*Architect Name: SthaNiK Consultants
*Year: |
2016 |
*Location: |
Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka |
*Client: |
Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka |
Surrounded by significant landmarks like Central Mosque, Central Library, DUCSU, Modhur Canteen and also the new building of the Faculty of Social Science, the once unattended and insignificant open space gets re-visioned and offers the users the much needed existential experience.
 |
| Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at Dhaka University |
 |
| Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at Dhaka University |
[ From the Architect ]
‘In
the experience of art, a peculiar exchange takes place; I lend my
emotions and associations to the space and the space lends me its aura,
which entices and emancipates my perceptions and thoughts. An
Architectural work is not experienced as a series of isolated retinal
pictures, but in its fully integrated material, embodied and spiritual
essence. It offers pleasurable shapes and surfaces moulded for the touch
of the eye and other senses, but it also incorporates and integrates
physical and mental structures, giving our existential experience a
strengthened coherence and significance.’ [ The Eyes Of The Skin: Architecture and the Senses _ Juhani Pallasmaa]
.
A
few days back we got a chance to have a conversation with Juhani
Pallasmaa regarding this project. Going through the images of the
project, he suggested to use ‘literature’ instead of ‘drawings’ and
stretched on the use of the term ‘metaphors’ instead of ‘concept’ while
explaining the project which eventually reinforced our intention to
express the ‘existential experiences’ this architectural intervention
has to offer.
.
Surrounded
by significant landmarks like Central Mosque, Central Library, DUCSU,
Modhur Canteen and also the new building of the Faculty of Social
Science, the open space failed to create any significance regarding the
usage. Despite of being located at the heart of university of Dhaka, the
area remained ‘unattended’ for years. The place itself had nothing to
offer to the users, and was being used for shortcuts and dumping zone of
construction debris for several years. Natural setting was random but
guided by the influences like sunlight, condition of the soil and less
human intervention.
.
.
The
objective of the project was to create a meeting place for the young
mind, holding small gatherings which may act as a place for
contemplation and reflection to the students and faculties. Maintenance
of a open landscape in a prominent area like this demands additional
attention and the requirement of a semi-open food kiosk emerged as the
catalyst to maintain the site as well as making the space lively.
.
.
The project, from the moment of inception to the phase of completion, can be expressed through multiple ‘metaphors’:
Choreographed Encounter
>> The design approach focused on creating a place for
contemplation where the users, primarily consisting of young age group,
can take a ‘momentary pause’ in between their campus life. Mainly based
on the very basic idea of ‘Dig and Mound’, traditionally used in our
context, topographical layers are created within a range of 3 feet below
and above ground to create a landscape terrain. The shapes and spaces
in the land formation emerged from the unique site specific pattern of
existing trees and the surrounding built forms of distinct
characteristics in terms of both aesthetic and program. The design
intervention offers a ‘place’ for ‘choreographed encounter’ to the users
through creating an extended reading area from the central library,
gathering place after prayer at central mosque, extended discussion
ground adjacent to DUCSU and Modhur Canteen.
.
The design
approach focused on creating a place for contemplation where the users,
primarily consisting of young age group, can take a ‘momentary pause’
in between their campus life. Mainly based on the very basic idea of
‘Dig and Mound’, traditionally used in our context, topographical layers
are created within a range of 3 feet below and above ground to create a
landscape terrain. The shapes and spaces in the land formation emerged
from the unique site specific pattern of existing trees and the
surrounding built forms of distinct characteristics in terms of both
aesthetic and program. The design intervention offers a ‘place’ for
‘choreographed encounter’ to the users through creating an extended
reading area from the central library, gathering place after prayer at
central mosque, extended discussion ground adjacent to DUCSU and Modhur
Canteen.
An Archive of Memories >> For
transforming a ‘non-place’ into a ‘place’ that is able to create an
impact to the users, the design strategy focused on creating ‘an archive
of memories’. A sunken reflecting water body holds the reflection of
the big Rain Tree, part of the library façade from certain angles, the
ever-changing phenomena of light and shade, the sky, the cloud, offers a
place for contemplation. The ‘Hijol Tree’ planted at the center of the
water embodies an image to recall memories of the village pond. Use of
materials is explored to create a multi-sensory experience infused with
nostalgia.
Material Compatibility >> Perforated
bricks were used with a patterned combination of soft-pave to
hard-pave. Red Oxide coated metal installations combined with turquoise
colored neat cement finish infuses an essence of ‘ruins’ and creates a
rich ‘peripheral image’.
.
Elements ‘Placed’ in the Terrain >> The
semi-open café emerges within the gap created by the changes in
topographical layers which start from the sunken steps surrounding the
water body and ends near the intermediate level of the large ‘Kanakchura
tree’. The continuous surface takes the form of a stepped gallery
facing the sunken water body with the façade of the central library as
the backdrop. Hanging metal bridge enhances the directionality towards
the node of the mosque, library, and social science faculty. It allows
the free flowing growth of the shrubs, an interplay of lights and shades
through its porous body. All of these elements creating ‘pause’ or
‘thresholds’ generates from or terminates towards the existing trees of
unique species and foliage.
