The project “Weaving Urban Harmony: Redefining Zahur Hawkers’ Market, Chittagong” offers a timely and thoughtful response to a long-standing urban challenge: the search for meaningful public space to enhance public life. It seeks to reintegrate community life into the rhythms of local commerce within a historic marketplace, while also addressing sustainability and future resilience.

One of the most commendable aspects is its ambition to embed ‘publicness’ into the design by engaging with the broader urban context. Proposed series of courts along the site’s linearity, attempts to link two parallel roads of the city, encourage access from surrounding neighbourhoods, as well as blend breathing spaces within the complex. However, the similarities in size and shape of these courts may weaken their impact, introducing a sense of anonymity that could disengage users. The central court offers promising opportunities for enriched social interaction, facilitating prayer at the adjacent mosque or informal gatherings within its galleried edges. However, its centralized placement sits somewhat outside the natural urban flow and remains primarily accessible to market users. This spatial configuration limits its reach to the wider city populace, raising valid questions about the depth of its urban integration. Integrating food court within this core space, rather than allocating it to a separate edge, could amplify its public character for the market users and reinforce the designers’ intent.

In terms of sustainability, the use of steel as a primary material is commendable for its durability and potential for reuse. However, broader environmental considerations remain underdeveloped. The unique topography, a valley flanked by higher ground has not been meaningfully addressed in terms of rainwater drainage. This oversight diminishes the project’s resilience in relation to larger environmental context.

The clustering of shop units and the articulation of corridors that promote light and airflow are well handled, and that can reflect comfortable and sustainable environment. Provisions for urban mobility, such as designated spaces for popular modes like rickshaws and CNG scooters require further resolution. More intentional integration of stops, parking, and transitions could greatly enhance accessibility and strengthen ties to the urban fabric.

Overall, the project is bold in its conception and thoughtful in its communication. With some refinement, particularly in spatial hierarchy, environmental responsiveness to storm water drainage, and transport integration, it has the potential to become a compelling model for rethinking public marketplaces in dense urban contexts. Overall, the project is bold and well thought out in design and communication. – Editor

Notes from the submission:

This project envisions the redevelopment of Zahur Hawkers’ Market, located on Fairy’s Hill in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Covering a site area of 9 acres and proposed under the Chittagong City Corporation, the goal is to transform the market into the city’s first integrated public-commercial district—where community life, local commerce, and sustainable design co-exist within an organized, inclusive, and future-resilient urban environment.

The core idea is to redefine this traditional market—long known for its vibrant atmosphere of bargaining, colorful displays, and the rhythmic calls of merchants—into a civic anchor that functions beyond economic exchange. With no comparable public-commercial space in the area, the redesigned market will serve as a much-needed urban breathing space where people can shop, gather, eat, worship, rest, and interact in a safe, accessible setting. While preserving the spirit of Zahur Market and its spontaneous, energetic character, the project aims to modernize its infrastructure and enhance the everyday experience for both locals and visitors.

The design responds to the congested and unplanned nature of the existing market through a modular and context-sensitive layout. On the ground level, ergonomically arranged shop units with integrated storage are introduced, supported by wide internal roads that allow for smoother pedestrian flow and fire truck access. Rickshaw stands are provided at entry points to reduce traffic bottlenecks. Zoning has been planned based on user preferences and behavioral patterns, ensuring the space remains intuitive and efficient for vendors and visitors alike.

To expand commercial capacity while preserving walkability and comfort, a second floor of shop modules has been added. This level is connected by pedestrian bridges, which not only ease circulation but also provide consistent shading for the paths below. The transformation includes the introduction of several essential public amenities that were previously missing. A compact food court with a dedicated service entry has been added to encourage gathering and refreshment. A new mosque with increased capacity is placed near the open field to accommodate worshippers, while a convertible open space allows for multiple uses—ranging from a playing field to Eid Jamaat gatherings and community celebrations.

A children’s playground ensures that families can shop more comfortably, while the addition of plazas and multiple seating areas allows for rest, interaction, and social pause. Three clean public toilets, including a baby nursing zone, improve hygiene standards. A goods storage facility has been provided at the market’s entrance to help vendors manage stock during rush hours without cluttering the customer-facing areas. An on-site market office has also been included to manage operations efficiently.

Environmental sustainability underpins the entire design. Strategic orientation ensures maximum natural sunlight on both levels, while soakable green courtyards, tree-lined walkways, and planted edges contribute to improved airflow, rainwater absorption, and reduced surface runoff. Modular shop structures are built with affordable yet fire-resistant materials, designed for flexibility, longevity, and potential reuse. In doing so, the redesign reimagines Zahur Hawkers Market as a vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready urban hub.

Contributing Editor: AKM Sirajuddin, Doctoral Researcher, Lancaster University, UK.