A Sanctuary of Light and Shadow

Project idea

A multipurpose platform by contextual material that will facilitate these people in different situations. As a community space it will provide shelter to homeless people from being drowned and give shade to the people during flooded time. The lighted platform removes the scarcity of
darkness and enhances the sense of security and hope. Glowing
Phosphorescent Fabric and Heat absorber glossy fabric used in the overhead canopy. Glowing Phosphorescent Fabric can take energy from direct and diffuse sunlight. It can provide light almost 6 to 8 hours at night. Moreover this material operate on low light which should be the key reason of not using solar. This shade will also protect from rainfall and
collect rain water which will supply potable water. Reserved water can be used by the people around the year. During normal time this shelter can be used for public gathering and traditional crafts making space.

Project description

Bangladesh, a small country in the south Asia, lies in the world’s largest delta, the Ganges delta. The country situated at the Ganges basin and criss-crossed with more than 300 rivers. Every year during monsoon a vast quantity of water passes through the rivers towards the Bay of Bengal flooding nearby lands. Hurricanes and Cyclones also causes flood in the costal regions of the country quite often. Moreover, with the rise of sea level due to global warming, half of this country is at risk of being submerged.
Flood is a common natural calamity of this nation for centuries. Every year people lose their lives, homes, crops, livestock in the flood. The land remains submerged for months causing a shortage of food and fresh water. Famine and epidemic breaks out claiming lives. People usually take shelter in schools, dams, trees, and roofs. Moving from one place to another becomes quite difficult. The environment becomes harsh and inhabitable but they have nowhere to go.
With the nightfall, life in the flood affected areas becomes scarier. With no electricity and very little fuel, people barely have any source of light during night. Adding to the misery, various wild animals including venomous snakes roam in the water looking for food and shelter in the darkness of the night. Being surrounded by water and engulfed in complete darkness, fear of the unknown breaks out among the flood affected people. Their mental strength and hopes fades away with shadow of the night. The poor souls often stare at the night skies in the hope of redemption.

Technical information

Canopy is made with PVC coated polyester as their preferred canopy material because it is low-maintenance, lightweight, and economical. Polyvinyl chloride coating on the tent makes it waterproof and resilient to harsh weather.When canopy was made it was dyeing with phosphorescent pigment color liquid in textile.The phosphorescent pigment is the “material which can emit the light in the dark by accumulating the light”.As it can be used without any electricity, it is possible to make a good use of it regardless of a place and a time.