.
The Animated Terrain >> Focus
has been given to enhancing the essence of the ‘place’ itself by a
deliberate design strategy of evolving the ultimate landscape formation
from on-site design decisions responding to its immediate surrounding
structures of cultural, historic and programmatic significance as well
as existing biodiversity. The shadow of the trees, flickers through the
leaves spreads through the stepped theater surrounding the water body
and continues up to the stepped gallery and in certain moments of a day
stretches up to the turquoise-blue roof of the pavilion-café. The place
becomes animated with the ‘aparajita’ fallen from the metal shade on the
metal benches while sipping the early morning tea. The soft-paved brick
covered platform gets covered with the yellow kanakchura flowers.
.
.
Enhanced Biodiversity >> As
a climatic attribute it varies with the presence of elements like
water, vegetation, quality of surfaces around, also describes the
morphology of a space. The shades, the permeability of light, flow of
the wind all can imitate a particular memory or memories, a deep sensory
perception.
The site
was filled with large trees such as Rain Trees, Kanakchura, Mango,
Jackfruit, Mahagony, Neem, Kadam, Bakul etc along with rare species of
Figs. Fruits from fig trees attract the rare ‘BoshontoBauri’ in the site
along with other common birds like doyel, chorui etc. Beji(mongoose),
Kathbirali (squirrel), were to be ensured their natural habitat to
retain the existing biodiversity and hence the ‘design intervention’
also includes ‘places’ for them besides humans. Fruits and Flower
bearing plants such as Dalim, Kamini, Radhachura, lantana, Joba are
planted to attract butterflies and birds. The central water body has
water loving plants and small fishes to ecologically sustain the
cleanliness of the water. Ever since the water body is created, it is
being used as a bird’s bath for the birds of the locality. Flights of
birds in pairs touching the body of water are now a common phenomenon
occurring at the site.
.Note:
** The word ‘Non-place’
used in the title refers to the term coined by French anthropologist
Marc Augé. He used this term to refer to spaces of transience where the
human beings remain anonymous and that do not hold enough significance
to be regarded as “places”.
.
<< Project Information >>
Architectural Consultant: SthaNiK Consultants
Lead Architects: Saiqa Iqbal Meghna and Suvro Sovon Chowdhury
Construction: Nazmul Ahsan Rajan, Arcadia Architects and Engineers
Associates: Saad Ben Mostafa
Location: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka
Area: 22,200 square feet (approx.)
Project Year: 2016
Photographs: Doyeedt Annahaal, Amlin Iqbal Eshita, Noufel Sharif Sojol
Client: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka
[ From the Architect ]
‘In the experience of art, a peculiar exchange takes place; I lend my emotions and associations to the space and the space lends me its aura, which entices and emancipates my perceptions and thoughts. An Architectural work is not experienced as a series of isolated retinal pictures, but in its fully integrated material, embodied and spiritual essence. It offers pleasurable shapes and surfaces moulded for the touch of the eye and other senses, but it also incorporates and integrates physical and mental structures, giving our existential experience a strengthened coherence and significance.’ [ The Eyes Of The Skin: Architecture and the Senses _ Juhani Pallasmaa]
.
A few days back we got a chance to have a conversation with Juhani Pallasmaa regarding this project. Going through the images of the project, he suggested to use ‘literature’ instead of ‘drawings’ and stretched on the use of the term ‘metaphors’ instead of ‘concept’ while explaining the project which eventually reinforced our intention to express the ‘existential experiences’ this architectural intervention has to offer.
.
Surrounded by significant landmarks like Central Mosque, Central Library, DUCSU, Modhur Canteen and also the new building of the Faculty of Social Science, the open space failed to create any significance regarding the usage. Despite of being located at the heart of university of Dhaka, the area remained ‘unattended’ for years. The place itself had nothing to offer to the users, and was being used for shortcuts and dumping zone of construction debris for several years. Natural setting was random but guided by the influences like sunlight, condition of the soil and less human intervention.
.
.
The objective of the project was to create a meeting place for the young mind, holding small gatherings which may act as a place for contemplation and reflection to the students and faculties. Maintenance of a open landscape in a prominent area like this demands additional attention and the requirement of a semi-open food kiosk emerged as the catalyst to maintain the site as well as making the space lively.
.
.
The project, from the moment of inception to the phase of completion, can be expressed through multiple ‘metaphors’:
Choreographed Encounter >> The design approach focused on creating a place for contemplation where the users, primarily consisting of young age group, can take a ‘momentary pause’ in between their campus life. Mainly based on the very basic idea of ‘Dig and Mound’, traditionally used in our context, topographical layers are created within a range of 3 feet below and above ground to create a landscape terrain. The shapes and spaces in the land formation emerged from the unique site specific pattern of existing trees and the surrounding built forms of distinct characteristics in terms of both aesthetic and program. The design intervention offers a ‘place’ for ‘choreographed encounter’ to the users through creating an extended reading area from the central library, gathering place after prayer at central mosque, extended discussion ground adjacent to DUCSU and Modhur Canteen.
