Khulna University of Engineering and Technology
Architecture
Urban parks, the key domain of sustainability of the community, integrate social, economic and ecological benefits. Current research are consistently concerned in planning for sustainable and resilient cities through preserving urban... more
Urban parks, the key domain of sustainability of the community, integrate social, economic and ecological benefits. Current research are consistently concerned in planning for sustainable and resilient cities through preserving urban green areas are mainly concerned with a large, bio-diverse and relatively endangered ecosystem. While such efforts act as benchmarks for assessing progress towards sustainability and resilience goals, obviously much less attention is being paid to that type of small-scale green areas more specifically urban parks in cities and their benefits to societies. Thus, the extension of these benefits whether or not is equitably distributed across diverse urban populations in cities is a remarkable quarry in urban design policies and practices, especially in developing nations. This research, therefore, aims to analyze of conventional urban design practice on sustainability, more specifically on ecosystem services. Since ecosystem services are vary geographically, the policies even under national guidelines, need to be localized to appreciate the strength of local ecology. Hence, first, this paper develops a theoretical framework of a sustainable urban park with arguing that beyond biodiversity and socio-economic status, urban parks can also inform urban planning policy and practices to promote sustainable urbanism through practices of urban form. Second, it assesses sustainability of urban parks to compare similar urban parks in two different topographies like biodiversity with varied ecosystem services. This qualitative research adopts deductive approach and case study method to evaluate and compare the planning policies of such two parks in two different cities in Bangladesh. Thus, Hadis Park in industrial city Khulna and Biplob Uddan in coastal seaport city Chittagong respectively have taken from two different ecological viewpoints. Multi methodological approaches, including questionnaire survey, interviews with academics and professionals, observation and document policies of the urban park in terms of ecological and planning viewpoints, have been accompanied. Findings reveal that urban park planning policies in both cities mostly focus on generating social and economic activities only relatively for short-term basis rather than on promoting ecological sustainability and biodiversity for long-term maximization. The study, therefore, concludes that traditional urban design practices merely motivated, or supportive to provide sustainable urban park design policies by municipalities and professionals. Further, multi-disciplinary efforts including ecology, landscape architecture, urban planning and urban design simultaneously well informed by locals are essential to assess and develop ecologically sensitive urban design and planning policies.
The Urban Street, beyond its mere functional and objective qualities, is expected to impart subjective qualities to ensure a healthy and livable community. Increasingly, both urban planners and policymakers are emphasized on the... more
The Urban Street, beyond its mere functional and objective qualities, is expected to impart subjective
qualities to ensure a healthy and livable community. Increasingly, both urban planners and policymakers
are emphasized on the significance of the physical elements (objective qualities) and activities in
creating livability of street life; however, the role of subjective qualities as component that also gives
lively street life has not been adequately explored in traditional building construction laws. Traditional
building planning laws only focused on a short-term master planning of single sites, which seldom give
a sustainable street life for community. Consequently, many streets particularly in developing nations,
is being death and faced tremendous inadequacy. This research therefore, akin to that of urbanist Jane
Jacobs in order to explore the livability of urban street to perceive the behavioral responses of people
across three dimensions of streets namely spatio-physical, socio-economic and socio-environmental. In
doing so, it develops a conceptual framework is comprised by objective and subjective qualities is
followed by measuring the livability of street life. This qualitative research adopts deductive approach
and two selected streets under case study method. Sonadanga and Hazi Mohsin road in ex-colonial city
Khulna, Bangladesh have been evaluates under the urban and building planning policies and practices
paradigm. Multi methodological approaches, including questionnaire survey, interviews with academics
and professionals, observation and document policies of urban planning, building construction laws have
been accompanied. In terms of findings, it became obvious that the livability of the Urban Street in
Sonadanga residential area have been compromised under the absence of Urban planning laws, building
codes and reluctance of Urban planning authorities (KDA refers Khulna Development Authority), the
role of architect’s in the course of designing buildings and constructions and ‘profit-oriented’
development by developers and land owners. This empirical findings hence can be useful for a globallevel
understating of the loss of street life under free market conditions. Locally, for example in the
context of Bangladesh, it can help concerned authorities (like KDA) to formulate the land use policies
and building codes for a more sustainable and contextually appropriate urban future.
