this project as a whole succeeds in revitalising the marketplace in order to adapt better to growing urbanisation in the context of Sylhet, Bangladesh.
[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]
Site Context
Design Process
Final Outcome
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