Center For Theology: A Place for Transcendent Peace at Chittagong | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

Bangladesh, home to approximately 170 million people, boasts a rich blend of religious, racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity. While the nation is generally peaceful, occasional communal conflicts have disrupted harmony among different religious and ethnic groups, with such tensions dating back to before Bangladesh’s formation.

Chittagong, the country’s second-largest city, reflects this diversity. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (2022), its population is composed of 90.11% Muslims, 6.61% Hindus, 2.92% Buddhists, 0.22% Christians, and 0.14% followers of other faiths. Positioned as a gateway to South and Southeast Asia, Chittagong attracts people from various backgrounds due to its strategic location.

The specific site in question is near GEC More in Chittagong City, approximately 320 meters from the Dampara Bus Stand. It is surrounded by significant religious landmarks representing multiple faiths. Additionally, the site is nestled amid lush greenery, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s rapid urbanization. This peaceful setting fosters contemplation, reflection, and spiritual growth, making it an ideal place for a center focused on theology and interfaith dialogue.

Design Process

The world is deeply intertwined with religion and spirituality, making religious harmony a fundamental aspect of a democratic society. However, the rising number of communal conflicts poses a threat to democracy. Bangladesh, known for its tradition of communal harmony, must uphold this essential democratic value.

In this context, the objectives of this project are:

• To strengthen interreligious education
• To raise awareness about respecting diverse ways of life
• To promote peaceful, just, and inclusive societies
• To enhance cognitive empathy

Through an analysis of various religious histories and philosophies, the causes of religious conflicts over time, theories of interfaith discourse, and the efforts of different organizations in mitigating and preventing such conflicts, several key steps have been identified to shape the project’s concept. Additionally, an examination of religious and spiritual spaces—such as temples, mosques, synagogues, and churches—has revealed essential design elements that foster tranquility and inclusivity. These elements include water, nature, circumambulation, and a focus on humanity.

The primary goal of this project is to cultivate peace, harmony, and brotherhood through both knowledge and emotional experiences. To achieve this, the design is envisioned as a journey centered around the existing pond on the site, allowing visitors to engage with and internalize the principles of peace and harmony throughout their experience. Furthermore, the project’s architectural form is deliberately designed to avoid resembling any specific religious structure. Instead, it aims to create a space that embodies the universal essence of spirituality, welcoming individuals from all faiths.

Final Outcome

In essence, the project is built upon the foundation of the widely recognized slogan “Religions for Peace.” This phrase acknowledges and appreciates various global, regional, national, and individual efforts aimed at fostering mutual understanding and interfaith harmony. A project of this nature in Bangladesh could contribute to nation-building by strengthening resilience against communal violence while promoting peace and inclusivity for the future.

By integrating positive interfaith knowledge into society, individuals may develop greater sympathy and empathy, enabling them to navigate challenges more effectively. Beyond facilitating interfaith dialogue, the project also offers opportunities for profound and meaningful interactions through spiritual engagement. As a result, participants’ commitment to peacebuilding may be reinforced.

As an agent of social change, this initiative can take various forms and serve multiple purposes, including enhancing interfaith education, promoting peacebuilding activities, and uncovering peace-oriented values within different faith traditions.

Conclusion: This project promotes peace, inclusivity, and interfaith harmony by fostering education, empathy, and mutual respect. Through thoughtful design and dialogue, it encourages unity and reinforces the shared spiritual essence of all religions.

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