There are several architecture elements used in the cityscape of Bangladesh. Water, one of the main ingredients defines lives and the society and is described as a precious gift that has been abundant in the planning approach. Climate is a relationship between land and soil whereas land is a mixture of earth and water. In Bangladesh, it is believed that the sun, wind, water and clay are the poetics of tropics where the sun plays the role of a ‘Lover’ rather than that of a ‘Ruler’. In Malaysia, on the other hand, the sun acts as a ‘King’ where the usage of Omni directional sun light, scientifically and poetically creates interesting shadows as Kuala Lumpur can be the city of sunlight, a conurbation under the sun. Bangladesh fails to produce any visionary planning as it lacks in green spaces. This is where the role of an architect is important in a society as architecture has the power to transform the culture in a society. One of the poor designs highlighted in Bangladesh is its streets. The streets are designed so narrow that not even two cars can pass through them.
People assume that they need big houses with big compounds to realise their dreams. This is not true as small houses do not equate to small desires or small. This is where the role of the architect comes in; in providing a healthy environment by allowing maximum greeneries, and wind and sun into the house, which gives happiness to occupants.
One of the projects presented is the Khazedewan apartment building, small yet abundant. The challenge of this project is creating spaciousness in a minimal space for a big family of fourteen. Each space is attached to gardens to maximise summer wind and winter sun, creating the sense of sharing among occupants. The approach of a courtyard is important especially for the future growth as children has the right to see how tree grows and pick up fruits as it has been neglected in today. Apart from that, it acts as a second ‘nature’, creating spaces for birds to nest. Five feet courtyards with greeneries enhance the sense of sharing among neighbours. The overall construction uses exposed local bricks to allow for natural breathing and maturing of the bricks.
Another project highlighted is the Mizan residence, which is a six-season house on a six-storeyed apartment building with careful approach in combining the context and climate of urban living with great efficiency and sustainability.
Apart from that, it has been highlighted that design changes between the past and the present. In the past planning, the space before the main entrance of approximately 3 feet, forming an inviting sense, trusts and respect for the passer-by to sit down, chit-chat and have some drinks around the beautiful greeneries provided. Sadly, in modern planning, high boundary wall and grills is implemented, giving the opposite impact.
The Meghna and Mamun Residence is another example of the tropical design approach in housing design. Trees are planted where it acts as a screen for the overall façade, reducing heat gain of the indoors. Streets are design to create a social scene between passer-by and occupants by providing benches and vegetation to develop a healthy society.
The concept of the Bangladesh Chancery Complex in Islamabad creates common voyage to the past. Islamabad is hot country with low humidity. The roof has an important role in collecting rain, producing evaporation and moisturising the whole area. Punches are made in the canopies to reduces cantilever load and optimise the day lighting inside the building, allowing greeneries to grow. To conclude, it is seen and believed that architects and farmers use the same approach where both need to investigate before making a decision which benefits the whole context, culture and environment.
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