Contemporary Art Centre and Sculpture Park, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Idea projektu

The contemporary art center and sculpture park is located in Sylhet, the site is about a 40-minute drive from the airport, a journey through Sylhet's agricultural landscape that punctuates the otherwise flat landscape with villages built around rivers and tea plantations built on hilltops. My project client was the Samdani Art Foundation (SAF) a private art trust in Dhaka, Bangladesh, founded in 2011 by collector couple Nadia and Rajeev.

Popis projektu

Harnessing the Power of Natural Light in Architecture: A Holistic Approach to Illumination
In the realm of architectural design, the influence of natural light transcends mere illumination; it becomes a dynamic force shaping our visual and aesthetic perceptions while fostering a symbiotic relationship with our biological and mental well-being. This project is an exploration into the transformative potential of daylight in architecture, delving into its manifold impacts on our surroundings and our lives.
Basophilic Design and Visual Perception
At the core of this project lies the recognition of the intrinsic connection between humans and nature. Basophilic design principles guide the integration of natural elements into the built environment, creating spaces that not only accommodate our functional needs but also resonate with our innate connection to the natural world. Natural light, as a fundamental aspect of this basophilic approach, becomes a medium through which architecture communicates with its occupants.
The interplay of light and shadow significantly influences visual perception. By strategically positioning openings such as windows, skylights, and other transparent surfaces, architects can manipulate the intensity, direction, and quality of natural light within a space. This intentional design choice goes beyond functional considerations; it becomes a choreography of light, casting shadows that dance throughout the day, transforming the built environment into a living canvas.
Aesthetic Perception and Emotional Well-being
Beyond the functional aspects, natural light serves as a powerful tool for shaping aesthetic experiences within architectural spaces. The subtle nuances of daylight, from the warm glow of sunrise to the soft hues of twilight, contribute to the emotional tone of a space. This project embraces the idea that a well-designed interior bathed in natural light has the potential to evoke positive emotions and enhance the overall quality of life for its occupants.
Considerations for the psychological impact of light become paramount. Research indicates that exposure to natural light influences circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep patterns and overall health. The interweaving of architecture and natural light in this project aims not only to create visually appealing spaces but also to contribute to the occupants' mental well-being, fostering environments that are conducive to focus, creativity, and relaxation.
Sustainable Solutions: Reducing Energy Consumption
In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the project addresses the pressing need to reduce energy consumption in buildings. By prioritizing natural light as a primary source of illumination, the reliance on electrical lighting systems diminishes. Thoughtful design interventions such as strategically placed windows, skylights, and reflective surfaces allow sunlight to penetrate deeper into the building, minimizing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
This conscious integration of natural light not only aligns with environmental sustainability goals but also contributes to economic efficiency by reducing energy costs. The project aims to be a testament to the idea that sustainable design practices can seamlessly coexist with aesthetic and functional considerations, creating a harmonious balance between human needs and environmental responsibility.
In conclusion, this project is a testament to the transformative potential of natural light in architecture. By embracing the symbiotic relationship between built environments and the ever-changing qualities of daylight, it seeks to create spaces that not only captivate the eye but also nurture the well-being of those who inhabit them. Through a holistic approach that considers visual, aesthetic, and sustainable dimensions, the project endeavors to illuminate a path toward a future where architecture and natural light converge to create spaces that inspire, heal, and sustain.

Technické informace

For your Contemporary Art Centre and Sculpture Park project in Sylhet, Bangladesh, utilizing load-bearing walls is a practical and effective choice. Here’s a detailed guide on how to design and implement load-bearing walls using brick masonry:

Load-Bearing Walls: Design and Implementation
1. Wall Types and Construction
Single-Wythe Walls:

Application: Suitable for partitions or less critical load-bearing walls.
Construction: One brick thick, typically about 230mm (9 inches) depending on brick size.
Double-Wythe Walls:

Application: Ideal for primary load-bearing walls.
Construction: Two layers of bricks with or without a cavity in between, providing enhanced strength and thermal insulation. Thickness typically around 460mm (18 inches).
Cavity Walls:

Application: Enhances thermal and moisture performance.
Construction: Two layers (wythes) of bricks with a cavity, tied together with metal ties. The cavity can be 50-100mm (2-4 inches) wide.
2. Structural Design Considerations
Load Calculations:

Dead Loads: Weight of the wall itself, floors, roof, and other permanent elements.
Live Loads: Variable loads such as people, furniture, and movable equipment.
Wind and Seismic Loads: Consider local climatic and seismic conditions.
Wall Thickness:

Determined by the height of the wall and the load it needs to support. For multi-story buildings, thicker walls or reinforced brickwork may be required.
Reinforcement:

Horizontal Reinforcement: Steel bars or mesh placed in the mortar joints at regular intervals.
Vertical Reinforcement: Steel bars embedded in the brickwork, especially at corners, wall intersections, and around openings.
3. Construction Details
Foundations:
Strip Footings: Common for load-bearing brick walls