Architecture

2014-2018

Photographer : Noufel Sharif Sojol

According to tradition, South facing building entrances are the best followed by East. West is considered to be the worst option as the low angle sun generates extreme heat which is a major problem for a humid tropical country like Bangladesh. But in present Urban context it is impossible to avoid West facing buildings. The same goes for our site. Hence for a healthy commercial space, ample natural light and view is necessary. Also with a Civic notion in mind, we want to contribute something to the neighboring area and to the city itself. Most importantly, not to create any sort of negative impact on nature. And so, our goal is to find a solution through indigenous ways with the help of our traditional knowledge of cohesive relation with nature.

Urban forest, a 10 storied commercial building with three basements located in a site area of 364sqm, is designed to create a secluded office environment within a busy urban context. The challenge of this west facing site is to reduce the cooling cost decreasing the west heat providing energy efficient solution. This introvert design consisting of 2730sqm built area, with a semi internal courtyard creating an interactive urban pocket along with peripheral pathways & green areas provides a soothing corporate environment inside. Because of the tight site condition, car lift was installed tor vehicular vertical movement.

The inner court is a gracefully composed space of elements such as water feature and vegetation. The void is the heart of the building which is complemented by the floating gardens above from various floors. It is a mass cut open to the city people creating a court of invitation. This court connects the building with the urban fabric making it an integral part of the city. The transition of the city-street to the building plaza steps to the inner court to the building interior is itself an experience for the users.

The court acts differently for its users and the visitors.

Plot No. 108,Road-12,Block-E,Banani,Dhaka,Bangladesh

Architects : In Quest Design Studio
Year : 2014-2018
Website : http://inquestbd.com/


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