International Cricket Stadium Complex, Manikganj, Dhaka

Leading University, Department of Architecture, Sylhet, Architecture, LU

Project idea

Over the past few decades, public interest in cricket has been growing increasingly. The need for suitable new infrastructure had resulted due to the huge success of our national teams in the Bengal tigers. Bangladesh has gained international recognition over the past two to three decades for its devoted cricket supporters and vibrant cricketing culture. Significant improvements have been made in the last couple of decades to six or seven stadiums to host international games. The capacity of these stadiums, however, is insufficient. One of the senior BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) managers claims that although Dhaka has a capacity of only 25,000 spectators there are more than two lakhs passionate international matchgoers there. The government has these initiated a proposal to build a stadium with 50,000 capacities of international standards. Manikganj is a tourist destination in Bangladesh with vast amount of land area kept to the Padma River which can house an international sports hub. This research facilitates on listing of facilities and design of an International Cricket Stadium Complex at Manikganj with 50,000 capacities.

Objectives of the Project
The major objective of the Thesis research is to present a design for the advance International Cricket Stadium Complex at Manikganj District. The stadium will significantly the nation's love of cricket and tourism by establishing a new test cricket site in a very promising area. Interest in travel and tourism to visit the iconic structure. The construction of such urban platform that can accommodate diverse native cultural celebrations besides game. In a nutshell the main design objective is:
• Create a vibrant character of built and open spaces that encourages requirement of promotion and development of sports, creating a public hub.
• Provide contemporary facilities and convenience to players and spectators.
• The stadium, complex and allied facilities become futuristic work of architecture that would resonate with global sports developments and at the same time be appropriate to the local and regional context.
• Have highest standards of an environmentally responsive structure keeping in view vagaries of nature affecting the district of Manikganj from time to time.
• Provide enhanced safety and level of service for the users.
• Superior operation and maintenance enabling enhanced operational efficiency of the stadium complex.
• Minimal adverse impact on the local population.

Project description

In the last couple of decades due to continuous success of the Bangladesh cricket team, people’s fascination about cricket has been growing rapidly. With the enormous success of the Bengal Tigers the demand for a better infrastructure is increasing. Within these past decades, Bangladesh received worldwide exposure for its passionate fans and a colorful cricketing culture. Approximately 6-7 stadiums have achieved the minimum requirements to host international matches but the capacity of these stadiums is insufficient. According to one of the senior managers of BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board), in Dhaka there are more than 2 lakh spectators who are avid fans of international matches; however, the capacity is only 25,000! Therefore, under current circumstances these stadiums do not fulfill the huge demand.

Technical information

It is always a challenge to design a mega-structure such as a stadium, especially a cricket stadium which requires large spaces for active sports and other ancillary and complimentary facilities. The challenges focus on structural innovation and sustainability issues. Throughout the design of the cricket stadium at Manikgonj, there was a constant thrive to meet the challenges and create an iconic, sustainable architecture which has multiple functions and will remain active for all days of the year, even when the stadium is not holding cricket matches. The urban development factor is majorly considered, and the restaurants and community centers have been placed so as to serve the public, while maintaining security. The road network system had been analyzed and segmented to three major routes to enter the stadium. The stadium in the end has the capability to be an iconic feature in the landscape of Manikgonj and in turn be an iconic feature in the context of global recognition of cricket in Bangladesh.

Strength:
• The project will be able to serve as a venue for international cricket matches.
• It can serve as a recreational spot for both national and international tourists.
• The river will connect with the northern part of the country to allow for more circulation options.

Weaknesses:
• The areas surrounding the project are lacking in terms of accommodations and amenities for any potential visitors.

Opportunities:
• The project will be able to generate a large amount of revenue due from each publicized match.
• Many public gathering and recreational activities and opportunities will be created.
• The project will increase the overall brand image of Bangladesh to the International Audience.
• The project will promote the economic development and growth of the local economy.
• The project will benefit the local and north Bengal youth and give them an opportunity to be more involved with cricket.

Threats:
• The proximity to the Padma River increases risk of losing land due to erosion.