qualities to ensure a healthy and livable community. Increasingly, both urban planners and policymakers
are emphasized on the significance of the physical elements (objective qualities) and activities in
creating livability of street life; however, the role of subjective qualities as component that also gives
lively street life has not been adequately explored in traditional building construction laws. Traditional
building planning laws only focused on a short-term master planning of single sites, which seldom give
a sustainable street life for community. Consequently, many streets particularly in developing nations,
is being death and faced tremendous inadequacy. This research therefore, akin to that of urbanist Jane
Jacobs in order to explore the livability of urban street to perceive the behavioral responses of people
across three dimensions of streets namely spatio-physical, socio-economic and socio-environmental. In
doing so, it develops a conceptual framework is comprised by objective and subjective qualities is
followed by measuring the livability of street life. This qualitative research adopts deductive approach
and two selected streets under case study method. Sonadanga and Hazi Mohsin road in ex-colonial city
Khulna, Bangladesh have been evaluates under the urban and building planning policies and practices
paradigm. Multi methodological approaches, including questionnaire survey, interviews with academics
and professionals, observation and document policies of urban planning, building construction laws have
been accompanied. In terms of findings, it became obvious that the livability of the Urban Street in
Sonadanga residential area have been compromised under the absence of Urban planning laws, building
codes and reluctance of Urban planning authorities (KDA refers Khulna Development Authority), the
role of architect’s in the course of designing buildings and constructions and ‘profit-oriented’
development by developers and land owners. This empirical findings hence can be useful for a globallevel
understating of the loss of street life under free market conditions. Locally, for example in the
context of Bangladesh, it can help concerned authorities (like KDA) to formulate the land use policies
and building codes for a more sustainable and contextually appropriate urban future.
While global efforts in research, policy and physical improvements of 'slums' typically involve social and infrastructural upgrading focusing the women, little attention has been given toward improving their dwelling environments... more
While global efforts in research, policy and physical improvements of 'slums' typically involve social and infrastructural upgrading focusing the women, little attention has been given toward improving their dwelling environments (household and neighborhood space) – the crucial 'every day and intimate' domain for slum-living women's social, psychological and economic wellbeing. This remains important because slum-living women, being exposed to many types of resource scarcities and inadequacies yet driven by livelihood needs, are often compelled to negotiate whatever scant space they have. For example, it is not unusual to find women in Bangladeshi slums compromising their privacies within and outside their households or sharing their territories with family members, neighbours or even with public. Not many policies exist here that acknowledge this problem; in fact many such spatial (privacy) compromises occur as a consequence of erroneous policy implications. It is here this research aims to understand the types and extent of negotiated space-making practices by women, their causes and consequences, and relevant policy environments in two different slums in Kathmandu, Nepal and in Khulna, Bangladesh. Comparisons have been made between these two to look for both consistency and variability. Although these both are examples from Global South cities, yet the comparison reveals that there are considerable differences between women's space-making practices, extent of negotiation and corresponding policy environment. Whereas Bangladeshi policies/guidelines by both Government and NGOs fail to demonstrate necessary spatial concerns/solutions for a gender-responsive living environment, the Nepalese ones opt for safer and inclusive settlements for the socially and economically vulnerable. This has been well reflected in the latter's lesser spatial compromises, higher economic status and greater participation in policy-making and space management compared to the former; for women in the Khulna slum, a compromised level of spatial practice (hence privacy) seems to hinder a safe and secured living. In terms of methodology, this research is primarily qualitative and assumes a comparative case study approach (and uses all necessary methods). A conceptual framework helped collect information and analyze those to comprehend the types and extent of spatial negotiation in relation to pertinent policies. The findings suggest that space is an important indicator for development while gender responsive interventions are necessary for any slum improvement or similar programs.
Bangladesh Rohingya camps have hosted 65,000 refugees fled from Myanmar only since 2017. Their compromised living environment and limited physical and socioeconomic facilities make them highly sensitive to COVID-19. The Government of... more
Bangladesh Rohingya camps have hosted 65,000 refugees fled from Myanmar only since 2017. Their compromised living environment and limited physical and socioeconomic facilities make them highly sensitive to COVID-19. The Government of Bangladesh and international aid agencies have applied WHO's IPC (Infection, Prevention, and Control) guidelines to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 outbreaks and enhance their resilience. However, Rohingyas often disregard these guidelines or become reluctant to follow them. Building on 10 in-depth interviews, 66 questionnaires, and observation, the study investigates the limitations and challenges of implementing these guidelines toward building community resilience. It assesses their resilience, focusingon Kutupalong camp, Cox's Bazar − one of the world's largest refugee camps. Findings reveal that Rohingya's past experience associated with their psychological trauma largely influences their current actions and demotivates them from following the health guidelines. Their deep mistrust of and disrespect to healthcare providers and aid agencies discourage them to follow the IPC. Also, insufficient built infrastructure and unhygienic living conditions, including improper WASH management, increase their risk to COVID-19. The study highlights a need for understanding their socio-psychological values and cultural narratives and recommends a set of guidelines for policymakers and aid agencies to build community resilience to COVID-19.
