NOTIONS OF NATURE - An interpretation center

Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dhaka

Project idea

This project will focus on designing an interpretation center that reflects and represents the cultural background,
diversity, and functionality of Ramna Park through architectural expression and spatial arrangements

The site is located in the Ramna Park, Dhaka, which is a gathering place for the public and people come here to get relief from the urban city. The site is located along side the Ramna Lake, and the initial concept is to repeat and orientate the curve of the lake and make arc in a different direction which creates an inward direction to the view of the lake and gives an extended view of the mass from the back which welcomes the visitors. The vertical elements of concrete columns and louvres blend in the vertical trees of the nature which helps the building merge with the nature.

It originates from nature and repeats and orientates the curves of the lake, making it organic and inward-looking to the nature.The vertical lines of the trees continues by louvre's and column's vertical character which makes it blends with the landscape.

Project description

An interpretation center is a specially designed structure or space where individuals or a group of visitors come to learn
about the history, background, cultural values, and traditional impacts of a place or context. Any place's tangible values
could be perceived by understating the context, topographical attributes, and related functional activities. And intangible
values of the place or context could be comprehended through visualizations, displays, and interactions with relevant
documents.

Ramna Park, one of the largest park and recreation areas of Dhaka city, is significant for historical, traditional, and
contextual values in the history of Bangladesh. The historical root of this park dates back to the Mughal era.
Chronologically the morphology of the park has been changed; however, its cultural and cordial connection with the city
dwellers has remained unchanged! By providing oxygen through the lush green and breathing spaces, this place is
continuously contributing to escape from urban anxiety and claustrophobia. From a local morning walker to the helpless
urban poor, this place always welcomes and treats its guests with its soothing landscape. Occasionally events like "Pahela
Baishakh" take place that increases the cultural prospects and potentiality of the place!

The project aims at the ethnic diversity, and functional features of Ramna Park, through architectural expression and spatial arrangements.

Technical information

The building is made of concrete combined with glass and steel.

The solid louvre made of white concrete can shade and the glass part can provide enough natural light for the interior.

Translucent glass is used in the main gallery for diffuse lighting and avoid direct glare, Where transparent glass is used in the temporary gallery to create a play of lights and shadows as the time passes.

Hollow concrete block used on the west side, beside the ramp which enables a transparency to the viewers as well as can protect heat.

Glass roof with concrete beams and metal frame used as roof lighting system light so that light can penetrate the double height space over the vegetation.


(Note:All The sheets are hand drafted)

Documentation

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