(Kolpolok) Resilient Dwellings: Sustainable Low-Income Housing in Urban Area (West Shewrapara)

North South University, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Idea projektu

Project Idea:
The project proposes a sustainable, mixed-use, low-income housing development in West Shewrapara, Dhaka, aimed at addressing the local population's diverse needs, including families, vendors, drivers, and garment workers. This initiative considers the area's rapid urbanization, growing diversity, and socio-economic challenges, providing an innovative, adaptive solution that balances housing, community services, and sustainability.

The design envisions a harmonious integration of residential, commercial, and communal spaces, promoting a live-work environment that enables the local population to thrive. The project focuses on creating resilient dwellings that can withstand environmental, social, and economic challenges using modular housing systems, recyclable materials, and sustainable practices such as urban farming and shared facilities.

The development prioritizes affordability, with a key objective to keep rental costs accessible for low-income families while also providing economic opportunities for residents through shared spaces for income generation, such as home-based businesses and a local bazaar.

Additionally, the project aims to revitalize the Kallyanpur Canal, integrating it as a valuable environmental and aesthetic asset for the development. The housing design also includes communal spaces like playgrounds, courtyards, and community centers to promote social cohesion, cultural preservation, and well-being.

Goals and Objectives:
Affordable Housing: To provide sustainable, affordable housing options for low-income families in Dhaka, focusing on accessibility and long-term financial stability.

Community Integration: To create a development that fosters a strong sense of community by integrating residential, commercial, and social spaces that promote interaction, economic activity, and cultural preservation.

Sustainability: To minimize the environmental impact of the project by using recyclable materials, incorporating urban farming, and promoting green infrastructure, such as water management and the revitalization of the Kallyanpur canal.

Resilience: To design dwellings adaptable to future needs and resilient to environmental challenges, such as flooding, while ensuring the overall project remains financially viable and culturally relevant.

Economic Empowerment: To empower residents with opportunities for income generation through shared facilities, local business opportunities, and the integration of a local bazaar, ensuring the development supports residential and economic growth.

Cultural Sensitivity: To respect and preserve the cultural, social, and environmental context of the area, ensuring the development enhances the community's existing lifestyle while improving living conditions.

By addressing these objectives, the project aims to set a new standard for urban housing in Bangladesh, providing a model that can be replicated in other areas facing similar challenges of rapid urbanization and socio-economic disparity.

Popis projektu

Project Description:
The Resilient Dwellings project in West Shewrapara, Dhaka, proposes a sustainable low-income housing development designed to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in the urban area while improving its residents' social and environmental conditions. The project focuses on creating a mixed-use community that integrates residential, commercial, and public services, offering a holistic solution to the challenges faced by low-income groups in Dhaka, especially those working in the garment industry, as well as families, vendors, and other vulnerable groups.

The project area is currently a local bazaar, with informal commercial activities thriving. The design capitalizes on this by maintaining the bazaar as a central feature on the ground level of the development, providing essential goods and services within walking distance for the residents and offering economic opportunities through the live-work concept.

Scope of the Project Solution:
Housing Design:
The project consists of modular housing units (12x12 ft) that can be combined to create larger apartments according to residents' needs. The housing is categorized into three types:

Families
Female + Single Mothers
Bachelors (Male)
Using recyclable materials like cement board partitions and steel framing ensures both sustainability and cost-effectiveness while also addressing the durability of the structures.
Mixed-Use Development:
The housing development will be a mixed-use complex, integrating residential spaces with commercial units, including:

Local Bazaar (on the ground floor)
Healthcare facilities, including a community clinic or healthcare center
Community centers and recreational spaces for social interactions
Educational facilities, with a primary school and provisions for flexible upper-floor spaces to be adapted for office or area management.
Community Integration and Well-Being:
The development aims to improve social interaction and community well-being through shared spaces such as:

Playgrounds and courtyards offer recreational areas for children and adults.
Shared facilities like kitchens and toilets promote a communal living environment that maximizes the use of space.
Environmental and Sustainability Features:
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project incorporates:

Urban farming: Residents can engage in agriculture within the development, promoting local food production and increasing green space.
Water management systems to address potential flooding and drainage issues.
Revitalization of the Kallyanpur canal adds to the development's aesthetic and environmental value, creating a green corridor and improving the area’s resilience to environmental challenges.
Financial and Economic Sustainability:
The project is designed to be financially viable and offers affordable rent at 3,000 Taka per unit, ensuring low-income groups can afford to live in the complex. In addition, income-generating spaces are incorporated to allow residents to create businesses or generate income within their homes. The project also includes a 15-year repayment strategy for welfare fund loans (from NGOs or organizations like JICA), ensuring that the project remains financially sustainable without overburdening the residents.

