Rethinking Edgescape: Urban Oasis

BRAC University, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Project idea

Rethinking Edgescape: Urban Oasis
Location: Hatirjheel Park, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Area: 130 Acres
In the heart of Dhaka city, where fast-paced urban development is acting as a key prerogative to growth, contextual progress is severely lacking, causing a gap between people, places and paths.
Main objective: To seamlessly connect the 3 aforementioned elements so that it may work in a synchronized flow and to act as a module for waterfront redevelopment within a high-density urban context and transit oriented enhancement in the South Asian Tropics.
The project presents an opportunity to engage in comprehensive research, analysis, and design interventions to reimagine the relationship between urban development and waterfront spaces. Embracing a holistic, inclusive, and sustainable urban design, we advocate for a transformative approach that encompasses reimagining city edges while fostering a harmonious bond between urban spaces and their waterways.

Project description

The project aims to rejuvenate the blue-green network via connecting segregated waterbodies, injecting green belts to act as Riparian Buffers and inclusion of urban break out spaces within the neighborhood.
High-speed vehicular lanes are moved underground so that overground walkability is promoted, connection between the neighborhood and nature is established and high density built spaces of the missing middle are acquainted with equal benefits and amenities. Visual and physical permeability is encouraged.
A commercial belt is proposed to animate Economic benefits and adhere to basic needs such as health facilities and education. Mixed-use buildings are proposed to accommodate provisions in a need-based manner. Pedestrian plazas with many added cultural amenities are proposed to reclaim the connection between people and place.
Hydroponics farming and horticulture distribution network is established via waterways to rethink how Bangladesh's rural cultural ways can act as a modular curve to reshape modern lives within a city with strong water-based transportation network possibilities.
A multimodal hub is proposed to bridge the gap between various modes of transport and connect them to act in a seamless manner.

Technical information

Innovative eco-friendly buildings integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, green roofs, open urban spaces designed for communal interaction and recreational activities in the form of plazas, Subterranean passages optimizing vehicular flow for rapid and efficient transportation in the form of underground tunnels, multimodal hub and more.