The inspiration for this hospital design stems from widespread issues in Bangladeshi hospitals—insufficient natural light, poor air quality, narrow and unhygienic corridors, disorganized circulation, lack of open spaces, absence of therapeutic features, and inadequate fire safety. These deficiencies compromise patient safety and delay recovery.
To address these, the project explores the concept “Touch, Feel, Heal through Sensory Therapeutic Garden,” transforming the hospital into a healing ecosystem. It activates all five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste—as therapeutic tools. Gardens are strategically placed with rustling leaves, fragrant plants, textured paths, edible herbs, and shaded beauty to stimulate sensory healing. This project redefines the hospital as a sanctuary for both clinical and emotional healing. Nature is integrated as a therapeutic agent to promote holistic recovery and offer dignity, comfort, and well-being to patients, visitors, and staff. A central healing garden forms the heart of the hospital—a quiet retreat and restorative space. Vertical gardens are embedded on every floor, forming green atriums that bring in daylight and fresh air, allowing inclusive engagement with nature. Green corridors are not only movement paths but also therapeutic zones featuring textured walkways, aromatic herbs, and calming greenery.
Functionally, the hospital is arranged with clear zoning for ease of use and efficient operations. The ground floor houses outpatient departments, emergency services, and diagnostics, ensuring immediate access for the public. Operation theaters are located directly above for fast coordination with emergency units, while ICUs and inpatient wards are vertically stacked above. Ancillary services like the kitchen and laundry are placed on the topmost floor to prevent disruption to medical zones. This vertical organization reduces noise pollution, simplifies wayfinding, and enhances infection control. Located strategically, the hospital serves Khalishpur, Mujgunni, Shonadanga, Nirala, and Old Town, with access via 7 Number Ghat and Joragate. Separate entries for emergency, public, and service routes ensure smooth, conflict-free circulation.
Architecturally, the hospital adopts a climate-responsive, sustainable approach. The building is divided into linear zones with punched openings and sky courts for cross-ventilation and natural light. The upper floors gradually open to a central lightwell, enhancing airflow and reducing reliance on mechanical systems. This passive design strategy helps maintain indoor air quality and thermal comfort, especially important in the humid subtropical context of Bangladesh. Reinforced concrete ensures structural durability. The façade uses glass panels for daylight and thermal performance, while steel screening with a wood-tone finish adds warmth and texture. Operable windows, vertical shafts, and open corridors ensure natural ventilation. Shaded green zones, vertical planting, and breathable skins support passive cooling and air quality. Fire safety is addressed through generous stairwells, clear egress paths, and appropriate zoning of emergency exits, all aligned with BNBC protocols.
These features collectively create an immersive healing environment. The result is a hospital that doesn’t only treat disease but actively contributes to patient recovery through its architecture, setting a new standard for sustainable, patient-centered healthcare design.
We are now living in the age of Artificial Intelligence. AI is playing an increasingly significant role in our lives, but what impact might it have on the design profession? Despite its potential, most architecture schools in Bangladesh, along with many professionals, remain unaware of what AI can offer.
In Studio V, Department of Architecture at AIUB, we explored AI’s radical impact on the design process—one that could open an extraordinary new chapter in the architectural realm. AI-powered platforms like Midjourney and LookX AI are gaining popularity among designers for their ability to enhance creative workflows. Students investigated how these platforms utilize AI to interpret textual prompts, generating unique imagery that challenges conventional design methodologies. Through hands-on demonstrations and guided exercises, they learned to integrate these tools into their creative workflows, from concept ideation to refined design outputs.
Elon Musk has likened AI to nuclear technology, emphasizing both its risks and transformative potential. In a tweet on X, he remarked that AI will augment human intelligence and be used in conjunction with human input—suggesting that, if we can’t beat it, we should embrace it. In our exploration, we sought to use AI as a design tool rather than view it as a replacement for human creativity.
A significant milestone in AI development came in July 2022 when OpenAI made its tools widely accessible. This powerful platform has rapidly become a catalyst for image generation, augmenting our imaginative capabilities and expanding creative possibilities. AI acts as a prosthesis for human imagination, enhancing our ability to generate complex visual ideas and pushing the boundaries of design.
