|Write up from the project submission |

‘Rethinking  Nilkhet Book Market: A Conservation Led Sustainable Re-Generation’ was a hypothetical proposal for the final year thesis project of Khulna University Architecture Discipline .The aim of this project was to rethink the existing proposal and suggest alternative solutions considering the present condition and the future impact on surroundings and its target group.

The major considerations for this project was conservation of the existing cultural and historical values of Nilkhet book market ;  giving solutions for the uplifting traffic congestion of surroundings ; and upgrading the built environment through regeneration.

While designing, the first and foremost consideration was to accommodate the book market within two storey to maintain the existing horizontal approach of the book market. Considering the adjacent Dhaka New Market as a major force of the site, zoning restrictions were strictly suggested for the book market to prevent the encroachment of new market and other commercial places around the site. A central court is designed around the old mosque for the better experience of this heritage.

Two new roads are proposed in front of Balaka Cinema Hall and the Gausul Azam Hawkers Market for an alternative vehicular entry and exit to the proposed basement to minimize the traffic rush of the adjacent node and the lacking of parking facilities of the adjacent new market area. To ensure the secure Pedestrian movement within the site and adjacent of the site no vehicular roads was proposed inside the market rather than the direct basement entry and exit.Hawkers were accommodate within the site by providing Green buffer and level variation to discourage the illegal encroachment of the adjacent roads.

A public plaza is proposed on the second floor surrounded by traditional food facilities and other public facilities in front of the proposed Nilkhet public library. The library is proposed to emphasize the specialty of   Nilkhet area as a book market. In addition this will attract more students and readers to the site, who are the main target group and thus increase the business of the book market.