Baganbari Mosque Design Competition Publication

Edited by Ar. Alvi Muhtasim Cover Illustration by Ar. Alvi Muhtasim Copyright Build Bangladesh Published on November, 2021

DESIGN An open online architectural design COMPETITION competition to provide design for a neighbourhood mosque solutions for a neighbourhood mosque in an urban context at Malibagh, Dhaka

INTRODUCTION Baganbari, Malibagh, which is situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh- formerly known as the garden of Purnobabu. Subsequently, it is now known as Baganbari. The total land area was more than 23 Bigha or 37290.9 sqm and Purna Chandra Bashu was the landowner of Baganbari. Once Malibagh rail line, DIT road and Malibagh Supermarket was part of Baganbari, but the area became smaller after division. At present, there are approximately 58 buildings having 892 apartments. In addition, there is a 4 storied mosque for this neighbourhood which is maintained by an effective mosque committee. To maintain discipline and for the development of neighbourhood, there is a social committee named ‘Baganbari Society’. With time, the garden of Purna Babu has lost in concrete structure which will never be found again. But the desire for that old essence of that garden still can feel everywhere. While most of the original residents from the 1950’s are not there anymore, but the younger generations, inherited Baganbari, are still passionate and dedicated to uphold the social pride including the community bondage of the area.

THE COMPETITION To meet the required capacity for the growing popultation in Baganbari, ‘Baganbari Society’ decided to expand their existing mosque by increasing the land area and redesign the existing mosque. To come up with an innovative and contextualized design solution, Build Bangladesh has organized an open online architectural design competition on behalf of the ‘Baganbari Mosque Committee’ The aim of the competition is to design a modern, practical and functional mosque for the neighbourhood of Baganbari, Malibagh. The main purpose of this competition is to get a more efficient and realistic design solution for the future mosque which will serve the expected population growth of the neighbourhood in better way. This is the very first online based open architectural competition in Bangladesh. The whole competition has been conducted through online where all the activities such as- competition announcement, registration, submission, jury sessions and prize giving ceremony were done virtually.

Transforming Challenges to Opportunity Architects are probably more inspired and encouraged to be creative with innovative ideas when they are surrounded by challenges. Transforming challenges to opportunity become the norm of their creativity! We have capitalised on that ‘hunger’ of creativity by sharing a very difficult site with a virtual challenge expecting real design solutions from our Architects. Another global first, to our knowledge this is the first ever national Architectural design competition completed totally online over virtual platforms. Isolation, physical distancing, quarantine, negative impacts of COVID-19, nothing could break the spirit of the young Bangladeshi Architects. They used social media and technology to express their passion and love for design, conviction for design competition, support for a small local community in suburban Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Malibagh Baganbari Mosque design competition is a unique example and probably an history making pioneering initiative of a new trend in Architecture to embrace the ‘New Normal’. Twenty-Seven design submissions including six commendations, judged by local and global jury members, complied with IAB requirements, this is the second nationwide architectural design competition led by Build Bangladesh after the very successful design competition for the Affordable Housing for lower-middle income households in Dhaka. My heartiest congratulations to all the Architect participants including the six with commendations from our Jury Board. Thanks to the Baganbari Mashjid Committee for their courage and confidence to support a total virtual architectural design competition. My gratitude to the respected members of the Jury Board, whose tireless enthusiasm, inspiring vision, and topical advice empowered us to complete the challenging task fearlessly. I must thank IAB and its Executive Committee for their consistent support. Finally, the history making event would have remained only as a dream if Architect Alvi Muhtasim and Architect Sharifa Tahshina Jahan were not brave enough and did not sacrifice their work-life balance to ensure the conclusion of this ‘ground breaking’ project. Thank you both. Lastly, I am confident, this initiative will find a special place in the history of Architectural design competition both locally and globally! A reflection and confidence of true ‘Digital Bangladesh’ and ‘21st century Bangladeshi Architects’. Thank you. Please take care and stay safe. Farhadur Reza Architect-Planner FIAB MPIA Founding President and Board Member, Build Bangladesh

Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) is very proud to guide Build Bangladesh organising the open design competition titled “Baganbari Mosque Design Competition” to design a modern, practical and functional mosque in the neighbourhood of Malibagh. I believe that design competitions are the best selection process for promoting good designs and new talents. Through these competitions, the promoter gets the opportunity to select the best design from many different exciting design proposals all of which are judged by an expert panel. I would love to thank all of the organisers of this open design competition. In the history of Bangladeshi architecture, this is probably the first ever design competition which was completed online from start to finish. As Bangladeshis, we are all so proud to create this history. Congratulations to those who won the commendation awards and also to all the participants. IAB also expresses its sincere gratitude to the members of the jury board. Ar. Mubasshar Hussain FIAB, AIA (Hon.) President 24th Executive Council Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)

