Weaving Urban Harmony: Bridging Marketplace and Urban Dynamics by Redefining Zahur Hawkers' Market, Chittagong.

Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology

Project idea

Transforming Zahur Hawkers Market into a Sustainable Urban Shopping District and Social Hub in the Heart of Chittagong

To transform Zahur Hawkers Market into Chittagong’s first integrated shopping and social district—where community life, local commerce, and sustainable design co-exist within an organized, inclusive, and future-resilient urban hub.
The core vision of this project is to redefine the traditional marketplace into a vibrant civic anchor that serves beyond its economic function. With no such public-commercial space in the surrounding area, the aim is to provide a much-needed urban breathing room where people can shop, gather, eat, worship, rest, and interact within a single, safe, and accessible environment. The redesigned market intends to energize daily social life while retaining its cultural and economic importance, acting as a shared urban platform for people from all walks of life. This transformation aspires to strike a balance between high-functioning retail infrastructure and inclusive community-oriented space, reshaping the area into a walkable and welcoming public realm.

Project description

The proposed redesign addresses the unplanned and congested growth of Zahur Hawkers Market by introducing an organized, modular, and context-sensitive layout. The ground level features ergonomically arranged modular shops with integrated storage, wide internal roads for smoother movement and fire truck access, and welcoming entries with rickshaw stands to ease traffic and pedestrian congestion. Zoning has been done based on user behavior and preference, ensuring that the market functions intuitively for both vendors and visitors.

To create more commercial space while maintaining walkability and comfort, a second floor has been introduced—interconnected with pedestrian bridges that enhance circulation and provide consistent shading below. The market is now equipped with public amenities such as clean restrooms (previously absent), a community mosque with expanded capacity, a food court that creates gathering opportunities, and a multipurpose open field designed for recreational use, festivals, or prayer gatherings like Eid Jamaat. A children’s play zone allows families to engage more comfortably while shopping. Several plaza and seating areas were added for people to interact or simply enjoy a break time. All of them were done maintaining proper reference to the site, architecturally aesthetic yet modern and minimal.

Environmental sustainability is deeply woven into the market's design. Strategic orientation and layout planning allow the entire market—both levels—to receive maximum natural sunlight, reducing dependency on artificial lighting while creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere. Soakable green courtyards are integrated throughout the complex to improve natural airflow, support rainwater absorption, and reduce surface runoff, contributing to better microclimate regulation.The generous incorporation of green elements—including courtyards, tree-lined walkways, and planted edges—not only enhances environmental performance but also offers visual relief from the dense urban fabric, supports mental well-being, and makes the shopping experience more calming and enjoyable for users of all ages.

Modular shop structures are built using affordable yet fire-resistant materials, designed for flexibility and longevity. These units can be easily disassembled, relocated, or repurposed—ensuring adaptability if the land use changes in the future.

By embracing natural elements, resilient systems, and contextual aesthetics, the redesign reimagines Zahur Hawkers Market as a future-ready, inclusive commercial and communal center for Chittagong.

Technical information

Project type: Market| Open Market
Site: Zahur Hawkers' Market on Fairy's Hill, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Site Area: 9acre
Proposed project under City Corporation, Chittagong

Programs:
• Shops: Retails and Wholesale shops
• Food Court: A compact food court with service entry
• Play ground: For small kids visiting with parents
• Mosque: A new Mosque has been planned near the open field area.
• Plaza: For public interaction
• Convertible open space: A large field like space has been included which can serve as playing field, space for any celebration, Eid-Jamat etc.
• Seatings: Multiple seating areas has been provided to accommodate larger number of visitors.
• Public toilets: 3 public wash room, including baby nursing zone has been provided.
• Storage: A holding Storage has been provided at the entrance of the market, so that owners can hold their goods at rush hours and do not have to sort that Infront of customers.
• Market office: An office area has been provided to ensure proper functioning of the market