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University : Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Tutor(s) : Professor Md. Ashikur Rahman Joarder, and Patrick D’ Rozario
Project Description
Charigram is a village in Manikganj district of Dhaka division, Bangladesh. Most people here rely on generational gold recycling from dust as their primary source of income. This dust is collected from jewelry shops located in different places of Bangladesh. They recycle the gold through a series of steps using traditional methods. However, the workers face challenges like reduced productivity, fire hazards, and inadequate sanitation facilities. The process also releases harmful fumes and contaminates drinking water sources. The community lacks skilled craftsmen and struggles to obtain raw materials and essential chemicals for effective recycling. Many aspire to have comprehensive recycling facilities and personal workspaces. To address these concerns, recycling amenities and shared workspaces need to be established. A proposal has been put forth to establish a Gold Dust Process Center in the Charigram village in Bangladesh to address the challenges faced by the community in gold recycling. The center will feature a double-height space connected by an observatory bridge, allowing tourists to observe the process. It will include a dust warehouse, recycling workshop, and facilitator zone, providing workers with designated workspaces and opportunities for skill development. A specialized app will be used for purchasing dust from various locations and renting machinery. The Gold Bazaar and Exhibition Space enable the community to display and market their magnificent jewelries and unprocessed gold. Currently the community sell their jewelry products in a segregated way. Gold Bazar can bring all the customers and sellers under one roof.The Gold Bazaar comprises two distinct parts: an underground area and an above-ground area. The underground design draws inspiration from the intricacies of gold mining, resulting in a truly captivating ambiance perfectly suited to showcase special and exquisite jewelry pieces. The community lacks the presence of local artisans specializing in custom-designed jewelry and crafts. So the jewelry making zone is proposed to fulfill this purpose, where the final product will be manufactured. In response to evolving needs, personalized jewelry design services have been introduced. People outside the community can use the designated app to order jewelry. The initiative seeks to elevate the destination’s appeal to tourists while addressing their exploration requirements. Due to the absence of adequate lodging, an accommodation block is planned, tailored to the needs of visitors eager to learn about gold recycling. In this proposal, the integration of transparent glass stands out as a compelling intervention that enhances visual connections while also prioritizing security. To address the challenge of sunray exposure, retractable facades crafted from recycled materials are used. Once again, local woods are used in many places, which is not only a sustainable choice but also a way to respect and honor its local natural resources. Integrating rainwater harvesting with pitched roof and vault roof design complements the existing community housing pattern, blending functionality light and ventilation. Drawing inspiration from gold ornamentation, the architecture is adorned with exposed material beauty. The waterbody separates public and private spaces, doubling as a picturesque route for tourists to enjoy and observe the recycling process by boat. Connected to the main bridge, a circular bridge offers an unmatched viewpoint for visitors to witness the dynamic recycling journey. This circular route unveils panoramic views, offering insights into the community’s vibrant life and sustainable practices. Overall, the proposed design will help the community achieve sustainability both economically and environmentally.
Established in 2012, Tamayouz Excellence Award is an unaffiliated, independent initiative that aims to advance the profession of architecture academically and professionally. Tamayouz is dedicated to supporting aspirational and transformative projects that tackle local and global challenges and that are informed by a holistic understanding of context.