As an avant-garde architectural institution in Bangladesh, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of design education by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the creative process. In alignment with this vision, we recently conducted a 2.5-week intensive design project—Designing the Route Café—where students utilized AI-powered tools to generate architectural forms and explore innovative spatial solutions.
This AI-driven exploration challenged students to conceptualize and design a roadside café that not only met practical requirements but also responded to the cultural and environmental dynamics of its location. Route cafés, as essential landmarks along highways, provide spaces for travelers to pause, refresh, and interact. Throughout the project, students experimented with AI-generated forms, using platforms such as Midjourney, DALL·E, ChatGPT, Fabrie AI, LookX AI, Mnml AI, ReRender AI, and Prime AI to develop and refine their design iterations.
Beyond Form: The Fusion of AI and Functionality
The integration of AI introduced unexpected geometries and novel spatial compositions, expanding traditional architectural thinking. However, beyond form generation, the challenge lay in applying functional intelligence—translating abstract generative outputs into real-world architectural solutions. Students engaged in a process of critical design interrogation, ensuring that their AI-driven forms successfully accommodated the programmatic and operational demands of a fully functional café.
Key Inquiry Issues and Design Challenges
Understanding Prompt Engineering
Students explored the art of crafting precise prompts to guide AI toward meaningful architectural outputs, testing different parameters to achieve controlled design results.
Navigating Site and Programmatic Constraints
The café was designed to accommodate dining for 120 people, a fully functional kitchen, restrooms, and a strategically planned parking area for buses, microbuses, and private cars.
The design responded to site forces, ensuring efficient circulation, accessibility, and contextual integration.
Balancing AI Creativity with Architectural Identity
Students addressed the challenge of maintaining authenticity, user comfort, and functional efficiency in AI-generated forms.
AI was utilized to optimize spatial arrangements and simulate environmental impacts, allowing for better-informed early-stage design decisions.
AI-Driven Design Iteration: A Student’s Journey in Crafting the Route Café Step 1: Conceptualization – From Exploration to Contextualized Design
Initial Experimentation with Prompts: The Early Phase
Anan began by experimenting with broad, unstructured prompts, which led to AI-generated outcomes that were disconnected from the project’s goals.
Example of Random Prompt:
“Design a café by the road using wood, glass, and something like nature. It should be comfortable and nice with big windows. There should be some seating outside, and it must have lights. Make it hot and sunny.”
The unclear prompt resulted in irrelevant and abstract designs, emphasizing the need for more precise instructions.
Refining the Prompts: Structured and Contextualized
Recognizing the need for clarity, Anan refined her prompts, incorporating site-specific details like location, materials, style and goals. This resulted in more relevant and practical outcomes.
Example of Refined Prompt: “Design a sustainable, futuristic Route Café along a scenic highway, with a triangular form and large windows for natural light. Use glass and concrete, minimalist architecture with clean lines, Dynamic roof structure, indoor and outdoor seating, large windows for natural light, welcoming to travelers, contemporary yet connected to nature, in the context of highway of Bangladesh.”
The refined prompt produced designs that were visually dynamic and aligned with the project’s functional and environmental needs.
Selection of the Concept: Site-Specific Application & Iteration
After refining the prompts, Anan evaluated the AI-generated designs, considering site context, functional needs, and traveler experience. The selection process involved multiple iterations, where designs were continuously refined and optimized for practicality and aesthetic alignment with the site in guidance of course teachers.
Example of Iteration & Optimization:
In the first iteration, Anan explored various design forms. For instance, one iteration focused on a more geometric, angular design, while another emphasized organic shapes. Through studio guidance and feedback, she iterated on these designs, refining materials, shapes, and site-specific elements to ensure the design responded well to both aesthetic and functional needs.
The final design selected integrated materials like glass, and concrete. It featured large windows for natural light and a layout that harmonized with the surrounding landscape, making the café both visually striking and functional for travelers.
This process showcases the importance of structuring AI prompts to generate relevant, context-aware design solutions that combine creativity with practicality.
Step 2: Design Development – Refining Space with AI Insights
In this phase, Anan advanced from conceptual design to detailed development, using both traditional methods and AI tools. A key element was utilizing AI to refine the interior environment and spatial experience. Anan employed prompts to define “lofty” spaces and optimize views under specific conditions, ensuring the design remained consistent with the overall vision.
