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University : University of Asia Pacific
Tutor(s) : Abu Sayeed Mostaque Ahmed, Ziaul Islam, Mehrab Iftekher and Nishat Tasnim, Nabila Ferdousi
Project Description
Every city ages in a unique way. A bustling city center may become outmoded and unused over time. With all of these wiped memories, our cities are losing their distinct personality and becoming monotonous, with no unique story to tell. These tales can be preserved, revived, and once again honored.
Against this backdrop, Kushtia is regarded as Bangladesh’s cultural capital, but its unchecked growth is causing its culture and historical structures to disappear. By restoring the people’s sense of pride, providing for their current requirements, and allowing the historic architecture to speak for itself, this project seeks to transform the idea of uprooted modernism and revive the cultural prosperity of the town.
To comprehend our current, we must maintain our legacy, as those places once sustained the town. In this project, four significant zones are proposed: Zone A (Jogoti Station), Zone B (Mohini Mills), Zone C (Shrine of Lalon Shah), and Zone D (Theater Para). Zone A and Zone B are linked by a Shuttle Train (local train) that runs from Jogoti Station to Kushtia Station. Zone B, Zone C, and Zone D are all 15 minutes’ worth of walking apart.
Jogoti Station, the 150-year-old Jogoti Station has been preserved and will continue to operate as a living museum. The two old water tanks and the station building are the primary attractions at this location. A new annex building is being considered as a railway history museum, in addition to the existing structure on the former maintenance railway track, which was originally used for watering the steam locomotives. Because it is elevated, the museum still blends in with its surroundings on the ground level.
Mohini Mills, Mohini Mills Limited became immortal in art, literature, and film, in addition to its financial history. Despite the Second World War, the company produced a profit of Rs. 35.62 lakhs, with an average profit rate of more than 13%. The enterprise helped the Swadeshi movement in the country. It has given an example of the growth of the indigenous textile industry in a relatively poor district.
Mill’s original buildings are preserved to celebrate its industrial legacy, where its old machinery will be exhibited. Industrial fests and biennales could be held here, as well as art camps and festivals for emerging artists. A section devoted to literature and cultural events is suggested as a way to revive the Mohini Mill’s previous cultural endeavors as well as meet the increasing demands of the cultural realm today. Along with the proposal of rehabilitating Mohini Lodge, a walking path over the historic sights is suggested.
The Shrine of Fakir Lalon Shah, the proposed shrine has emphasized a simplified blend of nature and human endeavor. By offering temporary shelters made of local materials and honoring the Bauls’ way of life, the entire complex will facilitate devotees. Just a circumambulation around Lalon’s tomb is proposed, as well as a route that winds around Shai Ji’s tomb and extends to the Kali-Ganga river’s ghat for the “Dikkhya Anushthan.”
Both the ‘Lalon Academy’ and the ‘Lalon Uthsab’, two recent officious impositions of this complex, have been relocated to the warehouse section of the Mohini mill. The design will house a newly constructed Lalon Academy that retains only the warehouse’s exterior walls and accommodates the institute’s interior.
Theater Para, The Old Bungalow of Mohini Mill is also being renovated with a proposed Boutique Hotel for travelers and artists. In front of the proposed renovated old theater, a pond with a plaza is proposed along with a theater museum. A dance studio and an experimental theater are proposed for Jatra-Pala on the other side of the road.
Through a comprehensive identification of the context, a contemporary design exercise is proposed to rejuvenate a city’s ancient legacy by revitalizing heritage buildings and a few abandoned structures. So that a truthful portrayal of the long-forgotten structures’ age, time, texture, and materiality can express its soliloquy.
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.