institute of architects,bangladesh(IAB)-OP-1

 Status:competition entry,2007

in assoc.with Ar.mohiuddin zilani

total BUA=16,000SFT

Concept: The IAB headquarter unlike an ordinary project essentially shoulders the responsibility to express what architecture is to be contextually. What is most demanding for the IAB center is its realization of form, space & architectonic qualities through which it exposes itself to the public realm & the realm of the city fabric as an icon.

It not only represents locally the entity, talent & glory of a noble profession but also does glorify    the essence of architecture & the profession to a greater spectrum.

The built form is composed of basically two geometries (the multipurpose & the office) connected by a third space which is the entry.  The entry spaces is flanked by double & triple height spaces and shaped by mezzanine floors & terraces which project inwards to the central space. This semi-open space was predetermined to be at the corner of the plot where the two roads intersect. The entry space would be a dynamic blend of vista & movement when the terraces & circulation spaces would blend to form a small slice of our city within it.

The position of the building ensures maximum exposure to all the elevations .the main circulation is exposed against the building to make it the backdrop of events & happening. The IAB office is a tight & compact solution of stacked functions one upon another. The lounge & entry spaces connect different levels. the water-body is between the ramp & road making not only  a panorama through reflection but also to represent the importance of water in our society .not to mention the method of physically separating the built form from the road which allows the building to attain a higher degree of solitariness as well as a greater angle of view.

The office space will be an enthusiastic environment to work & promote efficiency.

During night time the building reinvents itself   exposing its inner spaces to the passer- by

Thus the building aesthetically presents the interior spaces of events to the external viewer. So a kind of tension is created as the building introverts during the day and extroverts during night time.

Deep recessing shadows are created during the day while the night reveals the luminance of its spaces making a varying rhythm of day & night.

The vehicular circulation is made as straight forward as possible enabling easy access & departure to & from the building.

The multi-purpose hall lobby is also linked by a terrace which can be accessed from inside the lounge and which will add to the concession during tea breaks etc. The library has a reading area of a circular reading table lit by skylights above, which would increase the reading habit & enhance the environment of group reading.

The project complies with the current building as well as codes for disability access and fire protection. The remaining built up area according to code will guide to build a tower at the south east corner of the plot which would have approx a   max. Total 1, 98,000 sft of built area. A central pedestrian plaza would connect both the built forms. Vehicular circulation would also get connected to form a combined entity.

Structure & finish material: the structural system of the office portion   is R.C.C. frame & R.C.C load bearing walls. filler is exposed brick. Plastered walls are rendered and finished as exposed concrete walls. clear glazing, pivoting window & wooden louvers are used to control the internal environment according to the user. The multipurpose hall has ‘y’ shaped piers to hold the floor slab which is made of steel ‘ I’ sections  & the roof is also made by  steel members attached to the peripheral beams which are trussed to withstand  lateral deflections.