Example of AI-Driven Interior Design Prompts:
“Create a lofty interior space with expansive views, ensuring natural light filters in at noon. The space should feel airy with materials like wood and glass, seed 4452.”
These AI-generated insights helped define the space, ensuring natural light and open space layouts. The prompts also guided material choices, optimizing for both aesthetic appeal and creativity.
Through iterative refinement using AI, Anan’s design evolved into a functional and visually appealing Route Café.
In the final phase, Anan leveraged AI to transform her design into realistic visualizations, enabling her to convey the architectural vision more effectively and in less time. The project, completed in 3 weeks, benefitted from the use of AI tools to streamline the rendering process and produce high-quality imagery.
By integrating her raw SketchUp models into AI-powered platforms, Anan was able to generate stunning, lifelike renderings of the café’s interiors and exteriors. These tools allowed her to quickly visualize different spatial conditions, lighting scenarios, and material selections, making the design process more efficient and flexible.
The final presentation included 3D renderings, floor plans, and visualized walkthroughs, showing how the café’s design integrated with the surrounding environment. By using AI for visualization, Anan was able to convey her design intentions clearly and efficiently, demonstrating how AI can enhance the architectural presentation process and reduce the time traditionally spent on rendering.
Through this AI-powered Route Café project, we redefined design methodologies, enhanced critical thinking skills, and prepared students for a future where human creativity and machine intelligence converge. This initiative served as a steppingstone toward a more dynamic, responsive, and forward-thinking architectural practice.
AI is no longer just a tool; it is becoming an active collaborator in the design process. To arrive at a good design, we must learn to ask the right questions, framing our prompts effectively to harness AI’s full potential. In doing so, AI augments our imagination, allowing us to explore ideas that might have once seemed beyond reach. This intelligent machine expands the boundaries of creativity, serving as a powerful extension of the human mind. For students and designers alike, AI is not a replacement but a remarkable prosthesis—enhancing our creative expertise and transforming the way we conceive and develop architectural designs. As we embrace these advancements, we step into a future where human ingenuity and artificial intelligence work in tandem, pushing the limits of design innovation.
The project aims to preserve the unique geological features of Jaflong, Sylhet, focusing on its unique exposed shale formations dating back to the Eocene epoch (approximately 55.8 million years ago). The site features natural hillocks that reveal rare subsurface shale layers, offering invaluable insights into Earth’s geological history. These hillocks have been declared as a geological heritage site and require conservation to prevent degradation from human or natural causes.
Jaflong in Sylhet, Bangladesh, has long been significant for geological researchers, educators, and students due to its diverse geological formations. Jaflong owes its formation to the intricate geological processes, particularly the phenomenon of subduction. Over millions of years, the tectonic plates underlying the region have been in constant motion, with one plate sliding beneath another. This subduction process has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape, gradually uplifting the terrain and exposing layers of ancient geological formations, including the renowned Kopili Shale layer. As the plates continue to interact, the forces generated have led to the gradual emergence of Jaflong, with its distinctive geological features becoming increasingly visible over time. Thus, the site stands as a testament to the dynamic forces of nature and a timeless heritage of geological evolution.
The site sits at an elevation of 108 feet above sea level, and is situated at the bank of Piyain River near the Bangladesh-India border. It hosts 42 different species of plants, contributing to its ecological richness. While nearby stone quarries have minimal direct impact, illegal extraction poses a threat to its integrity.
Emphasizing the site’s natural forces, the location of the geological heritage (Kopili Shale) on the site has been considered first, along with the depth, and the buffer radius it is assumed to cover below ground. Intending for the heritage to remain the highlight, the design resembles the embedded stones’ shapes, reminiscent of Jaflong, Sylhet, with a concept of integrating the massing seamlessly with its surroundings. Since the entire 22 acres have been declared as heritage, a minimal footprint massing has been designed, along with other scenic considerations such as the view of Meghalaya in India to the North, and the Piyain River to the west.
