Revitalizing Haji Ganj Fort through cultural tourism

BRAC University, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Project idea

Transforming a 17th-century Mughal fort into a cultural hub that preserves heritage, stimulates economic growth, and reconnects the community with its cultural roots.

The Haji Ganj Fort revitalization project is a transformative urban regeneration initiative aimed at restoring and reimagining a significant historical landmark in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Our fundamental goal is to breathe new life into this 17th-century Mughal fort by creating a vibrant cultural hub that simultaneously preserves historical heritage, stimulates economic growth, and reconnects the local community with its rich cultural roots.

Project description

The Haji Ganj Fort revitalization project aims to transform a 26-acre historical site in Narayanganj into a comprehensive cultural hub. The solution encompasses heritage restoration, urban design interventions, and cultural infrastructure development, focusing on preserving the Mughal-era fort while creating spaces for local artisans, museum exhibitions, and community engagement. By integrating sustainable design strategies, pedestrian-friendly zones, and green spaces, the project seeks to stimulate economic growth, promote cultural tourism, and reconnect the community with its rich historical legacy through adaptive reuse of the architectural landmark

Expected Outcomes:
Cultural tourism destination
Economic revitalization
Heritage conservation
Community connection to historical legacy

Technical information

The Haji Ganj Fort revitalization project's technical specifications encompass a comprehensive architectural and infrastructural approach, focusing on a 26-acre site with strict height restrictions and a 50m historical monument buffer. Utilizing local materials like terracotta and brick, the design integrates sustainable principles with preservation techniques, featuring museum blocks, cultural spaces, and artisan studios. The project emphasizes structural integrity, natural ventilation, and minimal environmental intervention, strategically restoring water bodies and green zones while maintaining the original fort's architectural essence and creating a functional cultural hub that balances historical preservation with contemporary urban design requirements.