REVITALIZATION OF MAWA: Addressing the Dynamic Transformation for Sustainable Riverfront

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

Project idea

Site: Mawa Ferry Ghat, Munshiganj, Dhaka district (Near Padma Bridge)

With the construction of Bangladesh’s largest bridge, the Padma Multipurpose Bridge over the Padma River (the main distributary of the Ganges), a rapid dramatic change is expected to take place in the lives of the millions in bridge-adjacent areas in Mawa. However, the construction of the Padma bridge somehow created a negative impact on the lives of the local people of Mawa due to the transportation routes being changed, forests being damaged and the ferry ghats closing their operation. Hence, the need for riverfront development arises at Mawa, a place which is very much renowned for Hilsha fish, a wholesale fish market and a recreational area.

Project description

Design Brief:
In this project, we proposed a framework which we believe will sustainably develop the riverfront area. We call it Symbiosis between Ecology & Economy. The framework is designed in such a way that it can reintroduce eco-tourism to the site as well as mark Hilsha as a matter of celebration.

The project is divided into two parts: Framework development and Detail design.
For the detailed design, the site was categorized into three zones. The zone which was the most active a few years ago, which we call “Hilsha Celebration Complex” is chosen out of the whole site so that the activities and the cultural heritage at Mawa are reintroduced which may lead to economic and environmental sustainability.

Technical information

Restoration of the sponge function in wetland soils in the sub-basins of the Mawa can be a nature-based solution that can help offset flood risks with potential impacts from the local to basin scale.
During rainy or wet season, the ponds will prevent water-logging and flooding. The ponds inside the settlements can also be used for small scale fish cultivation, where village women can actively participate and earn money.
And during dry season when dried up, these ponds can be used as bare field for vegetation or cattle grazing

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