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will... more
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will... more
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Cities are the place of contested living that voiced congested physical development within its defined territory. In the era of material aestheticism, the notion of form design only brushed up physical attributes, which excluding... more
Cities are the place of contested living that voiced congested physical development within its defined territory. In the era of material aestheticism, the notion of form design only brushed up physical attributes, which excluding connectivity and integrity with the human. Mere its functional qualities a permeable urban form has the ability to generate social spaces within a dense shabby environment and correlate human with its functionality instead of differentiation and separation. Alternatively, traditional cities have the flexible spatial quality to subsume activities, mass gathering. The shop-front and terraced facades are replacing by the modern typology of designed that characterized closed parking, services at ground level. The research focuses on to illustrate subjective dimensions of urban form particularly urban blocks under an analytical framework. Along with this, it has minced the field practices that have been evident since last few decades under the local and national regulations. Often the lack of concern of professionals and enigmatic behavior of planning authorities seem to be causing spoliation of the sensitivity of built-environment. The outcome of the research can be helpful for a global-level understanding of physical form under neo-liberal market condition. Predominantly, mid-sized dense cities seem a holistic detailing of form design to enable human interaction with surrounding built-environment.
Spaces in history give that spaces another dimension to promote learning and recreational facilitates to people that enrich their way of life. By providing the context needs, it ensures people's participation and creating a platform to... more
Spaces in history give that spaces another dimension to promote learning and recreational facilitates to people that enrich their way of life. By providing the context needs, it ensures people's participation and creating a platform to share and exchange views and beliefs. Meherpur, historically one of the significant districts which situated in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, in 1757, the sun of Bengal's independence was set for 200years again the proclamation of independence was read at village Baidyanathtola, now Mujibnagar, on 17 April 1971. The present government has taken some initiatives to preserve that evidence of history through public accessibility, which is one of the modern approaches in conservation. The objective of the article is to comprehend the socio-cultural context and human needs of society. After that, analyzing the environment issues and considerations it ended up through proposing sustainable design solutions. Furthermore, it proposes to explore the possibilities to improve the quality of life for the community and extract the richness of the site condition into architecture by creating learning and sharing spaces. For doing this, the article applies mixed method (quantitative and qualitative method) to collect and analyze the required data. Spatial mapping, semi-structured questionnaire survey, participant observation, field survey, etc. methods will be used to collect data. The outcome of this research will improve and ensure the better quality of life through the historical and cultural fabric of Meherpur.
Spaces in history give that spaces another dimension to promote learning and recreational facilitates to people that enrich their way of life. By providing the context needs, it ensures people's participation and creating a platform to... more
Spaces in history give that spaces another dimension to promote learning and recreational facilitates to people that enrich their way of life. By providing the context needs, it ensures people's participation and creating a platform to share and exchange views and beliefs. Meherpur, historically one of the significant districts which situated in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, in 1757, the sun of Bengal's independence was set for 200years again the proclamation of independence was read at village Baidyanathtola, now Mujibnagar, on 17 April 1971. The present government has taken some initiatives to preserve that evidence of history through public accessibility, which is one of the modern approaches in conservation. The objective of the article is to comprehend the socio-cultural context and human needs of society. After that, analyzing the environment issues and considerations it ended up through proposing sustainable design solutions. Furthermore, it proposes to explore the possibilities to improve the quality of life for the community and extract the richness of the site condition into architecture by creating learning and sharing spaces. For doing this, the article applies mixed method (quantitative and qualitative method) to collect and analyze the required data. Spatial mapping, semi-structured questionnaire survey, participant observation, field survey, etc. methods will be used to collect data. The outcome of this research will improve and ensure the better quality of life through the historical and cultural fabric of Meherpur.