Environmental factors, including the nearby Dawki faultline influence the design, along with the concept of stabilizing an environment against earthquake vulnerability. In light of extensive research indicating its resilience in earthquake-prone regions, a cut-and-cover structure has been deliberately selected for this site. Additionally, by incorporating shear walls, truss systems in the roof, and space frames into the building design, the structural integrity has been enhanced. Moreover, a geotechnical ground improvement method is proposed to mitigate landslide risks in the hilly terrain.
Program requirements and outcomes
The project covers a range of programs, considering awareness, conservation, and geotourism in the area, such as a geological museum, geopark, seismic observation center, library, training institute, dormitory, and conference center.
Geological Museum: The geological museum encompasses a diverse array of sectors, displaying a collection of geological rocks collected from all over Bangladesh and the neighboring countries, offering unique insights into the fascinating world of geology. The first sector, “A Walk-Through Time,” serves as a captivating journey through Earth’s evolution over millennia. Moving on to “Reading the Rocks,” the museum delves into the earliest formations of rocks, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s ancient past. In “The Dynamic Earth” sector, visitors explore the complex workings of earthquakes and tectonics, and the forces that shape our planet’s surface. Transitioning to “The Habitable Earth,” the museum illuminates the formation of seas and continents, unraveling the mysteries behind the Earth’s ever-changing landscape. Lastly, “Framing the Fossil” presents a unique exhibit of fossils that are meticulously arranged on the ground, replicating their natural placement in geological strata, where visitors can see ancient remnants of prehistoric life.
Geopark: The Geopark serves as a focal point for Geotourism, attracting a wide range of visitors to experience the geological wonders of Jaflong. This influx of tourists also contributes significantly to the economic vitality of the area, sustaining local businesses. Picking guidelines from “UNESCO Global Geoparks – A Global Framework” and scientific researchers, a walking trail has been designed with interactive and educational points throughout.
Other programs: The incorporation of a dormitory within the contour site presented unique challenges in terms of spatial organization. Despite the dormitory blends with the concept of the site’s natural surroundings while accommodating the dormitory’s functional requirements for its guests. The geological library has been designed considering the extensive collection of geological resources, with dedicated spaces for mapping tables and oversized research materials, ensuring convenient access and utilization of these specialized resources. The Seismic Observation Centre encompasses a team of researchers and a suite of specialized laboratories, including the Geomorphology Lab, Sedimentation Lab, Instrumentation Lab, Clean Microscopy facility, GPS Control Room, Seismograph Machine Room, and Archives.
Preserving Jaflong’s Eocene-era Kopili Shale is essential not only for safeguarding the heritage but also for maintaining the delicate balance of biodiversity. By recognizing the interconnectedness between geology and biodiversity, the project ensures the long-term sustainability of both natural resources for future generations to enjoy and for researchers to study, while safeguarding the natural heritage within a sanctuary setting.
This project seeks to safeguard Bengal’s archaeological heritage by designing a museum that is both symbolic and functional, reflecting a deep sensitivity to context, memory, and place. It highlights the cultural and historical significance of Mainamati through thoughtful architectural storytelling.
With a rich heritage dating back to ancient times, Mainamati has played a significant role in shaping the region’s history. Reimagining the archaeological museum is essential, as this area’s architectural and cultural heritage struggles to endure in Bangladesh’s rapidly developing landscape. Since the proposed site is the hub of other excavated Viharas, the project will ensure the long-term preservation of artifacts through a museum complex with a preventive conservation approach, guided by Heritage Laws as a conceptual framework.
Architectural structures have historically preserved information and unfolded narratives, creating a sequence of experiences for visitors. Shalban Bihar, with its Buddhist architecture, embodies culture, regionalism, and tradition, connecting past stories with the present and future. These architectural storytellers link to broader cultural narratives, celebrated in the project’s spatial design. As a heritage site, it functions as a knowledge hub, and the museum is designed to offer a space for experiencing history and culture.
The Buddhist Bihar architecture is symbolized in the museum’s form. Le Corbusier’s Regulatory Line serves as a conceptual backbone, lending the project a refined sense of proportion, harmony, and order—complementing the site’s historical depth. The central void and the ramped circulation around the Buddha statue (a nod to the Pradakhshina Path) are especially evocative design elements—spatially symbolic and emotionally resonant. Like a monument that connects us to past cultures, this museum incorporates a public plaza to encourage openness, inviting visitors inside. This openness fosters gathering spaces, echoing the essence of Shalban Bihar. The design remains people-centric, ensuring ample space for visitors to pause and reflect on the architectural story conveyed through form and space.