JURY BOARD AR. NIGAR REZA Nigar Reza, is the senior Heritage and Conservation analyst with the Government of Australia at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. She has been working on strategic policies and programs on heritage and conservation for last 20 years. She graduated in Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) followed by her master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand. She also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information System (GIS) from Melbourne University. She started her career in the field of heritage and planning with the Australian Government which involved in whole of Government heritage related policy development, projects, research, collection and analysis of data and community involvement in the heritage planning. She also produced “Community Based Heritage Study’ a primary research report to develop Heritage Local Environmental Plan. Her work also involves analysis of Historic Heritage significant places nominated for National or Commonwealth Heritage listing and co-ordination, management and technical advice on the development of Heritage Strategies for the heritage significant properties owned or controlled by Commonwealth agencies. Her experience in addition to the academic background allowed her to demonstrate strong skills in delivering strategic policies and programs on heritage and conservation. Nigar is a fellow of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and member of the ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments and Sites). AR. SHAMSUL HUDA Shamsul Huda is the Practice Director of 4thD Planning and Design - a consultancy firm that he established in Canberra, Australia in 2006. Prior to that he worked in the Australian Public Service as Principal Planner of the National Capital Authority. Shamsul has more than 30 years of experience in architecture and urban planning. He has worked in various organisations in the public and private sector both internationally and in Australia. Shamsul’s area of specialisation includes residential and community facilities design, statutory and strategic planning, environmental impact assessment, site selection, development appraisal and planning appeals. Shamsul has a Masters Degree in Town Planning from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from BUET. AR. KHALID AHMED KHAN Khalid Ahmed Khan Graduated from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology [BUET] Dhaka in 1997. He is Architect-partner of Neoformation Architects and Director of Next Spaces Ltd.

AR. FARHANA SHARMIN EMU Farhana Sharmin Emu is an practicing Architect who has been working both nationally and internationally to organise architects who aim to extend their services to the underserved communities in the context of Bangladesh, trying to promote architecture for communal benefit with special focus to their people. She obtained her Bachelors of Architecture in 2001 from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). She started her carrier as the Principal Architect at her own architectural office “KROM Architecture” and also as a Lecturer in the Department of Architecture, University of Asia Pacific in 2002. At present she is the General Secretary at the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), where she also worked twice as the Secretary, Seminar and Convention from 2013-2016. She has been serving IAB as the Country Representative of ARCASIA (Architects Regional Council of Asia) Committee on Social Responsibility for quite a long time. Currently she is the Chairperson of ARCASIA Heritage Preservation Group. AR. ASHIK VASKOR MANNAN Ashik Vaskor Mannan is an Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture, American International University Bangladesh. He has been teaching in the same department since 2006. He has got his B.Arch. from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology [BUET] in 2001 and M.Arch from DIA am Bauhaus, Germany in 2006. As an active academic researcher and working Architect, Ashik Vaskor Mannan has published papers and articles in several Architectural publications and participated and presented a number of lectures and presentations in different institutes and organizations at home and abroad. Moreover he is a practicing architect and has won the Institute of Architects Bangladesh [IAB] award in the year of 2003 and also a number of design awards. His interest lies in the field of Architectural Criticism, Cultural Theories, and Digital Architecture –theories, Philosophy and scripting. REZAUL ISLAM (MONTU) Rezaul Islam is a businessman and a contractor in profession. He’s been living in Baganbari, Malibagh since 1957. He is the founder & the Chief Adviser of Baganbari Welfare Society. He is one of the founding member & current president of Malibagh Baganbari Jame Masjid Committee. He is also currently the Co-President of Malibagh Jame Masjid Jamiya Sayyabiya Madrasa. Besides playing a vital role in Baganbari residential area, he’s also well affiliated with multiple sports organization such as- he’s the former General Secretary, President & one of the founding members of Malibagh Ovizatrik Club, General Secretary of Pioneer Football League committee, Co-President of Dhaka Mahanagar Junior Division Football Club Association and Member of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Executive Committee.

