Landscape architecture

1. Dhanmondi Lake and Area Development
at Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Institute of Architects Bangladesh, Design
award, 2002
Client: Dhaka City Corporation
Project Period: 1998-2000

2. Changing land use in Dhanmondi Residential Area
The settlement of 472 acres structure centres upon a natural depression – eventually named
Dhanmondi Lake. The water body was later excavated to create a somewhat gridiron system of
1000 number of quite large residential plots. Previously, the 5-metre deep, 37-hectare Lake was
a navigational channel connected to the surrounding river.
Land use map of Dhanmondi (2007) & Axial map of Dhaka City
(2007) – Source : Khan, N. 2008
Dhanmondi

3. Encroachment of Land and Water bodies in Dhaka
Dhanmondi area and the lake before development (disintegration,
physical and environmental deterioration)

4. Attempts towards Dhanmondi Lake Revitalisation
In 1998, the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) commissioned Vitti Sthapati 4 Brindo, a
private Dhaka based architectural practice, to redevelop the lake side waterfront.
Dhanmondi, being located Dhanmondi .The project included community participation to
address the problem of encroachment and environmental degradation in Dhanamandi
residential area. To regain the encroached land areas,initially the project had to carryon
some eviction of the illegally encroached local land owner. To do this the concept was to
face the Local community not to avoid. Finally, the project stretches with an area of 85.6
acres out of which almost 31 acres of land area and rest 54.6 acres as water body.
AERIAL
VIEW
OF THE
LAKE
AREA

5. Concept:
Dhanmondi Lake development was an attempt to embody an urban oasis to provide
relief in the concrete cityscape. A planned endeavor with economic feasibility for
positive impact on the urban setting was perceived for the lake development. This
intention has been achieved through restoration-conservation-preservation of nature,
water body management and promoting accessibility around the lake improving traffic
circulation.
The concept was to invite people to protect the lake from encroachment creating a
buffer zone in between the allotted residential plots and the lake. The façade
morphology was reversed with the front of the building facing the lake. Hence the
neighborhood is transformed into an accessible public realm through inclusion of a
recreational area inviting people from all over the city.

6. Space Syntax analysis - understanding the spatial realities
This part of the study attempts to investigate the actual spatial characteristics of Dhanmondi
Lake
Redevelopment Project. The study uses Space Syntax methods to identify the spatial
sustainability
of the project in three levels; First, the locational significance of Dhanmondi area in the context
ofthe city;
Second, the spatial nature of accessibility and space organization of different activities
along the periphery of the lake, and
Third, the spatial logic of the lake side development as an integrated urban system when
embedded within the residential neighborhood.

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9. Identification of successful activity nodes along Dhanmandi lake area to increase the quality of
prevailing urban spaces and later public response in reality - Source : Vitti Sthapati Brindo Ltd,
Dhaka 2008

10. Lakeside pavilions and stairs into the water accentuate the lake’s edge.Inexpensive,simple and
durable materials were used for the park furnitureand seating areas

11. USE OF DHANMONDI LAKE
Dhanmondi lake premise is extensively used by the residents for jogging & exercise
purpose in the morning and evening.
Other popular activities are cultural gathering and leisurely passing of time.

12. SA RESIDENCE
Design : Rafiq Azam (Shatotto)
Location : Gulshan, Dhaka (Bangladesh)
Landscape design: Rafiq Azam
Total useable surface area: 20667 m2
Project start date : 2005
Completion of work: 2010

14. Site entry
Building entry

15. 1
1. Ghat & deck
2
2. Swimming pond &
water court
An introverted design strategy was
hence adopted, placing a water-
court as a swimming pond in the
middle of the house to ensure
privacy. These waterways reveal
their full power during the
monsoons.

16. 1. Inspiration
2. Reality
3. Dream
Unfolding nothingness…
The destiny is ‘nothingness’ where soul and shell cohabit and purify
themselves. Let the soul come inside the home and let go off it. And let it be
and let it be…”

17. Unfolding nothingness…
• shell and soul• water
1. Inspiration
shell soul

18. It is the inter-relationship between form and void .
The sphere, the universal celestial form, in this case
is transformed to its terrestrial expression in the
shape of a square.
The soul

19. The center “water court” acts as a natural exhaust, which flows out the hot air
and makes the middle court a solace.
2. Reality Unfolding nothingness…

20. The site is surrounded by multi storied buildings as onlookers. Considering the socio-economic
condition of Dhaka, a very simple architectural vocabulary has been adopted through a subtle
intervention with form, material and vegetation. The traditional spaces like court yard, pond, ghat
green both from urban and rural typology merged, transformed into one in this urban context.
Unfolding nothingness…

21. 3. Dream Unfolding nothingness…
A small “dingi” boat waiting by the “ghat”, patch green and light with its silence, the space
becomes a natural habitat within a manmade dwelling and the layers of understanding to
unfold nothingness.