Design of a Community Center

BRAC University, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Project idea

In the development of a community center in Bangladesh, prioritizing community engagement is paramount to ensure its success and relevance. Recognizing the diversity and richness of local culture, the project aims to involve the community in every stage of planning and execution.

Community members will be gathered for a series of interactive workshops where they will be asked to share their perspectives and preferences. By including locals in the design process, these workshops will empower them in addition to providing a place for the exchange of ideas. Facilitating these meetings will be a major responsibility of local leaders, who will make sure that the community's collective voice is recognized and heard.

Project description

The aim of this project is to develop architectural design creativity by exploring forms, spaces, structures, and landscapes that are sensitive to social and environmental factors. The site's location is at Gulshan 1, Dhaka, in front of the Police Plaza. The challenge was to consider the site's irregular shape and the vistas in every direction, with Shahid Dr. Fazle Rabi Park on one side and Hatirjheel Lake on the other. So the idea was to make a elevated plaza by creating a visual connection with the green environment of the Park and the large waterbody. The experiences of pedestrians were the primary emphasis of the design. Many pedestrians access has been given, making it more likely to visit and enjoy the scenic views of the site.

The concept of enhancing visual connection through the creation of elevated platforms represents a thoughtful approach to design and urban planning. Elevating platforms, whether they be in the form of observation decks, elevated walkways, or raised public spaces, serve as innovative solutions to foster a stronger visual connection between people and their surroundings. One of the primary advantages of elevated platforms is the expanded perspective they offer. By lifting individuals above ground level, these platforms provide unobstructed views of the surrounding environment.

Technical information

Constructing with local exposed brick and a reinforced concrete (RCC) structural system embodies a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting a contextual and sustainable approach to building design.

The use of local exposed brick pays homage to regional aesthetics and materials, creating a visual connection to the surroundings. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, local brick ensures a reduced carbon footprint by minimizing transportation distances. Additionally, it often possesses natural insulation properties, contributing to energy efficiency in the structure.