The intricately adorned windows of Dhaka's heritage buildings serve as more than mere openings; they act as conduits, seamlessly bridging different historical periods and effortlessly blending architectural styles from bygone eras with the essence of vibrant Bengali culture. Each window panel is a storyteller with distinctive identity and character. Whether it is from affluent merchant class or the common dwellings, each and every window in old Dhaka holds a hidden narrative to offer those who possess a sensitive eye and an unquenchable sense of wonder.
Bunon - Kantha Sewing and Craft Training Center is a project proposal initiated by the Green Village Society in Munshigonj. This proposal aims to establish a specialized training center dedicated to teaching the traditional art of Kantha sewing and various crafts to empower rural women.
This project seeks to maintain a connection with the climate, light, and nature by thoughtful application of colour, texture, voids, workmanship, the terrain, and the movement of light and shadow to enhance visual and tactile interaction with its surroundings.
Bridge schools are designed to reflect the needs, ideas, and aspirations of children living in coastal villages of Bangladesh. Two types of floor plans (L-Shape & Linear Shape) are designed to fit the schools into the available sites and practical needs. Because the schools are in cyclone-prone areas, the structural system is designed with RCC and steel components to provide the required rigidity. The windows are designed to provide ample natural light and ventilation in the classrooms while still being conveniently closed during cyclones. The wooden panels are painted in bright colors chosen by the children, making these schools highly vibrant, lively, and intriguing.
Architect and graphic designer Asad Hossen imagined the future Dhaka as a cyberpunk city featuring advanced science and technology in an urban, dystopian futuristic setting.
Unigas Central Jame Mosque in Shitakundo Chittagong is a part of Unigas LPG plant. The client Unitex Group wanted to build a mosque for local people and the worker of the Plant as there is no mosque nearby. The mosque, designed by Architect Sharmin Sultana Tithi, embraces modernism while incorporating notable features of Islamic architecture.
Panthapath, a vibrant urban center in Dhaka, is a mixed-use district surrounded by major residential areas containing half the required open space for residents. The lack of open spaces essential for children's healthy social development prompted the creation of an accessible, inclusive indoor playground 'Creative Kids'. This indoor facility is designed by Trikon Architects in collaboration with Child Psychologists, clients, and potential user groups to promote intellectual, psychomotor and cognitive development in children. - Editor
Perhaps the most exciting way of learning our history is to study archaeological artefacts through illustrations. This article features reconstructed Illustrations of some ancient masterpieces of Bengali sculptures that originated during the Kushan period (Plate 1), Gupta period (Plate 2-5), and the first phase of the Pala School of Art (Plate 6-8).
The project was conceived in response to Cyclone Amphan in 2020, which wreaked havoc in the disaster-prone Satkhira district of Bangladesh. It is the only facility and an important interaction space for local children aged 5 to 8 years old. Due to a lack of funds, it was not possible to restore the facility to its original state. The children. therefore. had to pursue their studies in the open air in a chaotic situation. The Ankur Foundation, accompanied by two young architects, volunteered to help build a new school and give hope to the local children.
The design team cleverly disguised a low ceiling space by incorporating an industrial interior design style while drawing attention to the coziness of the space. Its masculine character is tamed with the use of ample texture, monochromatic colour schemes and light metal frame furniture. - Editor