.
The design approach focused on creating a place for contemplation where the users, primarily consisting of young age group, can take a ‘momentary pause’ in between their campus life. Mainly based on the very basic idea of ‘Dig and Mound’, traditionally used in our context, topographical layers are created within a range of 3 feet below and above ground to create a landscape terrain. The shapes and spaces in the land formation emerged from the unique site specific pattern of existing trees and the surrounding built forms of distinct characteristics in terms of both aesthetic and program. The design intervention offers a ‘place’ for ‘choreographed encounter’ to the users through creating an extended reading area from the central library, gathering place after prayer at central mosque, extended discussion ground adjacent to DUCSU and Modhur Canteen.
An Archive of Memories >> For transforming a ‘non-place’ into a ‘place’ that is able to create an impact to the users, the design strategy focused on creating ‘an archive of memories’. A sunken reflecting water body holds the reflection of the big Rain Tree, part of the library façade from certain angles, the ever-changing phenomena of light and shade, the sky, the cloud, offers a place for contemplation. The ‘Hijol Tree’ planted at the center of the water embodies an image to recall memories of the village pond. Use of materials is explored to create a multi-sensory experience infused with nostalgia.
Material Compatibility >> Perforated bricks were used with a patterned combination of soft-pave to hard-pave. Red Oxide coated metal installations combined with turquoise colored neat cement finish infuses an essence of ‘ruins’ and creates a rich ‘peripheral image’.
.
Elements ‘Placed’ in the Terrain >> The semi-open café emerges within the gap created by the changes in topographical layers which start from the sunken steps surrounding the water body and ends near the intermediate level of the large ‘Kanakchura tree’. The continuous surface takes the form of a stepped gallery facing the sunken water body with the façade of the central library as the backdrop. Hanging metal bridge enhances the directionality towards the node of the mosque, library, and social science faculty. It allows the free flowing growth of the shrubs, an interplay of lights and shades through its porous body. All of these elements creating ‘pause’ or ‘thresholds’ generates from or terminates towards the existing trees of unique species and foliage.
.
The Animated Terrain >> Focus has been given to enhancing the essence of the ‘place’ itself by a deliberate design strategy of evolving the ultimate landscape formation from on-site design decisions responding to its immediate surrounding structures of cultural, historic and programmatic significance as well as existing biodiversity. The shadow of the trees, flickers through the leaves spreads through the stepped theater surrounding the water body and continues up to the stepped gallery and in certain moments of a day stretches up to the turquoise-blue roof of the pavilion-café. The place becomes animated with the ‘aparajita’ fallen from the metal shade on the metal benches while sipping the early morning tea. The soft-paved brick covered platform gets covered with the yellow kanakchura flowers.
.
.
Enhanced Biodiversity >> As a climatic attribute it varies with the presence of elements like water, vegetation, quality of surfaces around, also describes the morphology of a space. The shades, the permeability of light, flow of the wind all can imitate a particular memory or memories, a deep sensory perception.
The site was filled with large trees such as Rain Trees, Kanakchura, Mango, Jackfruit, Mahagony, Neem, Kadam, Bakul etc along with rare species of Figs. Fruits from fig trees attract the rare ‘BoshontoBauri’ in the site along with other common birds like doyel, chorui etc. Beji(mongoose), Kathbirali (squirrel), were to be ensured their natural habitat to retain the existing biodiversity and hence the ‘design intervention’ also includes ‘places’ for them besides humans. Fruits and Flower bearing plants such as Dalim, Kamini, Radhachura, lantana, Joba are planted to attract butterflies and birds. The central water body has water loving plants and small fishes to ecologically sustain the cleanliness of the water. Ever since the water body is created, it is being used as a bird’s bath for the birds of the locality. Flights of birds in pairs touching the body of water are now a common phenomenon occurring at the site.
.Note:
** The word ‘Non-place’ used in the title refers to the term coined by French anthropologist Marc Augé. He used this term to refer to spaces of transience where the human beings remain anonymous and that do not hold enough significance to be regarded as “places”.
.
<< Project Information >>
Architectural Consultant: SthaNiK Consultants
Lead Architects: Saiqa Iqbal Meghna and Suvro Sovon Chowdhury
Construction: Nazmul Ahsan Rajan, Arcadia Architects and Engineers
Associates: Saad Ben Mostafa
Location: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka
Area: 22,200 square feet (approx.)
Project Year: 2016
Photographs: Doyeedt Annahaal, Amlin Iqbal Eshita, Noufel Sharif Sojol
Client: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka
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