Rethinking the Vibrant Past of the Shitalakshya Waterfront, Narayanganj

Created on 2nd March 2022

Conference: The Asian Undergraduate Research Symposium (AURS7)
Title: Rethinking the Vibrant Past of the Shitalakshya Waterfront, Narayanganj
Stream: Architecture, Geography and Urban Studies
Presentation Type: Virtual Poster Presentation
Authors:
Asifur Rahman, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh

Abstract:

Early human history shows coastal regions attracted self-contained settlements with ritual, economic and defensive values, which have become heritage according to the timeline. Improvised urbanization & modern mode of transportation have driven back and degraded the vibrant past of the riverfront area. Because of land-use zoning, transportation problem, and inconsistent intrusion, the existing land use pattern hampers connectivity, which turns the river edge, the neglected fringe of the city. Of let, increasing commercial and tourism sector, the cities of urban settlements are envisaging challenges in creating connectivity with adjacent river and river-edge heritages, which initiated an opportunity to rethink the waterfront. This thesis is considered the Shitalakshya River, Bangladesh, as a case study. To retrieve the relationship amongst heritage structures, city fabric, and river edge, initially, the study peruses connectivity, based on empirical data through field survey, land-use pattern map analysis through GIS map study, and photographic documentation. Later the design decision is taken in terms of urban accessibility, visibility, amenities, user group, and blue-green areas in the proposed masterplan, which consists of various urban amenities associated with the site and public demand analysis. Hence, the proposed masterplan integrates between river and inhabitants with the rich archeological heritage and existing morphology of the area, combining required civic functions and amenities. Thus, the project concludes how the city fabric and waterscape, incorporating history, could create a tool to retrieve the vibrant past of the water edge of the city.