Bangabandhu Multipurpose Complex: A Mixed-Use Design Intervention At Bandar Bazar, Sylhet, Bangladesh | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

Sylhet is a major city located in the northeastern region of Bangladesh, along the Surma River. It serves as the administrative center of the Sylhet Division and is recognized for having the coolest climate in the country, with an average daily high of around 25°C. During certain months, temperatures can rise slightly, reaching up to 28°C. The city experiences its heaviest rainfall between June and July, with June averaging 956 mm of precipitation, while January is the driest month with only 12 mm.

The site for the Bangabandhu Multi-Purpose Complex is situated in Bandar Bazar, Laldighirpar, one of the most active commercial centers in Sylhet. The area spans 12.7 acres and is among the largest wholesale markets in the city. Due to the diversity of shops and the high volume of daily visitors, it functions as a central business district and plays a crucial role in the local economy.

Over the years, the site has seen multiple transformations. Between 2001 and 2008, new shops were added, contributing to the area’s commercial growth. In 2016, temporary shaded areas were introduced for hawkers. In 2017, Sylhet City Corporation reorganized spaces for hawkers by demolishing the old setup. Construction began in 2018 and opened in 2020. However, most vendors were uninterested, leaving the space vacant and underutilized.

The Bangabandhu Multi-Purpose Complex is intended to honor the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and commemorate the Liberation War. The project aims to provide essential facilities for the public, streamline commercial activities through planned development, and address urban challenges through research and strategic design. Its goal is to create a vibrant and welcoming environment for both sellers and buyers. The initiative received funding during the 2020–2021 fiscal year.

Design Process

The idea of establishing connections along pathways helps create an engaging and livable public environment for users. These public spaces are shaped through the principles of place-making, aiming to fulfill the needs of the people who use them. A strategic approach to transforming active destinations supports effective urbanism while turning the journey itself into an enjoyable experience. The design process involved traffic and pedestrian studies, with a focus on prioritizing pedestrian movement. As a result, the site offers a safer and more comfortable experience for visitors. The spatial arrangement—its volume, form, and enclosures—was thoughtfully planned based on circulation patterns and the harmonious integration of built structures with open spaces and their surrounding context.

These studies revealed several important design considerations. The commercial zone should reflect a lively and inviting atmosphere. Vacant areas can be effectively activated by introducing parks, encouraging community interaction. Existing market functions are respected and supported in the new design. The proposed layout helps organize the market more efficiently, while improving the experience of street shopping. Enhancements to road surfaces and better connections to service roads and the nearby riverbank help create a more enjoyable and accessible public space.

Final Outcome

The commercial complex is designed to include private zones with sufficient natural light and ventilation, along with a balance of both public and private outdoor spaces. The market area emphasizes smooth circulation, clear evacuation routes, and strong connectivity to the adjacent outdoor plaza. The convention centre is strategically located near the main road, with service areas positioned away from public zones to ensure functionality and privacy. The park is designed to be an attractive destination for a wide range of visitors, offering playful and engaging spaces for people of all ages. The plaza serves as a central hub, accessible from all directions, functioning as a lively, interactive, and occasionally entertaining public space.

The concept behind the project is to foster a stronger connection between people and place by organizing the space around existing amenities and ensuring that shops offer quality services and products for public enjoyment. The design addresses key social, economic, and neighborhood concerns to enhance the area’s livability. What was once a neglected site has been transformed into a vibrant commercial zone, linking the overall site view with recreational areas through a redesigned and engaging plaza. Comprehensive surveys and site evaluations were conducted to inform the design approach.

The plaza serves as a bustling commercial hub, attracting people from all directions to shop, socialize, and fulfill daily needs. It’s designed for convenience and comfort, promoting free movement and recreational engagement. The plaza’s greenery and open areas enhance the user experience, creating a lively and walkable environment.

To support this commercial vitality, the master plan includes widened roads, four major access points, themed spaces, and public parks to enhance circulation and connectivity. The plaza is strategically placed at ground level for optimal commercial use, with design elements promoting interaction and accessibility. This plan aims to enhance the site’s commercial and communal significance.

The market area has undergone a transformation, focusing on improving infrastructure for vendors and visitors. This reorganization supports a dynamic market system that functions on multiple levels, including physical, social, and economic aspects. The market is viewed as a socio-economic process, a flow system, a public interaction place, and a structured commerce environment, reflecting and supporting the community’s needs.

The architecture transitions from public and interactive spaces to private, inward-looking areas, promoting interaction and accommodating diverse users within the same spaces. The design uses solid masses and voids to allow light and air circulation, maintaining spatial balance and defining distinct zones. The public ground level serves as a gathering point for locals and visitors, with a connecting bridge and strategically placed voids enhancing movement and ventilation. These design strategies create an engaging commercial space where people can shop, interact, and enjoy shared public experiences.

Conclusion: Overall, the plaza and surrounding commercial structures stimulate economic growth, support small businesses, and encourage social engagement. As a focal point of daily life and special events, the space not only grounds the community but also invites future development and urban vibrancy.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]