By creating an engaging environment that educates visitors about the site’s rich history, the museum can boost tourism and raise awareness of Bangladesh’s cultural magnificence.
Growing up in Bangladesh, I was surrounded by lively, informal social spaces. Rooftops, courtyards, front steps, narrow alleys, the road outside the house, even neighborhood tea stalls, were all places where people naturally came together. These spaces weren’t designed with grand intentions but they became the backdrop of daily life, where neighbors would chat, celebrate, argue and laugh. It was an everyday interaction, effortless and organic.
When I moved to the United States, I immediately felt a shift. Even though the cities are densely populated, something felt missing that people seemed more isolated and the built environment didn’t invite the same kind of casual encounters. Shared spaces like corridors or courtyards often felt empty, disconnected or even avoided. I started to ask myself: what changed? How did architecture which once encouraged community, start to create distance instead?
Housing doesn’t just provide shelter, it shapes how people live together. It affects not only physical comfort but also emotional connection and community well-being. For this studio project, I chose to work with the East Harlem River Houses in Manhattan. Built in the early 20th century by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), this housing complex followed the “tower-in-the-park” model, influenced by Le Corbusier’s modernist planning ideals. While the buildings are surrounded by open green space, much of it feels unused and disconnected. These voids were meant to offer relief and access to nature but instead, they lack clear function and resident ownership. Over time, the development has suffered from social isolation, outdated infrastructure and underused public space. It became clear that this place needed to be reimagined, not just physically but socially.
The goal of my design is to reconnect the East Harlem River Houses with the Harlem River by introducing a more vibrant, connected urban realm. I focused on turning passive, unused areas into active, shared community spaces. One of the design intentions was to introduce extended balconies by retrofitting the existing residential blocks. These balconies serve as semi-private zones which is a kind of in-between space that encourage interaction between the inside and the outside. From there, the balconies connect visually and physically to a series of courtyards and public nodes across the site.
I also proposed a new housing block with units of varying sizes to meet different household needs. The layout is based on an open, walkable grid with internal pathways and pockets of shared spaces which are designed to naturally pull residents out of their homes and into the community. On the east side of the site, I introduced multi-level pocket spaces as part of the new housing, offering outdoor areas where people can gather, rest, play or simply spend time in the open air.
At the heart of the site, a raised urban platform which I named “Evolution Platform” links key spaces across the development. This platform isn’t just a physical connection, it’s a cultural one. It weaves together everyday and special uses: basketball courts, public plazas, performance spaces, sculpture gardens, libraries, art galleries and small retail kiosks selling food, books or handmade crafts. These are spaces where children can play after school, neighbors can gather for evening walks, families can celebrate festivals or strangers might strike up a conversation.
Ultimately, the project is about bringing people together across cultures, generations and backgrounds. I wanted to design spaces that feel warm, welcoming and familiar where community can grow naturally, the way I remember from my childhood.
In any context, homes are more than structures. They hold stories, traditions and relationships passed down through generations. Retrofitting older housing isn’t just about updating materials, it’s about preserving that shared spirit while adapting to contemporary needs. If done thoughtfully, this approach can serve as a model for other places facing similar challenges. It’s a way of honoring where we come from, while designing for where we’re going.
This project reimagines the traditional university campus through a vertical design approach, tailored for a Private University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on a constrained urban site of just 1.5 acres. The primary objective is to develop a student-focused academic environment that maximizes interactions, fosters collaboration, and integrates green design strategies—all within a compact urban footprint. By prioritizing vertical expansion, efficient space utilization, and eco-conscious architecture, the proposal challenges conventional campus planning while meeting the institution’s academic, social, and environmental needs.
Tertiary Education in Bangladesh is in transition, shifting from traditional, teacher-centered approaches to dynamic, student-focused environments emphasizing experiential learning. Urban challenges in Dhaka, such as land scarcity and pollution from rapid population growth, have spurred the development of high-rise campuses, especially among private universities. Activities like culture, literature, and leisure have become increasingly integrated into schooling, adding depth to the educational experience.