Conclusion:
The project scope centers on creating a resilient and self-sustaining community where affordable housing, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability are prioritized. By addressing the diverse needs of the residents, the development aims to enhance the quality of life while promoting a sustainable urban future for West Shewrapara, Dhaka.

Technické informace

Technical Specifications of the Project:
Site Information:

Location: West Shewrapara, Dhaka, within Mirpur Thana
Area: Approximately 3.5 acres (or 14,000 m²)
Topography: Flat terrain, with moderate waterlogging issues during the monsoon
Climate Zone: Tropical wet and dry climate with high humidity and seasonal rainfall
Housing Units:

Modular Units:
Dimensions: 12x12 ft (3.66x3.66 meters)
Each unit is designed to be flexible and customizable, with the option to merge two or more units for larger family accommodations.
Housing units are categorized into three types:
Families
Female + Single Mothers
Bachelors (Male)
Materials:
Recyclable Cement Board (for partitions)
Steel Framing (for structural support)
Eco-friendly Insulation Materials
Sustainable Flooring (recycled tiles, cement-based flooring)
Construction and Structural Details:

Building Type: Reinforced concrete frame with modular assembly
Structural Systems:
Concrete slab floors
Steel frame construction for durability and ease of assembly
Sustainable Construction Materials (low-carbon alternatives where possible)
Foundation:
Pile foundation (for better load-bearing capacity in flood-prone areas)
Waterproofing treatment to prevent moisture-related issues in the foundation and lower floors
Mixed-Use Development:

Ground Floor Commercial Spaces:
Local Bazaar: Multi-purpose commercial space (shops for local vendors and businesses)
Healthcare Facilities: Integrated clinic or health service center
Community Spaces: Shared spaces for meetings and gatherings
Public Amenities: Toilets and community washrooms are accessible to all residents
Upper Floors:
Residential apartments and additional service facilities
Educational Facility: A primary school, adaptable for future office spaces
Accessibility:
Ramps and elevators for people with disabilities
Wide corridors for better airflow and movement
Sustainability Features:

Urban Farming:
Designated areas for community urban farming (rooftop and ground-level plots)
Rainwater harvesting systems to support urban agriculture and reduce water dependency
Water and Drainage:
Integrated water management system (including rainwater collection and greywater recycling)
Stormwater drainage system designed to reduce waterlogging during heavy rainfall
Sustainable sewage treatment with eco-friendly filtration methods
Energy Efficiency:
Solar panels installed on rooftops for renewable energy supply
Energy-efficient lighting (LED) and intelligent building systems (motion sensors for lights)
Thermal insulation and cross-ventilation in design to reduce reliance on air conditioning
Environmental Impact and Site Management:

Canal Revitalization:
Restoration of the Kallyanpur Canal to promote water flow and aesthetic enhancement
Flood mitigation measures around the canal to protect the development
Green Space:
Public courtyards and playgrounds are incorporated for community well-being
Native plants used for landscaping to promote biodiversity and reduce water consumption
Waste Management:
Composting facilities for organic waste
Centralized waste disposal system with recycling options for plastic and metal
Financial & Economic Considerations:

Affordable Rent: Set at 3,000 Taka per unit, making it financially accessible for the target population.
Income-Generating Spaces: Commercial spaces on the ground floor and community workspaces on the upper floors allow resident-operated businesses, including handicrafts, retail, and service industries.
15-Year Repayment Plan:
Loans from organizations like JICA or NGOs repaid over 15 years to ensure long-term financial viability without burdening residents.
Conclusion:
The Resilient Dwellings project in West Shewrapara, Dhaka, is carefully designed to integrate sustainability, affordability, and functionality into a compact, resilient community. The technical specifications ensure the longevity and adaptability of the development while addressing environmental, economic, and social needs. This integrated approach promotes sustainable urban living while improving the quality of life for low-income residents.