Unveiling the Depths: Transforming an Abandoned Limestone Quarry into a Tourism Destination

Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology

Project idea

Abandoned quarries offer considerable potential as tourist attractions, as they highlight the historical significance of the materials used in local construction and stand as cultural landmarks. In the case of Niladri Lake, located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh near the Indian border, it is a quarry lake formed from an abandoned limestone quarry in the Takerghat region of Sunamganj. Originally a site of industrial limestone extraction, the area played a significant role in the local and national economies, with limestone being mined for decades to supply the Assam Bengal Cement Factory (now Chhatak Cement Factory). By 1961, geological surveys revealed significant limestone deposits in Takerghat, estimating around 132.5 million metric tons across five drilled pits, and by 1980, over 1.66 million metric tons of limestone had been extracted through open-pit mining. After mining ceased, the abandoned quarry gradually filled with water from rainfall and underground sources, eventually forming Niladri Lake. To understand Niladri Lake's historical, geological, and ecological significance, the project follows its evolution from an industrial site to a restored natural body of water.
The project aims to retain the true geological narrative of the site within the form of an experience center and focus on the rejuvenation and regeneration of these abandoned lands to restore the lost balance with nature and its surrounding context. The lake, created from an abandoned limestone quarry, has become a significant tourism destination known for its clear blue waters and scenic surroundings. The concept of open-pit mining inspires the design and the methodical removal of earth involves integrating the essence of mining techniques into the architectural and spatial design. The experience center can feature a terraced layout by mimicking the stepped nature of open-pit mines. Through thoughtful conservation strategies, the Takerghat quarry can serve as a powerful reminder of the region’s history while contributing to its future as a vibrant tourism destination.
The transformation of the abandoned limestone quarry in Takerghat, into a thriving tourism hub is not just an innovative development project but also a significant step towards sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation. The reclamation of the limestone quarry focused on restoring the natural ecosystem while integrating sustainable practices. Engaging local communities has been pivotal to the project's success. The involvement of locals in the planning and development stages has ensured that the project meets the needs of those most affected by the quarry's previous operations. The creation of job opportunities, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, has provided economic stability and improved the quality of life for residents. By incorporating elements of Takerghat's rich cultural heritage and history into the tourism hub, the project has fostered a sense of pride and ownership among the local population.

Project description

The project reimagines the abandoned limestone quarry at Takerghat as a terraced Experience Centre—a dynamic space where geology, history, and community converge. Inspired by the geometry of open-pit mining, the architectural design reflects the site's industrial past through stepped terraces, raw textures, and embedded spatial transitions that echo the excavation process. The core of the experience is a subterranean journey through immersive galleries and a textured underground tunnel, guiding visitors through the quarry’s past, its geological layers, and the lives of those who once worked there.
The gallery sequence begins with an introduction to limestone and its global significance, featuring interactive exhibits that explore its geological formation and classifications, such as chalk, travertine, tufa, and coquina limestone. Special emphasis is placed on Takerghat limestone, showcasing its unique composition, economic role, and cultural impact. Visitors can explore tactile samples, observe live demonstrations of mining techniques, and gain insights into the processing stages, including crushing, screening, and preparation for industrial use.
A circular ramp spirals downward, conceptually representing the lived experiences of Takerghat’s limestone miners. Through oral histories, archival photos, and artifacts, this section tells the human story behind the industry. The gallery continues with exhibits on limestone in architecture and art, from ancient arches to modern sculptures, highlighting both structural significance and cultural expression.
The experience culminates in an immersive tunnel, replicating the ambiance of a natural cave or mining shaft using lighting, texture, and sound effects. This leads to the dramatic final chamber—a 75-foot-deep void mining space—now reimagined as a contemplative, museum-like environment. From here, visitors descend via a unique underwater elevator beneath Niladri Lake, symbolizing the site's transition from exploitation to regeneration.
Surrounding the centre, eco-friendly accommodations nestle into the quarry’s slopes, offering tranquil stays with panoramic views. An open-air amphitheater supports cultural events, while sculpted spoil mounds provide elevated viewpoints overlooking Niladri Lake. Circulation across the site is shaped by the preserved Chora watercourse, ensuring ecological continuity and natural flow. Rooted in the themes of revitalization and memory, the project transforms a post-industrial void into a vibrant, educational, and sustainable tourism destination, honoring the quarry’s legacy while embracing a regenerative future.

Technical information

The project spans a total area of 31 acres, comprising 16 acres of abandoned quarry land from the former Takerghat limestone mining site and a 15-acre lake formed as a result of past excavation activities. The design is rooted in a sensitive response to the site's existing topography and geological history, with the Experience Centre placed strategically at the heart of the master plan. Conceived as subterranean architecture, the center is embedded into the earth to minimize its visual footprint and preserve the uninterrupted natural views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, including the distant Meghalaya hills. This underground approach allows the built form to remain hidden within the landscape, reducing ecological disruption while enhancing thermal efficiency and spatial drama.
Material selection reinforces the authenticity of the site’s past. Exposed concrete, locally sourced limestone, and textured stone finishes dominate the architecture, evoking the rugged, monolithic nature of quarry walls. Interior spaces feature dramatic light wells that pierce the roof slab to introduce natural light and frame views of geological strata. The Chora watercourse, a seasonal stream significant to the local ecosystem, is preserved and integrated into the circulation of the site, shaping both the landscape and architecture.
The experience center utilizes natural light from above to highlight the rugged beauty of its subterranean settings. The rock formations significantly influence both the design and the overall experience of the site. These natural elements create a unique and immersive atmosphere, allowing visitors to appreciate the geological features and the interplay between light and stone. An underground sophisticated experience offers a unique and memorable adventure for visitors. Strategically placed light wells bring in natural light, creating dramatic effects and highlighting geological features. Sustainable development principles are embedded in every aspect of the design. Waste soil from excavation is reused to form sculpted spoil mounds, which serve as elevated viewing platforms and ecological buffers. Eco-friendly accommodation units are nestled into the quarry’s natural slopes, maintaining harmony with the terrain. The overall architectural approach blends geology, memory, and landscape into a cohesive spatial narrative, offering a meaningful and low-impact transformation of a once-industrial site into a regenerative public space.