Limited land in urban areas has driven architects to embrace vertical campus designs, transforming the urban landscape. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for adaptable, health-conscious spaces in urban environments.
However, Dhaka’s move towards a dense, high-rise urban model also presents significant challenges. The city risks becoming a dystopian landscape, characterized by high pollution, limited green spaces, and a declining quality of life. If unchecked, the relentless pursuit of urban density could create an uninhabitable environment, where quality green and communal spaces are rare luxuries.
The concept of this project is to incorporate breathing spaces and shared spaces into the vertical campus to foster interactions, encourage peer learning as well as improve the environmental performance of the building. The functionality of the campus has been given top priority to ensure the efficient usage of limited areas. Breathing spaces are introduced in a manner so that students from different disciplines can collaborate and share knowledge. These breathing spaces will also reduce their daily stress about exams and classes and keep their mind sharp.
In this context, the vertical campus concept represents a radical reimagining of educational architecture, transforming the dense urban campus into an ‘oxygen hub’ within the city. By incorporating ample breathing spaces, natural ventilation, green walls, and sustainable infrastructure, the design aims to combat urban pollution and congestion. This vertical campus seeks not only to meet Bangladesh’s educational needs but also to address the environmental imperatives of the city’s future, serving as a prototype for sustainable development in Dhaka and beyond. It is more than a building—it is a self-sustaining community that fosters learning, well-being, and environmental stewardship.
The site for this campus is located in front of the new Purbachal expressway. The site has a 300ft front road and the height limitation of the site is under 500ft according to the rules of civil aviation. The 1.5-acre site is an irregular trapezoid with a 100ft wide proposed lake in front, acting as a divider from the 300ft front road. Government-designed bridges connect to 40ft wide service roads. The lake features a pedestrian walkway and green buffer, creating a scenic space for leisure and evening strolls.
This proposal for campus design prioritizes shared spaces for students and faculty, fostering knowledge exchange and contemplation. With land constraints in mind, the 37-story structure accommodates 10,000 students and integrates safety measures such as tall railings with green barriers and full-height corridor railings. The building features natural ventilation, shading devices, and hybrid cooling technology to reduce energy consumption, supplemented by a solar roof. Fire safety is ensured with carefully placed cores, fire stairs, and a refuge space on the 16th floor. Community spaces support student activities, including department-specific clubs. The vertical campus includes a 650-seat auditorium, a ground-floor plaza for gatherings, and a double-story cafeteria with semi-outdoor seating by a waterbody—creating spaces for students to unwind and engage.
“Shiitake” is an Oriental cuisine(Asian fusion restaurant) imprinted on the culture to make an impression on their dining experiential spaces and eating habits, focusing on Oriental art.
This appetizing environment is now designed and articulated for the young and family crowd on the macro-level of Dhaka city. The entry foyer is designed as a photo zone with nature embraced seating. A section of the decor space is enveloped with some popular Manga characters to portray Anime culture.
The overall interior space is designed innovatively to recall and relate the East Asian Contemporary cuisine style according to their art, culture & customs for the end-users, accentuating the actual dining environment in the simplest but lucrative way. After all, it is an endeavour to be embedded in oriental traditional art in a contemporary framework.
In a not-so-distant future, humanity stands atop the relics of its own ambition. The cities we build today—proud towers of glass and concrete—have become silent monuments of a world that once was. Instead of demolishing the past, we build over it, layer after layer, as if trying to bury the ghosts of our own decisions. The ground we once walked on is no longer the beginning but the end—our zero has shifted upwards.
In this imagined dystopia, the present becomes a graveyard, a decaying scaffold for a fragile hope. Above the ruins, a new world rises—not necessarily better, but born from necessity. The architectural landscape tells this tale: a detailed sectional cut through time, revealing past decay, present confusion, and future struggle. Three figures stand at three heights—each isolated in their time, yet connected through the fabric of memory, loss, and evolution.
This drawing isn’t merely a representation—it is an excavation. A search for meaning in ruins, a quiet questioning of progress. The lines, textures, and shadows don’t just tell a story; they haunt it. Because in this future, we don’t move on—we build over. And in doing so, we inherit the burden of everything beneath.
