শেকড়ে, সৃজনে, মুক্তি: A Holistic Approach for Revival of Revolving Stage Theatre through Adaptive Reuse of M.T Hossain Institute

Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology

Idea projektu

The only surviving revolving stage theatre in Asia is on the verge of destruction. So many memories of cultural enthusiasts are attached to every brick of it. But as the days are passing by many urban influences are going to take down this important structure if proper steps are not taken. As an area far from capital city, Lalmonirhat is deprived of instant improvement. As the theatre is the property of Railway station, its surrounding was also enriched with several interesting British structures. The purpose of this study is to analyses the cultural and non-cultural public demand of that area and suggest proper design to protect these historical structures. The necessity can only be solved throughout a holistic approach to enrich not only the structural area but also revitalization of the surrounding heritage.
People are attached with place by their memory. The place contains some contexts. Such as: Personal context, Community context and Natural Environmental context. Personal context is sum of place identity, dependence and rootedness. These relate to a person in which area he born and brought up. Community context is formed with the interaction with the surrounding people. They play an important role to create feeling of belongingness among people. Natural environment also plays a crucial role. Sometimes a single tree creates beautiful memories with a person. The smell of grass reminds the home. All these things create multiple dimensions of places. Such as, emotional dimension, cognitive dimension and behavioral dimension. Place is sum of all those things. As the height of the structure is about only 26’-0”, I had to keep in mind that the structures which I will design should be less dominating and create a background to depict the reused M.T Hossain as a masterpiece. So new theatre was designed underground with the 2x proportion along with the main M.T Hossain. The underground theatre lobby was connected to the waterbody to reflect the memory of M.T Hossain. The massing beside the theatre was also connected through the underground passageway so that the railway passengers could also enjoy the view between the mass.
The conversion of the abandoned structures into boutique hotel will facilitate the visitors and also to sustain these unique features.
The Urban integration was also an important part of this project. Keeping the existing trees and creating mass only in the free space flow by merging the context was a challenging part of the project. Adaptive reuse not only about the structure but also the adjacent area so that it creates a happening in the urban environment.
All the news massing were designed in the space flow by keeping every single tree in that area. As a result, the green heaven will not be hampered.
The mosque is also a part of this project. But in Bangladeshi context it sometimes contradicts with the cultural complex. As a result, I had to design the mosque in a way that it merges with the new structures but also fulfill the community requirements.

Popis projektu

During the British period, so many structures were made for their living, such as: staff quarters, dormitories, schools etc. But with the flow of time, these structures are getting damaged. For the entertainment of staffs and officers, a revolving stage theatre was made which was one among the only two in South Asia.
M.T Hossain Institute was built in 1905 on 2.73 acres of land. Its name was Pears Institute at first. But later, in 1934 its name was changed in M.T Hossain who was a T.T of railways station. This institute was not only a revolving stage theatre but also a cinema hall. Many people often
came to visit this place. It has been an iconic cultural center but it’s now in threat. Due to its rotating arrange and circle display seating, the theatre stood out as a vital social scene in South Asia. It has hosted innumerable events over the year, celebrating the works of subcontinent’s poets and authors as well as hosting plays and musical events. Until 1983 theatre regularly held cultural discussions too, attracting participants from neighboring countries.
The site is in Babupara, beside Lalmonirhat Railway Station, Lalmonirhat. The site area is 10 acres proposed by me. The site contains M.T Hossain institute, British railway headquarters and row houses, schools, etc.
Previously, M.T Hossain Institute was so active that people came from different area to watch cinema and other acts. But the space inside was not enough to accommodate them. This institute was built with Brick with a red layer above it. Previous condition’s sections show the previous use of M.T Hossain Institute. The dual use as Cinema Hall and revolving stage theatre is depicted in it. There is a projection room where the projector was placed and from there projection was made in between the decorative pillar. Underground there was a mechanical room as well as which served as an office for maintenance of the theatre. A big library with rich book collection was also a part of this structure. People of that time had the provision of watching tv and playing billiard there also.
The row houses, staff quarters and guest house are now abandoned. Some of the structures are lost. But the remaining structure holds the unique architectural characteristics of Bengal railway. The rail tracks beside the site are also abandoned because they are not usable for carrying goods nowadays. If these structures are not taken care of the rich history of this place will be forgotten.

Technické informace

Globally many people are residing in cities. As a result, there are lack of housing solutions. The existing row houses and stuff quarters are reused and retrofitted for the homeless people. Because many poor people are working for their livelihood in that area who don’t have anywhere to stay. They are selling local goods and services in local markets. Other hand, the cultural exchange is also occurring as the site is beside the railway station which connects our country with India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
There are 3 stages of formal inquiry for adaptive reuse of a building. First, if the building is in the original state. If is any kind of reshaped building it should be noted and the difference between old and reshaped building must be noted. But to turn an old building to a renovated state proper tactic, strategy and types of intervention is required. Without proper knowledge and strategies, it is quite difficult to start the work. Above the 3 strategies, I worked with the ‘Insertion’ as it is a balanced strategy. In this strategy, the material or structures added to the old structures are not fully detached or attached. As a result, whenever any kind of changes in the structure is necessary, we can remove it without damaging the old structure. On the other hand, it will look that renovated structures are the part of the old structure.
As the northern part of Bangladesh is close to the Indian border and many rivers flow through the area, there is a risk of flash flood and flood by rainwater. I designed the pavement as a soak able green which is connected with the sedimentation tank. As a result, the waterbody is not only a showcase but also it will filter and store the water.
The white concrete-based with marble finished structure not only create the backdrop for the existing brick structures but also strengthen the possibility to sustain these structures and create a new whole. The connecting underground corridor privileges both the ventilation for the underground theatre and plays with shadows in the sculptural zone. The insertion strategy also helps to vitalize the structural proficiency in that area.
Integration of urban park in that area also enhance the existing natural features along with creating a beautiful urban environment for the people of all ages in that area.