DESIGN OF AN INTEGRATED CAMPUS: BSMR AVIATION & AEROSPACE UNIVERSITY, LALMONIRTHAT

Khulna University, Architecture Discipline, School of Science, Engineering & Technology, Khulna

Idea projektu

This thesis explores the comprehensive design of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University campus, located in Lalmonirhat. Originally constructed by the British in 1931 for military purposes, the runway strip will be repurposed as a training ground for both the university and the Air Force. The project's goal is to create an integrated learning environment specifically tailored to the needs of aviation and aerospace education. It will balance academic, recreational, and residential spaces while incorporating sustainable architectural solutions. This approach aims to enrich the learning and living experiences of students while also revitalizing the airstrip for flight training.

Popis projektu

MASTERPLAN: The campus's runway strip and flight training facilities are key features that set it apart from other regional universities. The architecture reflects the surrounding landscape and the nation’s cultural identity while providing a modern learning environment. The thesis also explores the integration of recreational and communal spaces to promote a balanced lifestyle for students and faculty. The master plan emphasizes an integrated design for aviation and aerospace learning, fostering innovation and collaboration. The campus layout aligns with Bangladesh’s climatic axis, ensuring thoughtful zoning around the runway strip.
ACADEMIC ZONE: The academic zone serves as the central hub that connects various essential areas of the campus. It connects the academic building where students attend classes, the library where students can study, the campus heart where they experience nature or socialize. With the academic zone the outdoor lab incorporating various fleet and hanger connects the student with practical knowledge of aviation.
AVIATION FACULTY BUILDING: The aviation faculty building uses a modular design to meet the university's specific needs. It consists of three main sections: academic departments with classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices; aviation labs for research; and student common areas that include a multipurpose hall, an auditorium, a library, student clubs, and administrative offices.
FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOOL: The university's flight training school is next to the runway and consists of three connected buildings- the Main Building, Simulation Building, and Maintenance Building. The latter houses essential labs and workshops for aircraft upkeep. The adjacent aerodrome provides ample space for aircraft parking and maneuvering, including hangar spaces on the main apron.

Technické informace

General Information of Site:
Land Availability: 586 Acres
Population Density: Low
Future Expansion: Possible
Distance From Capital City: 330 km
Distance From Closest Divisional City: 34 km (Rangpur)
Road Communication: Optimal
Land Acquisition & Rehabilitation: Easier as Populated Area
Status of Site Land: Acquired by Government

The government's requirements outline the framework for the university master plan, which fulfills both the curriculum and the essential functions the institution must prioritize. These core functions include academics, research, and innovation, which are central to the overall program. Additionally, the master plan incorporates supplementary functions that support academic and flight training, such as laboratories, training areas, management facilities, administrative spaces, and cultural and athletic amenities. The university's growth is expected to occur in collaboration with various aerospace industry partners, requiring careful consideration of future expansions and construction phases during the program analysis. The university's program will place significant emphasis on the academic and training elements of the designated 586-acre site for construction. Given the importance of aviation-related activities, study programs, research, and other training initiatives, the university's strategic location near an airfield and close to a highway is crucial.

Site Land-use Pattern: The site is bordered by the Bangladesh Air Force and Army to the north. It features low-populated rural settlements slated for rehabilitation to facilitate university construction. Surrounded by green crop fields and located along the main road connecting Rangpur and Lalmonirhat, it has access to the Mahendranagar railway station for public transport. A temporary university campus exists within the Air Force area, and the nearby historic "Soti" river is nearly dried up. Overall, the site combines natural beauty with modern amenities, making it suitable for development.

Surrounding Infrastructures: The university campus is located about 8 km from Lalmonirhat town, near the BAF base and Bangladesh Army cantonment. Since 2021, it has been operating from a temporary campus along the Rangpur-Lalmonirhat high road. It has completed its first four batches. The area consists of low-populated settlements and croplands, with plans for improved road connectivity. A government technical training center is also nearby. The site is well-connected to the town but requires distance clearance from the adjacent runway strip.

Campus Ecology: An ecological corridor has been integrated into the lowland of the campus to preserve the existing landscape and enhance the greenery of the campus, ensuring a sustainable and optimal microclimate within.

Built VS Unbuilt: The campus has a structured organization layout that incorporates all buildings within a defined grid and axis. The ratio between open and built space is maintained to enhance the view and vista, adaptability, and functionality. The entire campus spans over an area of 586 acres, with the built area accounting for approximately 15%.

Future Extension: Proper zoning planning is crucial for the future growth of this campus, as the availability of land is optimal for the layout. Once the primary zoning is completed, the government intends to expand the land towards the west and south of the campus, which will fulfill the future growth needs.

Road Configuration: The campus is not yet accessible by road from the main Rangpur-Lalmonirhat Road. The internal road layout of the campus is aligned with the primary axis. The campus public transport (bus route) is separated from the central space and located further back to ensure road safety. The primary road connection to the campus includes adequate connecting secondary roads, pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and bioswales.