LANESCAPE: Vertical Connection Through Interactive Spaces

Academic Project | Level 4 Term 2 | Duration: 13 weeks
Group Project (Members of 3)
Site: Bongshal, Old Dhaka, Bangladesh

Old Dhaka is the historic core of the Dhaka metropolitan area. It is also associated with the highest buildings and population density. Cursory observations attest that the liveability of old Dhaka needs improvement. The viability of “block development” is argued when small-sized private plots do not have development potential under present building rules. An increase in FAR as an incentive is a way to encourage developers to be involved in block development.
Conducting field surveys, interviews with existing residents, and later a daylong stakeholder’s workshop played key roles in “Setting Design Goals: Co-Design of Participatory Block Development in Bangshal, Old Dhaka.”

Over the years, Bongshal has seen a huge rise in horizontal and vertical expansion, leading to congestion. A vertical translation of the housing system without the loss of the stories formed in the narrow lanes of Bongshal. The attempt is to recreate scope for conversation between the inhabitants. The design addresses the natural interaction created and the utilization of their social capital to create a space that feels like home.

The design addresses the following issues: interactiveness, flexibility, inclusivity, and economic viability. The corridor, community spaces, and the roof serve as the central spaces for interaction. Their functions are flexible and conducive to the conservative, friendly Old Dhaka Community. The height variation of the terraces presents a feeling of connecting buildings of different heights, like the closely situated rooftops at the existing site. Thus, they offer different types of activity opportunities for different age groups in the community or have undulating yet ample space for arranging large-scale community events. Overall, the design attempts to make the best use of circulation, terraces, and lobbies to create interactive spaces.