Cities are the place of contested living that voiced congested physical development within its defined territory. In the era of material aestheticism, the notion of form design only brushed up physical attributes, which excluding... more
Cities are the place of contested living that voiced congested physical development within its defined territory. In the era of material aestheticism, the notion of form design only brushed up physical attributes, which excluding connectivity and integrity with the human. Mere its functional qualities a permeable urban form has the ability to generate social spaces within a dense shabby environment and correlate human with its functionality instead of differentiation and separation. Alternatively, traditional cities have the flexible spatial quality to subsume activities, mass gathering. The shop-front and terraced facades are replacing by the modern typology of designed that characterized closed parking, services at ground level. The research focuses on to illustrate subjective dimensions of urban form particularly urban blocks under an analytical framework. Along with this, it has minced the field practices that have been evident since last few decades under the local and national regulations. Often the lack of concern of professionals and enigmatic behavior of planning authorities seem to be causing spoliation of the sensitivity of built-environment. The outcome of the research can be helpful for a global-level understanding of physical form under neo-liberal market condition. Predominantly, mid-sized dense cities seem a holistic detailing of form design to enable human interaction with surrounding built-environment.
Globally, owing to significant impacts of climate change and human-induced natural degradation, archeological sites are increasingly in a vulnerable condition. While possessing the range of solutions, the evolving environmental conditions... more
Globally, owing to significant impacts of climate change and human-induced natural degradation, archeological sites are increasingly in a vulnerable condition. While possessing the range of solutions, the evolving environmental conditions challenged the traditional management structure and viable strategies to revitalize the built heritage through adaptive reuse. The conservation medium of built heritage has altered from adaptive reuse modules with structural adaptation from natural calamities, human interaction to preserve the hidden treasure of the past. Bara-Bazar, an ancient city situated in Jhenaidha, was developed by the 19 mosques of the Sultanate period which were the core focus point to explore community, losing their pried for lacking of proper maintenance and many other natural calamities. Adaptive reuse can be a catalyst to reinvigorate the site by highlighting the community need. The purpose of this paper is to address the historical strength of the site with its properties, following the distinctive features, opportunities, and obstacles as well as its emphasis on the practice of adaptation. In methodology, the case study approaches critically review local policies and associated climatic problems through the use of several tools to collect field evidence and synthesize it appropriately, for collecting data participatory observation, questioner interview, photography and activity mapping playing the vital role to assess the need for interpretation and the best approach for revitalizing the archeological site.
The structure is the key to sustain a construction by ensuring firmness and makes it sound and safe for living. Evolve from the basic functional layout since ancient times; its role has been studied for understanding spatial and visual... more
The structure is the key to sustain a construction by ensuring firmness and makes it sound and safe for living. Evolve from the basic functional layout since ancient times; its role has been studied for understanding spatial and visual beautification. In all aspects of architecture and structure, the revivalism of classical periods along with the advent of new materials expanded the vocabulary of this aesthetic. The professionals have been engaged in designing form oriented geometric expression by the innovative structural system from analogical to the metaphoric idea and making the internal skeleton visible as part of visual appearances. In this study, the analysis of modern to contemporary buildings from a structural perspective opens up the critical considerations that influence visual aesthetics through embracing technological and sustainable languages. For doing this, the study emphasizes a desk-based review of research articles, books, and unique cases. Additionally, the idea based, experimental, proposed, and some regional architectural projects will illustrate to apprehend the structural significance in architectural aesthetics. The outcome of the study will signify the structural role from the visual perspective which is somewhat ignored by many regional architects
Cities are the place of contested living that voiced congested physical development within its defined territory. In the era of material aestheticism, the notion of form design only brushed up physical attributes, which excluding... more
Cities are the place of contested living that voiced congested physical development within its defined territory. In the era of material aestheticism, the notion of form design only brushed up physical attributes, which excluding connectivity and integrity with the human. Mere its functional qualities a permeable urban form has the ability to generate social spaces within a dense shabby environment and correlate human with its functionality instead of differentiation and separation. Alternatively, traditional cities have the flexible spatial quality to subsume activities, mass gathering. The shop-front and terraced facades are replacing by the modern typology of designed that characterized closed parking, services at ground level. The research focuses on to illustrate subjective dimensions of urban form particularly urban blocks under an analytical framework. Along with this, it has minced the field practices that have been evident since last few decades under the local and national regulations. Often the lack of concern of professionals and enigmatic behavior of planning authorities seem to be causing spoliation of the sensitivity of built-environment. The outcome of the research can be helpful for a global-level understanding of physical form under neo-liberal market condition. Predominantly, mid-sized dense cities seem a holistic detailing of form design to enable human interaction with surrounding built-environment.
