THE ANAMNESIS: Revitalizing Khulna Notun bazar as a space for urban cohesion and economic prosperity

Khulna University

Project idea

Throughout history, bazars have contributed to the formation of society and its growth by serving as an economic, cultural and social center. It was a space for interaction, exchange, sharing and the creation of lasting memories. However, the dynamics of these markets have transformed. To keep up with the demands of a fast-paced world and fulfill the needs of the new generation, markets have had to adapt and offer more than before. In this competition of coping, traditional markets are lagging and declining which affects both the economic and social vitality of a community.This design research aims to acknowledge the critical significance of traditional markets and their long-term sustainability. Throughout the research I tried to study the relationship between the dynamics of market and city. I studied the current state of the marketplace in both national and global contexts, focusing on how they are addressing the challenge of sustaining traditional markets in the face of globalization's pressures. A market must adapt to changing circumstances over time to survive. To achieve this, two key elements are essential: economic viability and social engagement. These factors are interdependent.

Project description

Khulna Notun Bazar, a traditional market in Khulna city which lost its thriving nature and neighborhood engagement. And resulted in decreasing local economy and social solidarity. The primary concern of this study is to understand the dynamics of traditional markets and try to evaluate how a market can revive from the memories. The goal is to recapture the images while taking into account both social sustainability and economic viability. So, both the market and the community can flourish. To achieve its goal, an attempt is made to incorporate existing assets (tangible/intangible) into the built form to reconnect it with the urban pattern and people. I have focused on integrating memory to enable seniors to reminisce while also introducing modernity through design and functionality to attract the younger generation. Thus, the marketplace can transform into a space for everyone.The market's ground floor embodies the essence of a traditional bazaar, where shoppers can find the old market. The front section of the market is designed to promote urban cohesion, allowing people to see the activities within the marketplace from the streets, creating a welcoming environment. The zoning of the market is arranged more likely to the previous one,from dry zone to wet zone. Customers can shop for pottery, groceries, fruits and vegetables, and fish in that order.The central space of the market revolves around an interaction area and an informal market lane, enhancing the local micro-economy while providing a space for relaxation and socialization.

To maintain privacy and maintenance, the market's service area is separated from the main building. Adequate parking for vehicles carrying goods and a designated load-unload area will be available to facilitate operations. The market's design includes a proper waste management and drainage system, ensuring a hygienic environment. Another block within the market is exclusively dedicated to the community, providing both indoor and outdoor spaces for celebrations and events at a reasonable cost.
The first floor of the building resembles modern market facilities, featuring a wide range of products such as clothing,jewelry,food, restaurants, and designated spaces for relaxation. The floor's circulation design creates a seamless visual connection with the upper floors.Access to the first floor is facilitated through ramps,lifts and stairs that connect it to the ground level. Admin and office blocks are on the upper floor of the service building and storage which connect both sides of the road.

The upper floor connected the market with urban fabric which primarily consists of open spaces for city residents to enjoy. People can enjoy Their food while enjoying gimmicks, songs and city bustle. As a result, a social space is established that extends from the ground to the top, while maintaining economic viability for the facilitators.

Technical information

the construction of the building is made of brick,concrete,steel panel,tensile structure.