DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY & NATIONAL MUSEUM(REFORMATION),DHAKA,BANGLADESH

STATUS: COMPETITION ENTRY:2017

Master Plan Overview: The project envisions both a thematic and functional intervention to create a vibrant urban forum that would not only connect to the cultural corridor of Dhaka. but also would embolden the unique attributes of Bangladesh’s distinctive identity and image through spaces, events & experiences. The project would be an urban forum & also be a cornerstone of national pride of highest degree. The total complex would play the pivotal role for achieving social, cultural and academic richness -through learning, as well as through exhibitions and congregations. As the museum plays the role of the protagonist, the library building stands as an iconic entity in a ‘pyramidal parasol like form’ that acts as a complementing form in comparison to the museum building. The new complex is parched on the crossroads of infra structure as MRT, arterial roads, universities, healthcare institutes that have witnessed events from history & memory related intricately to our society. A comprehensive articulation of built form, open spaces ,landscaping & retrofitting works are all considered from detail to the macro level. The National Museum is deeply associated to our national identity, heritage, pride and history. The new public library combined with DPL offices, auditoriums and the annex building of the museum would amalgamate to form a unified whole as a cultural landmark of Bangladesh. The main feature wall which is offset from the facade of the National Museum is dedicated to the historical timeline of Bangladesh- a demography borne through centuries of heritage, history and struggle. Water is introduced not only as a natural barrier providing segregation and demarcation but also as the essence of Bengali livelihood as well as the quintessence of cultural richness associated to our deltaic demography, not to mention the micro climatic advantages of it .water is used both thematically soothing vistas. The planning also considers pedestrian circulations in a way that the national museum can be circumambulated , thus reinventing the museum to the surrounding context .
As the cultural corridor extends to the newly designed complex, it would emblem the inner strength of the National Museum and actively contribute to the story telling.The interior court of the museum is reformed to be an experience of a water filled circular pit symbolizing the timeless nature of eternal understanding and thus evoking contemplation. Moreover the master plan should register as a geo-glyph of national resolution not only as a formal aspect but also make a deep impression on our collective psyche.
The museum: The museum is reformed by taking out the existing auditorium/library block & gifting with a place of reflection which is being anticipated to bring an assimilative incarnation to the visitor. The theatricality is the core essence of the project where the museum can better uphold the cultural and historical pride, ambition and collective memory of our nation .the foreground stands as the backdrop for events as well as a changing display system by means of protruding caskets (which can be designed as to featured themes, historical artifacts , objects of special significance as festivals take place around the site in different occasions round the year). It is thought as a new land mark for the metropolis from where people can experience & participate in the events taking place across the cultural corridor; The entry to the museum is intended to be oblique to guide access from beneath the central space (this also provides covered entry to the museum proper) . a newly added pedestrian ramp would be retrofitted to the existing vertical core. The newly acclaimed space in the ground floor of the museum would have large scale thematic displays/dioramas that can be both visible from the inside and exterior as well. It would also have concessions,ticketing. cloaking, screening facilities..
The Library: the library complements the national museum with its spatiality and experience of lofty lobby and atrium. The un-quenching thirst to know is – in itself an unfinished and incomplete pyramid rhetorically speaking.Conceptually the process of information consolidating to knowledge,and knowledge to wisdom is an ordeal of a relentless journey through ages.Amid a Saragossa sea of information ,the library should serve as the lighthouse, urging new minds to embark an inspiring journey. The library is to enhance the reading environment & also be evocative to all, regardless of gender, age etc.
Reading , as a social, intellectual and cultural phenomena expressed by the library is illustrated as an archive of wisdom which is not de-familiar to the hierarchical form of an abstract pyramid where the apex is wisdom. From this point the library washes sunlight to the aspiring readers below .
Art Galleries & Annex: NALINI KANTA BHATTASALI gallerywould be relocated and repositioned as a podium of the annex. It also has a sculpture court and can play a vital role in promotion of arts is an utmost prejudice as art creates a society inspired and an inspired society can promise fidelity and harmony in our nation.
Functional aspects.The structural system would be a gable frame/A- frame type RCC skeleton. The larger span structures are kept outside the main library and transfer girders are minimized as possible. The project methodically articulates not only form but also formally expresses the composition of a complex programmatic and contextual requirement. The HVAC systems would be incorporated in the four quadrant masses that would be installed as retrofitting to the existing museum thus providing the much needed services accommodation. Face uplifts and retrofitting techniques need to be considered after detail designing. Lightweight concrete would be used as infill and leveling of roof. The new structure would comprise of a metal trussed structure wrapped with concrete and finished to match the sides of the museum. The existing auditorium, NALINI KANTA BHATTASALI gallery, library and archives would be relocated to the annex building in the construction process. Structural walls and cores are placed in a way to economize cost and phasing of construction to an optimum level.
Phasing:The whole complex is designed in segments and separate entities that can independently operate till the whole complex is finished. Thus, partial demolition of the old library block/auditorium can take place as construction carries on. This would provide an important seamless workflow crucial to the success of this project.
Concluding Remarks.The project would be an influential public edifice not only as a spectacle to inspire and educate, but also as a platform of tolerance and progressive interactions. It would also be a promoter of modern architectonic expressions infusing fresh spirit for ages to come. It would culminate the sense of rich heritage through both tangible and intangible events and artifacts for generations to come.It is under this hypothetical form – our nation would rejoice the spirit to emancipation.