Spaces in history give that spaces another dimension to promote learning and recreational facilitates to people that enrich their way of life. By providing the context needs, it ensures people's participation and creating a platform to... more
Spaces in history give that spaces another dimension to promote learning and recreational facilitates to people that enrich their way of life. By providing the context needs, it ensures people's participation and creating a platform to share and exchange views and beliefs. Meherpur, historically one of the significant districts which situated in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, in 1757, the sun of Bengal's independence was set for 200years again the proclamation of independence was read at village Baidyanathtola, now Mujibnagar, on 17 April 1971. The present government has taken some initiatives to preserve that evidence of history through public accessibility, which is one of the modern approaches in conservation. The objective of the article is to comprehend the socio-cultural context and human needs of society. After that, analyzing the environment issues and considerations it ended up through proposing sustainable design solutions. Furthermore, it proposes to explore the possibilities to improve the quality of life for the community and extract the richness of the site condition into architecture by creating learning and sharing spaces. For doing this, the article applies mixed method (quantitative and qualitative method) to collect and analyze the required data. Spatial mapping, semi-structured questionnaire survey, participant observation, field survey, etc. methods will be used to collect data. The outcome of this research will improve and ensure the better quality of life through the historical and cultural fabric of Meherpur.
Spaces in history give that spaces another dimension to promote learning and recreational facilitates to people that enrich their way of life. By providing the context needs, it ensures people's participation and creating a platform to... more
Spaces in history give that spaces another dimension to promote learning and recreational facilitates to people that enrich their way of life. By providing the context needs, it ensures people's participation and creating a platform to share and exchange views and beliefs. Meherpur, historically one of the significant districts which situated in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, in 1757, the sun of Bengal's independence was set for 200years again the proclamation of independence was read at village Baidyanathtola, now Mujibnagar, on 17 April 1971. The present government has taken some initiatives to preserve that evidence of history through public accessibility, which is one of the modern approaches in conservation. The objective of the article is to comprehend the socio-cultural context and human needs of society. After that, analyzing the environment issues and considerations it ended up through proposing sustainable design solutions. Furthermore, it proposes to explore the possibilities to improve the quality of life for the community and extract the richness of the site condition into architecture by creating learning and sharing spaces. For doing this, the article applies mixed method (quantitative and qualitative method) to collect and analyze the required data. Spatial mapping, semi-structured questionnaire survey, participant observation, field survey, etc. methods will be used to collect data. The outcome of this research will improve and ensure the better quality of life through the historical and cultural fabric of Meherpur.
Globally, owing to significant impacts of climate change and human-induced natural degradation, archeological sites are increasingly in a vulnerable condition. While possessing the range of solutions, the evolving environmental conditions... more
Globally, owing to significant impacts of climate change and human-induced natural degradation, archeological sites are increasingly in a vulnerable condition. While possessing the range of solutions, the evolving environmental conditions challenged the traditional management structure and viable strategies to revitalize the built heritage through adaptive reuse. The conservation medium of built heritage has altered from adaptive reuse modules with structural adaptation from natural calamities, human interaction to preserve the hidden treasure of the past. Bara-Bazar, an ancient city situated in Jhenaidha, was developed by the 19 mosques of the Sultanate period which were the core focus point to explore community, losing their pried for lacking of proper maintenance and many other natural calamities. Adaptive reuse can be a catalyst to reinvigorate the site by highlighting the community need. The purpose of this paper is to address the historical strength of the site with its properties, following the distinctive features, opportunities, and obstacles as well as its emphasis on the practice of adaptation. In methodology, the case study approaches critically review local policies and associated climatic problems through the use of several tools to collect field evidence and synthesize it appropriately, for collecting data participatory observation, questioner interview, photography and activity mapping playing the vital role to assess the need for interpretation and the best approach for revitalizing the archeological site.
