Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants

Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Wood, GardenShomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, GardenShomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Brick, StairsShomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Garden, ColumnShomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - More Images+ 24

  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  20000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2016
  • Photographs
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  AutoDesk, Mirpur Ceramic, Rhino
  • Lead Architects: Saiqa Iqbal Meghna, Suvro Sovon Chowdhury
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Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Garden

Text description provided by the architects. Surrounded by significant landmarks like the Central Mosque, Central Library, Central Student Union Building, a historic Canteen and also the new building of the Faculty of Social Science, the original open space had failed to create any significance regarding the usage. Despite 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.

Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Image 5 of 29
© Amlin Iqbal Eshita
Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Image 25 of 29
Plans Diagram

The objective of the project was to create a meeting place for the young minds to hold 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.

Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Garden, Column
© Noufel Sharif Sojol
Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Image 23 of 29
Exploded Axonometric View

Construction Technology: 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 semi-open café emerges within the gap created from the changes in topographical layers which starts from the sunken steps surrounding the water body and ends near intermediate level of a large tree.

Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Garden
© Noufel Sharif Sojol
Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Image 24 of 29
Low Sectional Perspective AA
Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Garden, Courtyard
© Amlin Iqbal Eshita

The continuous surface takes the form of a stepped gallery facing the sunken water body with the façade of the central library as the back-drop. 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, 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. Perforated bricks were used with 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’.

Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Garden
© Noufel Sharif Sojol
Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Image 26 of 29
Exploded Isometric View
Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Wood, Stairs, Garden
© Amlin Iqbal Eshita

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. 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 Central Student Union and a historic canteen.

Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants - Exterior Photography, Garden

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 water-body, the ‘Reverse Oculus’, holds the reflection the ever-changing phenomena of atmosphere and offers a place for contemplation. The ‘Hijol Tree’ planted at the center of the water embodies an image to recall memories of village pond. Crafted materiality is explored to create a multi-sensory experience infused with nostalgia.

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Project location

Address:Daca, Bangladesh

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
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Cite: "Shomaj Biggyan Chattar at University of Dhaka / STHANIK Consultants" 12 Jan 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/954708/shomaj-biggyan-chattar-at-university-of-dhaka-sthanik-consultants> ISSN 0719-8884

达卡大学景观休闲广场 / STHANIK Consultants

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