Sonali Asha – Bangabandhu Jute and Textile Museum | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

The location and its surroundings are crucial to the design process since they draw attention to the neighbourhood and the natural surroundings. This 8.5-acre government-selected land next to Demraghat Road is located in Tarabo’s Narayanganj district and intends to recover the history and legacy of jute. The location, which is identified by the coordinates 23°43’18.7″N latitude and 90°30’08.2″E longitude, is surrounded by a diverse mix of structures, including commercial and industrial buildings, places of worship, schools, and local neighbourhoods.

This developing region is home to government and non-governmental organisations, bazaars, police stations, schools, transportation hubs, and mosques. It is characterised by industrial, commercial, and residential structures. The land use pattern indicates 60% industrial, 15% commercial, 10% residential, 11% mixed-use, and 4% educational buildings, occupying the area’s various uses. Gas, water, and other necessities like power are all easily accessible here.

However, because of the location’s close proximity to the congested Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, the Tarabo Basin experiences loud noises and heavy traffic. A distinct lowland subject to monsoon floods surrounds the location, along with tiny ponds, grasslands, and agricultural land. Historical water transport connections are preserved by the Shitalakshya River’s presence to the west.

Design Process

The proposed project has enormous potential considering Tarabo is predominantly an industrial zone with a population that earns between lower and lower-middle-class incomes. The project aims to advance the jute industry by helping weavers and providing amenities including a multipurpose hall, cafeteria, office, research and training facility, workshop, accommodations for weavers, a display and sales centre, and guest lodging.

In order to promote sustainable growth, jute production in rotational farming can coexist with other crops like potatoes and rice. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be supported by jute farming, which can also result in golden fibres that can be used to make a variety of jute-based products.

With a view to create a journey across the agricultural environment, a key exploration in the design process was to seamlessly integrate cultivating areas and paths. In the project, sloping roofs—which also facilitate cross-ventilation—have been investigated as a way to lessen the region’s tropical environment and investigate sectional linkages.

The design process also explored ways to offer visitors a distinctive and immersive experience while aiding in sustainable revival of jute culture. To conserve the history, culture, and livelihoods connected to jute, the project reflects a holistic approach. The seamless functioning and overall experience of the space are improved by functional integration within the museum complex.

Final Outcome

The “Sonali Asha – Bangabandhu Jute and Textile Museum” in Tarabo, Narayanganj, was designed with a strong commitment to preserving and presenting the history of jute culture in a contemporary and innovative way. The main goal is to provide weavers with a stable platform where they can showcase their skills and make a living. The design includes various key elements in order to accomplish this.

The museum has areas for exhibits that highlight the rich history of jute culture. These exhibits provide visitors with a thorough and immersive understanding of the history, processes, potential, and products of the jute industry. The design includes areas that allow the local weavers to display their skills as well as generate income as part of a larger goal to support them. This ensures that the museum will contribute significantly to the local economy.

The inclusion of a green courtyard enables guests to take in the glory of jute in a natural and cultural setting. This outdoor area skillfully combines the natural beauty and jute’s historical value. The proposal dedicates spaces for jute research and cultural events, highlighting the significance of the agricultural components of jute culture. This encourages the sustainability of jute culture while also educating visitors.

In order to preserve this vital element of jute culture and legacy, the design also honours the importance that water bodies have in the jute trade sector. The design addresses the limited access points and disjointed roadways to improve accessibility, making it simple for weavers and visitors to get to the museum. Additionally, the site’s topography has been improved to encourage effective connectivity.

Conclusion: “Sonali Asha” is an architecture thesis that celebrates Bangladesh’s history and Jute, referred to as the “Golden Fibre” of Bangladesh. The project seeks to promote Jute products and cultivation viability as a local heritage by the design infrastructure. On the contrary, in the long term the project intends to connect today’s people with the glorious past of Bengal’s jute culture.

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