This proposal envisions the development of the Sonadia Island Eco-Tourism Park, a project aimed at harmonizing ecological preservation with sustainable tourism. At its heart is the Oceanarium Complex, a facility dedicated to marine conservation, research, and education, highlighting the diverse ecosystems of the Bay of Bengal. This project aims to transform Sonadia into a model for eco-tourism by combining environmental protection, education, and community development while attracting visitors from around the world.
Sonadia Island, located near Cox’s Bazar, is an ecologically sensitive area facing threats such as pollution, habitat loss, and declining marine species. The project seeks to address these challenges by creating a space where conservation and tourism coexist. By leveraging the island’s natural beauty and proximity to the ocean, the initiative will protect endangered wildlife, educate the public, and provide sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
The Oceanarium Complex will feature a multi-zone aquarium, taking visitors on an immersive journey through different marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea coral reefs. A marine biology research center will support scientific studies, while interactive exhibits in the museum and dolphinarium will engage and educate visitors. Additional amenities, such as nature trails, observation towers, eco-resorts, and camping areas, will enhance the visitor experience while maintaining minimal environmental impact.
Sustainability is a core principle of the project. The design incorporates energy-efficient technologies, natural ventilation, and advanced water filtration systems to reduce ecological disruption. The site was carefully selected for its access to seawater, ensuring a sustainable supply for the aquarium while considering factors like tides, climate, and existing biodiversity. Infrastructure will be built using eco-friendly materials and methods to preserve the island’s natural balance.
The park will be accessible from Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, and Jila Road, ensuring convenience for tourists while protecting the island’s fragile ecosystems. Beyond environmental benefits, the project is expected to boost Bangladesh’s tourism industry, create jobs for local residents, and raise global awareness about marine conservation.
In conclusion, the Sonadia Eco-Tourism Park and Oceanarium Complex represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development. By merging conservation, education, and responsible tourism, it will safeguard marine life, support local communities, and establish Sonadia Island as a leading destination for eco-conscious travelers.
The Rose Garden Palace, a historic landmark in Tikatuli, Dhaka, has suffered neglect over time. Once a symbol of the socio-cultural aspirations of Zamindar Hrishikesh Das, it now stands as a relic overshadowed by the city’s urban chaos. This project aims to restore the palace and transform its 4.4-acre site into a vibrant museum and cultural center, preserving its legacy while fostering public engagement.
The proposed Rose Garden Museum will integrate traditional and modern architecture, creating a space where visitors can immerse themselves in Dhaka’s historical and cultural narratives. It will feature interactive displays, educational workshops, curated exhibitions, and traditional Bengali restaurants, offering an immersive cultural experience. The goal is to establish the site as a hub for history, education, and community interaction.
The museum follows an experience economy approach (Pine and Gilmore,1998), making visits engaging and memorable. Rather than being passive observers, visitors will actively interact with exhibits, participate in educational programs, and explore immersive environments that bring history to life. The focus is on fostering a deeper connection with the heritage, ensuring that people leave with a sense of appreciation and a desire to return.
The design incorporates elements of colonial and traditional Bengali architecture, reflecting the palace’s layered history. The gardens will be restored with layouts reminiscent of the British Raj period, blending English garden designs with local Indian styles. Inside, spaces will host traditional Dhaka food restaurants and gift shops, further enriching the visitor experience.
A key objective is ensuring universal accessibility. The museum will include facilities for disabled visitors, making exhibits interactive and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds. This inclusive approach will help establish the Rose Garden Museum as a cultural hub for everyone.
The museum will collaborate with local schools and educational institutions to enhance its role as a learning center. Through guided tours, workshops, and hands-on exhibits, visitors—especially students—will gain deeper insights into the historical, cultural, and social significance of the Rose Garden Palace within the broader context of Dhaka and Bangladesh.
In conclusion, restoring the Rose Garden Palace as a museum and cultural center is more than a conservation effort—it is an initiative to preserve and celebrate heritage, inspire future generations, and create an engaging space for cultural appreciation. By blending history with modern efficiency, the project ensures that the palace remains a cherished landmark in Dhaka’s evolving landscape.
