Revival and Resilience: Redevelopment of Bibir Bazaar

BRAC University, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Project idea

In Bangladesh, the 'haat' was a ubiquitous tradition where farmers, sellers, and buyers convened weekly to exchange produce and social interactions. Unfortunately, this cultural phenomenon has gradually faded away over the years. Our project endeavors to rejuvenate this heritage in an economically viable manner, presenting a low-cost initiative that not only rekindles the nearly forgotten "Haat Bazaar" concept but also provides a designated space for open street vendors.
The main aim of this project is to develop the old bazaar (market) and arrange its functions. Wet market with a proper drainage system, separate dry market, and waste management system, establishing a commercial hub with various amenities in Bibir Bazaar beside the Dholesshori River. Beyond its role as a marketplace, our project functions as a community development center, incorporating cultural centers, public amenities, entertainment zones, and prayer halls.

Project description

Dhaka city's relentless expansion has spurred urban sprawl, impacting the neighboring areas as they grapple with the transformative effects of unplanned development. Keraniganj, too, finds itself amidst this tide of unregulated urban growth. Occupying a 3.18-acre parcel adjacent to the Dholesshori River, our proposed project envisions a riverside bazaar.

Enhanced Connectivity and Interaction:
Our design emphasizes increased interactions by adding diverse programs to strengthen connections with the local population. This multifaceted approach promotes connectivity within the complex, creating a vibrant hub that resonates with the unique context and surroundings of the site.

Versatility and Cultural Integration:
Our complex not only functions as a modern wet market but also offers a space for festivals, cultural events, and religious occasions. To facilitate this, we have proposed an open field within the project, presenting a versatile venue that supports economic development and serves as a source of amusement for the surrounding community.

Women Empowerment:
Recognizing the educational gaps prevalent in the area, particularly among the female population, our project includes a dedicated training center. This center aims to empower women with technical education, fostering skill development and contributing to the overall upliftment of the community.


Waterfront Development:
Adjacent to the market site flows the Dholesshori River. Our development transforms this riverside into a vibrant public space, fostering a stronger connection between the local community and the river, effectively reversing the current trend of neglect.

Zoning of the Bazaar:
Strategically planned zoning includes slaughter areas with dedicated drainage and cleaning zones within the wet market. The dry market is positioned between the social zone and an open field, ensuring easy access for users of the multipurpose hall. Another open space is allocated near the mosque, with the social zone seamlessly connected to the residential area.

Technical information

The whole market uses local materials, brick, bamboo and Jute Reinforced Polymer Corrugated Sheet (Jutin) for the roof material. The structure's walls are designed to allow light and air while minimizing the sun and rain and providing cooling through passive ventilation. The west facade bricks are installed 45” so the sun's glare cannot directly fall on the wall surface. The south facades have more openings, and Jali works for ventilation. These design considerations make this open market sustainable.

One of the biggest advantages of this project is that in case the whole market shifts to a different area then the raw materials can be reused. As most of the material consists of bamboo, jutin and bricks hence they are reusable which is cost-effective. This gives the market a certain sort of fluidity.