THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, BANGLADESH (IEB),CONVENTION HALL AT RAMNA,DHAKA,BANGLADESH

The crux of the project has been to make a very subtle & humble composition. The expression is yet very practical and respectful to local construction practice, budget, construction phasing, functionality etc. The intention was not to give too much of flamboyancy but rather a straight forward response to the program & context. the foundation of the thought process is based on rationality which is a similitude to the engineering discourse as a whole. The concept can be drawn as a simplification of a complex array of requirements to be rendered in architectural response appropriated towards that rationality.

The project has been conceived as an urban space for congregation that can accommodate a multitude of events. By wedging through the masses a pedestrian walkway connects public spaces as well as provides aperture to the existing IEB building and serves as a foyer space to the whole complex. In fact, the IEB building stands as the backdrop of events as the perspective terminates towards it. The entry is flanked by the multipurpose hall and the high rise. The in-between space has a covered semi open space composed of pergolas and glass blocks that not only protects from the elements but also would wash the space with dramatic light to create public space of vibrancy.

Structural system: both the sub & super structure is anticipated to be R.C.C Part of it would be of composite with steel construction and would be executed in the initial stage of construction. The structural system for large span covering is thought to be a kind of ‘y’ type R.C.C beams which can be made ‘pre cast’ & might require pre/post tensioning to reduce cross section as required. This system is thought to be able to accommodate services as required. It has the flexibility to be used for different types of enveloping as opaque, semi open, semi opaque according to need &

Mood. In this case stiffening is thought to be similar to folded plate type roofing system which due to its geometry is naturally more stable & firm. The overall structural expression is tried to give a rather monolithic volume. Light weight/foam concrete can be used to fill troughs between ridges of the main hall roof that would add to thermal mass thus reducing cooling load and add to building efficiency. More ever large volumes are embedded beneath grade that would be advantageous to the HVAC system. The frame structure is carefully amalgamated with large span structures so both volumetrically and functionally a proper engineering solution can be met with efficacy & aptness.

The project humbly would augment the image of IEB as well as the engineering practice in Bangladesh.