SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis

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SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis

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  • Project Name: SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City
  • Student Name: Dishan Rahman
  • Awards: “Highly Commended” in The Global Undergraduate Awards | “Honorable Mention” in Tamayouz International Architecture Graduation Projects Award
  • Softwares/Plugins: Archicad , AutoCAD , Sketchup , Lumion , Adobe Photoshop , Adobe Illustrator
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Excerpt: ‘SafEscape’ is an architecture thesis by Dishan Rahman from the Department of Architecture – Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET) that seeks to create a safe haven for street children of Dhaka where they have all the opportunities they need to develop and grow as a part of society. Using design as a tool, the project proposes a child-friendly urban park that will provide these children with spaces to heal, learn, play, and be involved with the community.

Introduction: The most unfortunate beings in this world are street children, who lack access to even the most basic necessities. In Bangladesh, Dhaka has the highest number of homeless children. Most have immigrated from other regions of the nation for a variety of reasons, such as parent-child separation, poverty, abusive homes, and sometimes a desire for independence. Having fled their homes, they find themselves on the streets, where they must confront the dreadful realities of life. They are mostly seen at transit-related locations like bus and train stations, launch terminals, etc. According to a study, the largest transportation hub in the country, Kamalapur Railway Station, is where approximately 40% of them are seen. 

Everyone has special gifts as individuals, regardless of age or background, but reality prevents them from leading normal lives. They lead the most miserable lives one could imagine, suffering from acute poverty, a lack of food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, and sanitation. Some survive severe mental trauma, engage in criminal activity, beg for food, work as labourers for days in surrounding areas, travel to the farthest corner of the city for work and return to the station to sleep, and some never return. ‘Transience’ is their only constant nature. 

These children face a subtle and inadvertent exclusion from mainstream society, as well as the loss of every chance to contribute to the country. Since they are seeking escape, can we provide them with a safe haven where they have all the opportunities they need to develop into valuable members of society? The project proposes a child-friendly urban park that will provide these children with spaces to heal, learn, play, and become a part of the community.

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Site Context

The Kamalapur station area, the largest transportation hub in Dhaka, is presently undergoing numerous projects to transform it into a multimodal hub, complete with a subway and a metro rail station. The project’s proposed site is on government land that is the most accessible for the street children residing in the station area, allowing them to get to it during their working hours. Residential areas and a few educational facilities surround the location.

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Site Analysis

The need for a platform where neighbourhood children and street children alike can congregate and engage in a light-hearted, playful atmosphere is essential to bridging the gap between street kids and mainstream society. The government has proposed a public plaza near the site, and since the metro station is nearby, the design was done with the understanding that the general public would also use this space. Using this as a design tool to involve more people in the process, a proposal for a child-friendly urban park was created that separates the private, public, and semi public areas.

Design Process

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Psychology | Design Concept

These children struggle on the streets on a daily basis in addition to suffering from extremely traumatic experiences from their past. They cannot be contained within a boundary because they are inherently very free will. According to surveys and studies, some kids occasionally escape from care facilities and hostels because they don’t want to be confined behind four walls and are always looking for independence. To provide them with a typical childhood where they can experience social acceptance, they require extra care. 

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Masterplan Generation

After a thorough analysis of the psychological needs, nature, and traits of street children, a Social Inclusion Model was developed. Under the four categories of identity, learning, recreation, and community, it displays necessary activities. Prior to beginning the educational process, the children would need mental health treatment and healing. After that, education and career training should be provided concurrently with recreational opportunities and community involvement. Since engaging with other children and members of the general public would break down barriers and provide them with a sense of belonging. Three primary functional modules are produced from the model: the Care Unit, the Learning & Training Unit, and the Recreation Unit.

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Masterplan Generation

The masterplan was designed with the intention of carefully separating public, semi-public, and private areas while allowing the latter to occasionally be connected (through a continuous bridge connection) since it contains the three primary functional units.

Final Outcome

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Masterplan
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
North Elevation

The masterplan is divided into three major zones: public, semi-public, and private areas. People using the metro are the main users of the public area. The semi-public area comprises the recreational area, which includes an amphitheatre and an adventure playground. The private zone includes learning, training, and care areas, and they are located in the most remote and secluded corner to be accessible only to the street children who need them.

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Floor Plans
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Section
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Public Zone

The master plan was designed with the intention of dividing the two main pedestrian traffic patterns—one for the metro station and another for families visiting the amusement facilities. The huge crowd in the metro station plaza is divided into distinct areas by the addition of a shallow water body that encircles a sunken seating area. Additionally, a cafeteria and a shaded waiting area with restrooms and a reception are constructed to help disperse the crowd. 

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Care Unit – Floor Plans
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Care Unit – Section
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Axonometric View of Meditation Garden Activity Connected to the Care Unit

A step-up plaza with shaded kiosks that serve as souvenir shops and could be run by street children is intended to serve as a secondary buffer between the public zone and the surrounding area. The plaza could also serve as a multifunctional area for exhibit space or seasonal fairs on different days. The project’s architectural expression was chosen to be in the hexagonal form, drawing inspiration from the “Beehive” due to its infinite possibilities for arranging spaces in different ways. The ground floor is primarily open, with introverted-extroverted interplay of spaces achieved through modular arrangements.

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Learning & Training – Floor Plans
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Learning & Training – Section
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Axonometric View of the Outdoor Learning Space Connected with the Training Unit
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Amphitheater

Each of the three functional modules—the recreation unit, the learning/training unit, and the care unit—is arranged so that, before moving on to the next, a transitional buffer space must be experienced by all. For instance, the amphitheatre serves as a buffer between the main entry to the recreational unit and the learning/training unit, the meditative garden and shallow koi pond serve as a buffer between the two, and the amphitheatre itself acts as the most private and sensitive area. A bridge on the upper story connects all three zones and serves as a significant play feature for the children. 

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Modular Construction
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Rainwater Harvesting System Detail

The design leaves more than 60% of the space green, with a very small footprint to create a natural breathing space in an otherwise densely knit urban fabric. Prefabricated and modular building methods make it possible to construct structures effortlessly with minimum labour. It is economical and environmentally friendly since locally accessible recycled materials are used. It could be constructed anywhere and multiplied as needed, providing room for growth in the future. The hexagonal module measures 4 m x 4 m x 4 m.

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Recreational Unit – Floor Plans
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Recreational Unit – Section
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Axonometric View of the Adventure Playground Connected to the Recreational Unit

These children require a temporary solution that matches their transient nature because they are unable to be bound by societal norms and rules or returned home. Through the care and therapy, they may be better able to heal from the trauma of their past and become more accepting, receptive to new ideas, and open to learning. Children can develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence by imparting their knowledge and skills with neighbourhood children, participating in friendly competitions such as storytelling and art and craft, and showcasing their talents. They can become invaluable assets to the country by gradually removing the barrier that had kept them out of mainstream society.

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
Physical Model

Conclusion: SafEscape represents a thoughtful architectural response to the pressing issue of street children in urban settings. The project not only addresses the need for a safe and nurturing environment but also emphasizes the importance of integrating these vulnerable children into the broader community. Through innovative design, this thesis serves as a model for creating spaces that foster healing, education, play, and social inclusion, ultimately helping these children to thrive and contribute to society.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]

Site Context

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis

Design Process

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis

Final Outcome

SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis
SafEscape: Design of a Child Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City | Architecture Thesis

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