SHATABDI

BRAC University, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Project idea

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT:
Malibagh is a neighbourhood where Modernism has blended with unconscious urban growth. The densely populated area is in desperate need of breathing zones. Like other residential zones of an urban metropolis, this neighbourhood showcases a similar monotony in terms of architecture. The project started off with the sole objective of promoting a socio-cultural brand, facilitate employments and develop socio-cultural interactions in the same compound with other residency. Thus it is combining different people from different sector of society. At the same time it needed a certain amount of monumentality in order to mark its prominence.
‘Shatabdi’ is a project that thinks beyond the concept of space. It looks forward to creating better opportunities as an emerging industry and brand. On the other hand, it sticks to its roots of ethnicity, culture and traditions, thus merging with the social parameters. It is something new along with a strong reference to the history of Bengali culture. In conclusion, this project is a sample module of how monotonous urban spaces can be converted into vibrant places with an essence of monumentality; and also creating breathing greenscapes in the heart of a concrete jungle.

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
The design generated from the zoning of calculation regarding where the maximum light can brighten up the green court; the entry direction; and the ‘open space and built form’ relation through multilayer, even with other buildings’ terrace and veranda.
Ventilation is a very important part of this design. It is not only a necessity for the user group of this small industry; but also an essential to reduce the generation of heat from the fabric, machines and equipment. Windows and punctures in the walls are designed in such a way that they can easily draw in the air resulting in easy ventilation. Swing wooden windows are considered to ensure maximum ventilation.
The orientation has been designed in such a way that diffused light can be utilised to a maximum, reducing the use of artificial luminaries required to achieve the optimum lux for usable spaces. The presence of the high-rise building in the west ensures the availability of diffused light to a greater extent. Windows are place in the north in a manner so as to utilise the diffused north light needed for a working environment.
The building develops a visual connection with other buildings and surrounding greenery. It is connected with same layer such as the roofs and balconies of the other residential buildings.
Circulation space has been optimised to a minimum and the efficiency of space utility also includes the use of space under the landing of the staircase. The other part of the landing remains void to circulate the light inside the corridor.
The space tries to open in the corner where the four buildings meet. The south eastern corner is treated as the entry and partly shaded multi-layered green space to be enjoyed by all neighbours.

CONSTRAINTS AND SOLUTIONS ACHIEVED
The greatest constraint of this project was time, which had a direct connection to lowering the cost of the project. Brick Masonry Load-Bearing structures are easier and quicker to be constructed. Use of Corrugated Iron Sheets made the construction even quicker and cost around three times less than a reinforced cement concrete roof.
Surrounded by highrise buildings ranging from four to six stories, insufficient light is another major problem. The study of sections and a detailed analysis of zoning have addressed the problem. The south-eastern corner which acts as the garden space is subjected to sunlight between 10:30am to 1:30pm.
Surrounding built form and microclimate, together, is one of the most important things to manage. The orientation of the surrounding other buildings divert the wind direction from South-east to west direction.
Faster construction within 4 months is another achievement of this project for its structural decision such as load-bearing brick masonry structure, and metal roof structures.

Project description

PROJECT:
The project is a small ethnic garments factory as a social responsible building.

LOCATION:
House no : 73/4,
Street: Malibagh 1st lane,
City: Dhaka-1217,
Country: Bangladesh.

PROJECT HISTORY
Year of commencement: August, 2016 (Time Starts from demolition of existing structure)
Year of completion and Occupancy: Middle of December, 2016

PROJECT SCOPE
Land Area: 1045 sft
Built Area: 1338 sft

DESCRIPTION
Malibagh is an unplanned residential area in Dhaka City, where small business, small garments factory and floating vending business are constantly developing alongside growing residential facilities. It is a densely populated area under the Motijheel Thana, thereby justifying its industrial prospects.
Dhaka City showcases many brands and small scale factory focused on the socio-cultural traditions of Bangladesh. Panjabi is an ethnic fashion statement for men just as saree adorns women. “Shatabdi” is one of those brands of men’s ethnic garments, producing Panjabi, thus sharing strong roots with Bengali traditions and culture. Previously an old production house stood at the current site in Malibagh. Vulnerable structure, damp wall, insufficient light and ventilation were a major problem of the old building. The sole objective of this project was to rebuild it, providing all the required facilities and more(double area) space than before. The new design elements includes a kitchen for the staff who lives here at night for security and monitoring purposes, thus adding to the security for neighbourhood itself.
The client wants to keep the services of the new building into a residential module, in case the brand fails to make significant impact in terms of business. It has been monitored carefully that the new building evolves much more than just being a structure. It is an attempt to enrich Bengali culture through its products; it is a golden opportunity to facilitate employments; and it is a synthesis of socio-cultural interactions in the same compound. ‘Shatabdi’ aims at bringing people together from different sectors of the society. In the age of Western brands, when ethnic arts of weaving and garment industry are at stake, ‘Shatabdi’ is that oasis of employment opportunity for traditional craftsmen. The production house and showrooms are honest initiatives to address the existing problem of unemployment, as well as, maintaining the bridge that connects people to their traditional and cultural roots.