The structure is the key to sustain a construction by ensuring firmness and makes it sound and safe for living. Evolve from the basic functional layout since ancient times; its role has been studied for understanding spatial and visual... more
The structure is the key to sustain a construction by ensuring firmness and makes it sound and safe for living. Evolve from the basic functional layout since ancient times; its role has been studied for understanding spatial and visual beautification. In all aspects of architecture and structure, the revivalism of classical periods along with the advent of new materials expanded the vocabulary of this aesthetic. The professionals have been engaged in designing form oriented geometric expression by the innovative structural system from analogical to the metaphoric idea and making the internal skeleton visible as part of visual appearances. In this study, the analysis of modern to contemporary buildings from a structural perspective opens up the critical considerations that influence visual aesthetics through embracing technological and sustainable languages. For doing this, the study emphasizes a desk-based review of research articles, books, and unique cases. Additionally, the idea based, experimental, proposed, and some regional architectural projects will illustrate to apprehend the structural significance in architectural aesthetics. The outcome of the study will signify the structural role from the visual perspective which is somewhat ignored by many regional architects
The approach of preserving historically significant structures has gained much popularity in the modern world. However, the attention towards context and history seem to be missing in most adaptions of the concept. The structural... more
The approach of preserving historically significant structures has gained much popularity in the modern world. However, the attention towards context and history seem to be missing in most adaptions of the concept. The structural significance is more emphasized than local identity or historical influence. Unless the place's spirit in a conventional urban setting is recognized, several issues will originate. To identify these problems, this article provides a case study of The European Club, which wears the history of British rule and Chittagong revolts in 1930 at Chittagong, Bangladesh. The paper begins by discoursing the historic value of the European club as well as the urban identity and context of the surrounding area, followed by the necessity of connection between local urban context and building preservation method through necessary comparisons. Lastly, the third part recommends an integrated approach to define and maintain the spirit of such place as an upshot. The study findings would assist in further decision making in preserving built heritage within similar urban context.
Bangladesh like many other countries of the world is facing the adversities arising from climate change for no fault of its own. There is a growing concern all over the world on the issue of climate change and its adverse impact on... more
Bangladesh like many other countries of the world is facing the adversities arising from climate change for no fault of its own. There is a growing concern all over the world on the issue of climate change and its adverse impact on countries more vulnerable owing to their respective geographical locations. The country is frequently subjected to cyclones, floods, and storm surges due to the adverse impact of climate change. The purpose of this study is to facilitate local authority, local people, especially women and other most vulnerable people to climate change in developing and implementing adaptation visioning. Developing the participatory architectural design of adaptive infrastructural solutions and livelihood demonstration is another objective. After that, to develop the climate adaptive land-use planning, and resilient structure of the Latachapli Union and Deluti Union. Finally to ensure the environmental, gender and social standards of the resilient infrastructure design. A field survey is the key approach of the study. Primarily climate change impact issues and site morphologies were investigated based on secondary data provided by UNDP and archival research. Later on resiliency indicators were understood respecting site by focus group discussions and semi-structured questioners collaborating with stakeholders as public representatives, common people of all ages and marginality, especially women. Risk measures, vulnerable areas, implication locations have been identified and mapped through discussion and participation of all stakeholders. Design solutions and guidelines generated through co-production with general people. Finally, all recommendations were justified with public hearing in presence of public representatives, selective beneficiaries from localities. The outcome of this study is two climate-resilient landscapes of Latachapli Union and Deluti Union including the design of two women centers as resilient rural infrastructures in both Union. The design of hydroponics is provided as an alternative livelihood option for Deluti Union. Additionally, the design of a gender-responsive rural infrastructure as a social platform is provided.
