A community-centric alternative to mass tourism development in Bandarban,Bangladesh, integrating the Murong tribal community's needs with sustainable tourism infrastructure. The project counters a proposed five-star hotel development that would have displaced local communities and disrupted natural resources.
In response to a proposed five-star hotel development in Bandarban, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, this architectural intervention presents an alternative model that harmonizes tourism development with indigenous community preservation. Drawing from Mohammed Habib Reza's New Contextualism Theory, the project transforms a contested jhum cultivation area into a multifunctional space that serves both the Murong tribal community and sustainable tourism.
The design integrates several key elements: an innovative hydram pump system for water resource management, agroforestry practices replacing traditional shifting cultivation, and a community hub called "Para Kendro" that houses educational, healthcare, and cultural facilities. The project's distinctive approach includes homestay options and carefully integrated resort facilities that complement rather than dominate the indigenous settlement.
The design sets a precedent by demonstrating how architectural intervention can protect indigenous cultural landscapes while accommodating modern economic needs through tourism. By creating dedicated spaces for displaced Murong families and essential community facilities, the project proves that tourism development can coexist with and benefit local communities without sacrificing their cultural identity and traditional values.
Water Management
Hydram pump system implementation
Stream preservation
Sustainable water distribution
Canal protection measures
Environmental Solutions
Agroforestry implementation
Natural resource preservation
Sustainable building materials
Environmental impact mitigation
Infrastructure Development
Community-scaled facilities
Educational infrastructure
Healthcare facilities
Market infrastructure
Tourism facilities
Sustainable Features
Local material usage
Traditional building techniques
Energy-efficient systems
Waste management solutions
Design Philosophy:
Based on New Contextualism by Mohammed Habib Reza
Future-focused development
Cultural preservation
Community integration
Environmental sustainability
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