A Platform for Political Interaction

South East University, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Project idea

Designing this project is aimed to develop political enlightenment through political interaction.

It is an open discussion arena; here people can share their views, perceptions and ideas. A platform where people can actualize their political history, social system, social customs, laws and cultural activities. A neutral platform for political members where they can discuss about any national crisis and issues. It is designed as an urban gathering space where people can celebrate or protest on any social circumstances.

The site is located at the nodal point of Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This site is enriched with its glorious political and historical value. Shahbag is the nucleus area for the Bengal nation to form any movement or celebrate in special occasion. Maximum political movement were formed here before and after the Liberation war period of Bangladesh.

So this site is the most justified to design such a unique project to show upmost gratitude and proper respect to this historical site itself and memory of the prestigious movements.

Project description

For an inclusive political practice I focused on the interaction of cultural and political activities.

In the composition there are four different infrastructures ( encompassing a political history museum, art and culture center, an auditorium and a language center) radiating from the center point of the Independence tower of Bangladesh. The four forms are equal in size which refers to the equal rights of the every human being in democracy and the same shape of the forms is to create the uniformity in forms which indicates our the national entity - ' We are all united but different or we are all different but united'.

A large open arena and an underground informal assembly hall are designed as central space. To make the space more pedestrian oriented the vehicular driveway is placed under the plaza and walking ramps is designed as main vertical circulation to achieve universal accessibility also. Minimize the building footprints invites the more green spaces. The Ground level of the buildings is designed as free spaces to engage more public activities.

To respect the spirit of Independence of Bangladesh an axis is created through the following : 1. The main entrance; 2. The center point of the location where the revolutionary freedom speech was delivered on 7th March, 1971 which initiated to the Liberation war of Bangladesh ; and 3. The center point of the Independence tower where the Pakistani armies were surrendered on 16th December, 1971 which celebrated as victory day of Bangladesh.

Technical information

This building is designed with composite (steel and concrete) structures. Wing shaped composite columns are installed as the vertical supports and exposed on the ground level. The floor slabs are made of metal deck covered with cast in situ concrete.

The over hanged roof is supported by the steel warren truss with vertical. Two exposed steel angular columns are also carried the roof loads. The light weight, energy efficient, painted galvanized steel is used as the roof material. The concrete angular walls with random light holes make the building dynamic in looks.

Conscious use of natural light throughout all the functions even in the underground is made the complex low energy efficient and gave the spaces spiritual effects with the light and shadow's dramatic plays.