Set against this backdrop of the most worrying events and testing times that our cities and regions will have to deal with in the imminent future that involves the entire spectrum of global, regional and local, the MScHS students at... more
Set against this backdrop of the most worrying events and testing times that our cities and regions will have to deal with in the imminent future that involves the entire spectrum of global, regional and local, the MScHS students at ArchKU as part of their international Design Studio works for 2016-17 session and in collaboration with GoB’s Urban Development Directorate (UDD), have been working on the planning/designing problems and prospects of a South-Western bordering town called Benapole, which is also the largest and the busiest gateway towns between Bangladesh and India. Benapole, which is rich in cultural heritage, is situated on Jessore Road and beholds its memories of the Liberation War of 1971. This small town of less than half a million, however, has for the past decade, been undergoing many rapid changes due to both internal reasons (lack of planning principles, infrastructure, urbanization, migration etc.) and external forces (escalated and potential inter-border business, becoming part of the Asian Highway project etc.). Benapole, which is also a natural-resource rich town while its hinterland natural resources making up the city image generally, hence is experiencing both sudden and long-term spells of nature-induced detriments such as the loss of its natural water and vegetation systems, flooding, and loss of tree/plantation stock etc. The entire process of this research-design exercise was initially divided into five sets of activities conducted in phases. This includes: first, review of the national level planning and development policies and strategic materials and consultant reports; second, reviewing contemporary theoretical approaches for settlement planning and design; third, conduct a case study on a similar context – in this case visit two towns in Bhutan (Phuentsholing and Thimphu), review Bhutan’s National Principles for physical development (called GNH), conduct a workshop with local academics and professionals, and KII with Chief Planners of Bhutan’s Ministry of Human Settlements; fourth, select four (04) most appropriate theoretical approaches for addressing the spatio-physical- ecological issues particular to Benapole and hence for planning its future to be worked in four separate teams, and fifth, fieldwork at Benapole for finding out current and future problems affecting the spatio-physical environment of Benapole. These four approaches are:
1. Justice, equity, participation in response to inequality, lack of equity, segregation in different spatialities
2. Resilience, flexibility, responsiveness, and adoptive quality of urban spaces and forms in response to shocks and uncertainties
3. Sustainability in terms of urban image and transit focused development in response to environmental, socio-cultural and economic trio in physical development
4. Eco-sensible approaches – connectivity and network between the blue and the green, complexity
The primary data was collected and analyzed using different methods for data/information collection namely photographs, KII including the opinion of the Mayor of the municipality and FGD with different communities. One of the main sources of secondary information (including drawings and maps) were the plan books and consultants’ reports provided by UDD and the report on Benapole Municipality collected from the Municipality website. As an outcome, four conceptual frameworks have been prepared based on the contextual problems, Bhutan case study and theoretical materials based primarily on the principles of equity, resilience, sustainable port city and eco-responsiveness respectively. These helped students to select and prioritize particular tissues for Urban Design interventions and prepare propositions and simulate visual materials.
At the global level, this work is expected to contribute to accomplishing the SGD goals and fulfill the requirements of the New Urban Agenda. Additionally, it also highlights the importance of Academia-Industry collaboration and also shows the way how even a Developing world Government body can benefit from making use of the knowledge and methodologies developed by its own academia – not by some foreign experts. This work can also serve as a Case Study – a reference point for further initiatives at both National and International levels in similar contexts. Also, this project-exercise should also benefit future local development of Benapole and its regional catchments. The identified problems, the various theoretically- delineated principles and subsequent approaches/frameworks should certainly prove useful for any future situations of shocks and vulnerabilities that may affect Benapole. The proposed design schemes and computer-generated images will also help better visualize the outcomes of this planning-cum design exercise for all relevant stakeholders and their decision-making for a robust and inclusive Benapole.
1. Justice, equity, participation in response to inequality, lack of equity, segregation in different spatialities
2. Resilience, flexibility, responsiveness, and adoptive quality of urban spaces and forms in response to shocks and uncertainties
3. Sustainability in terms of urban image and transit focused development in response to environmental, socio-cultural and economic trio in physical development
4. Eco-sensible approaches – connectivity and network between the blue and the green, complexity
The primary data was collected and analyzed using different methods for data/information collection namely photographs, KII including the opinion of the Mayor of the municipality and FGD with different communities. One of the main sources of secondary information (including drawings and maps) were the plan books and consultants’ reports provided by UDD and the report on Benapole Municipality collected from the Municipality website. As an outcome, four conceptual frameworks have been prepared based on the contextual problems, Bhutan case study and theoretical materials based primarily on the principles of equity, resilience, sustainable port city and eco-responsiveness respectively. These helped students to select and prioritize particular tissues for Urban Design interventions and prepare propositions and simulate visual materials.
At the global level, this work is expected to contribute to accomplishing the SGD goals and fulfill the requirements of the New Urban Agenda. Additionally, it also highlights the importance of Academia-Industry collaboration and also shows the way how even a Developing world Government body can benefit from making use of the knowledge and methodologies developed by its own academia – not by some foreign experts. This work can also serve as a Case Study – a reference point for further initiatives at both National and International levels in similar contexts. Also, this project-exercise should also benefit future local development of Benapole and its regional catchments. The identified problems, the various theoretically- delineated principles and subsequent approaches/frameworks should certainly prove useful for any future situations of shocks and vulnerabilities that may affect Benapole. The proposed design schemes and computer-generated images will also help better visualize the outcomes of this planning-cum design exercise for all relevant stakeholders and their decision-making for a robust and inclusive Benapole.