PROJECT SERVICES
The project is situated in a residential zone, thus justifying that it would consume limited energy and resources available in the residential zone unlike the surplus it could have obtained at an industrial belt. Owing to the fact that the western sun is avoidable and vernacular sustainable materials are being utilized, the limited consumption of energy for natural cooling is easily justified.
The building shares its water supply and gas pipelines with a residence in the same compound, which is easily available in terms of the basic services required. The waste water management and solid waste disposal is similar to the residences around, because the fabric produced here does not contain toxic substances requiring special treatment before ending up in the sewers and dump-yards. The waste management is in accordance to the facilities provided by the city corporation.
Dhaka City is a product of rapid urbanisation, and greenscapes are gradually getting reduced. The project focuses on creating common open space for the users as well as the residents in the neighbourhood. The design consists of partly-shaded multi-layered gardens producing ample amount of oxygen, thereby adding to the natural cooling and ventilation of the entire neighbourhood and ultimately resulting in conservation of a large amount of energy. It is estimated that the use of air-conditioners in the compound would be a minimum and result in the creation of a ‘green neighbourhood’.

CIRCULATION
The circulation starts from the nearest road, and after entering the first gate, four numbers of buildings, including the project are situated in a single compound. As the internal access is not wide, no large automobile can enter the site, only human-pulled Rickshaws and Vans can enter the site for service.

DETAILS OF LANDSCAPING
The design respects the existing tree which becomes a part of the landscape. At the same time, the ground floor entry and top of the entry are considered for vegetation. The staircase landing is also being used for vegetation, thereby generating a healthy, green and pleasant environment.

Technical information

PROJECT ECONOMICS
Estimated costs at Design Stage: 21250 USD (Approx)
Actual net cost of construction of the project: 25625 USD (Approx)

‘Shatabdi’ decided to invest on this project by utilising a surplus profit gathered throughout a timespan of three years. It is predicted that the remainder would be compensated by an estimated profit to be made along a timespan of two more years by the production of ethnic garments for men.

CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECT TECHNOLOGY
The primary obstacle of this project was a questionable economic viability. The previous structure had to be demolished which meant that temporary rehabilitation would be expensive in terms of rent. It was a very crucial decision that the new construction had to be fast, as well as, economically feasible.
The new building is a Load-Bearing Brick masonry structure, thereby helping the foundation to settle quickly and resulting in a rapid development of the construction work. Two centre beams are placed in each floor for suitable load distribution and a stable structural system. Considering the basic climatic parameters, a high-rise apartment is located to its West, restricting direct west light and heat transmission. As a result, a five inch thick brick wall is sufficient enough, which adds to the reduction of cost. A similar process is replicated along the North and the East.
A Metal roof has been used to cover the structure in top floor which saves almost three times the cost of a reinforced concrete roof. Utility connections (such as Gas pipelines, and Water supply) were easier to provide quickly, because it is shared with another building in this compound itself.

MATERIALS
The external façade has been subjected to exposed gas-burnt brickwork without any plaster. The five inch thick brick walls have been plastered on the internal surfaces. The flooring is of Net Cement Finish and the circulation has been done with exposed brick soling. Pointing has been avoided in the interior walls to further reduce the cost of construction. The surface generated inside is smooth and white paint has been applied on the plastered interior walls to brighten up the ambiance and make it more lively and work-efficient. The ceiling has also been painted white, but no coating for fine finish has been applied. Tiles have been placed only where regular cleaning is required to maintain hygiene, such as the floors and walls of the toilets.
Corrugated Iron sheets have been used as the roof with metal framed structures. The design of the gate and security grills has been done with hollow metal bars.
Painted wooden frames along with glass windows are installed in the building. Some recycled wood from previous structure are used as wall shelves.

Co-authors

Principal Architect: Sabbir Ahmed
Design Development Architect: Sania AKter
Write-up Author: Sabbir Ahmed
Write-up Editor: Kaustav Ghos