The whole world witnessed a horrifying year in 2020 as the world we know came to a halt due to the COVID-19 Ar. Alvi Muhtasim Pandemic. This generation has never faced a global crisis as this one. But as human beings, it is a common nature Competition Manager to adapt to any hurdle faced and move forward. This pandemic showed us how vulnerable we are to nature but we have also seen how everyone was focused on tackling this crisis together. Scientist, health workers, governments and all other professionals have been trying hard on every aspect to create solutions to the problems created by the pandemic and if I say, we have achieved a lot. We now have a vaccine for the disease, policies for the helping the heavily battered people and much more. One of the key progress was seen in the virtual industries. As people were locked down, virtual world came to aid to keep things going. When we were approached by the Baganbari Mosque Committee to hold a design competition, it was difficult and risky to hold an in-person competition. So, I thought why not take it virtually and create an opportunity for the Architects during these tough times. This was another attempt to endorse technology to our life of ‘New Normal’. As this is the first ever online architectural design competition, we had to structure this from scratch. It seemed difficult but we were lucky enough to get encouragement and guidance from our President- Ar. Farhad Reza and continue to organize this competition. Without his guidance, it wouldn’t be possible to hold this competition. I’d like to thank the Baganbari Mosque Committee for giving us this opportunity. Their progressive view to design this community mosque by holding a competition is truly appreciable. I’d also like to thank Competition Coordinator Ar. Sharifa Tahshina Jahan for her hard work, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) for their proper guidance, the jury members for their unmatched support and lastly to all the participants for taking part in this historical event. When we first started to work on “Bagangbari Mosque Design competition” I was not sure about how to go about Ar. Sharifa Tahshina Jahan the whole competition online. Since we all were struggling to cope up with the “Covid-19 New Normal” situation at Competition Coordinator that time, we were uncertain about how to reach the maximum number of architects via online and the methods of design submission or ways of judging the designs. Besides, as some of us lived in different time zones, we needed to find out the way to coordinate with the members of the jury, participants of the competition and the members of the mosque committee. Nevertheless, we needed to utilize the information technology most efficiently. It was indeed a challenging journey for us and eventually we make it happen with the help of IAB, jurors and others. I would like to thanks all the architects participating with us in this momentous journey, to all the members of the jury for their benevolent support and last but not the least, to the members of the Mosque Committee to keep patience with us through thick and thin. I would like to acknowledge categorically the contribution of Ar. Alvi Muhtasim in making my job easier every-time. Finally, I would like to show my heartfelt gratitude to Ar. Farhadur Reza, who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to work as a competition coordinator of “Baganbari Jameh Mosque design competition” as part of the “Build Bangladesh” Project. I will cherish this amazing experience forever.

ENTRIES

COMMENDATION AWARD WINNER Md. Rashed Hasan (AH - 254) Md. Tanvir (AT - 107) Nusrat Jahan Nisa (AN - 076) Mohammad Masum Iqbal (I - 073) Md. Emran Sarkar ‘Bagan Bari’ The area of BAGANBARI JAMEH MOSQUE formerly known as the garden of Purnobabu and he was affectionate for trees but with time, the garden has lost in concrete structure which will never be found again. Now there is no water body in this area and very less greenery. As the desire for that old essence of that garden still can feel everywhere, we tried to give the place a second chance to be ‘Bagan Bari’ again. We have tried to provide panty of greeneries to create a unique environment for the mosque. considering socio- economic culture, history of the neighbourhood and urban setting.



COMMENDATION AWARD WINNER Md. Akhteruzzaman (A-148) Md. Shahb Uddin THE DIVINE LAP The souls that are enlightened are hold by Mosque just like passionate mother does to her child keeping into her lap The mosque contains these enlightened souls who are beloved by the Almighty. As we know the Muslims have a limitless life (AKHIRAAT) according to his/her deeds during the lifespan on earth. That are the JUNNAT (for the pious) & the JAHANNAM (for the wicked). These two kinds of human souls are cordially welcome by a mosque. As we hear the AZAAN‐ the call to pray for the ALLAH, the call is not for the individual group‐The pious or for the wicked. Rather, the call is for the whole world. That is why, a mosque is such a place from where the divine call is disseminated to attract to pray for the Almighty for the ultimate Salvation from sin. This place is a welcoming place for the humankind.



COMMENDATION AWARD WINNER Md Kamal Hossain (AH-358) Akramul Haque (AH-403) Abu Ismail Md. Maruf-ul- Ahsan (A-187) Ziauddin Sipu Taposh Kumar Saha Since the site is surrounded by few residential buildings, it could be disrupted visually and with noise, so from the very beginning it was desired to create a space with such kind of barrier that will preserve the inside spiritual privacy as well as will allow smooth ventilation. The traditionality was desired to be kept aside this time, so the design needed integration of modernity with the identity of the building type. All these ideas concluded as a form proportion as the KABA to symbolize the prayer space with slabs detached from the wall and creating a light wall to let the hot air pass and let the light play its magic. With traditional material long thick brick jail wall which will allow wind flow to get in and to preserve the privacy.



COMMENDATION AWARD WINNER I3 IN ARCHITECTURE Mohammad Atique Rahman (R-113) Intekhab Hussain (AH-170) G.M. Hasanuzzaman (AH-428) Parvez Reza Khan Nusrat Sharmin S.M. Asaduzzaman (AA-458) Kazi Muhaimin Maruf (AM-236) Kamara Noor Mozumder (AM-315) Mifta Uddin Ushan Rafid Rahim Community, by literal meaning it refers to the condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common with a group of people. And historically mosque architecture developed to be the center point of Muslim community as space for prayer and as well as a hub that transforms the consciousness of the society. So a community mosque always played a major role in uplifting the spiritual wellbeing of a society along with uplifting communal wellbeing.



COMMENDATION AWARD WINNER AURITRO ARCHITECTS Mohammad Mahbub Hossain (H- 149) Snahasis Saha (AS - 370) Tasnova Afroz Luna (AL - 026) Syed Rahat Hasan (AH - 345) The purity of the form is intact without unnecessary distortions. Majority of the building envelope are volumetrically offset forming deep floor plans and facades oriented directly to the neighbouring buildings within a few meters’ distance ensuring privacy. The service areas are placed in the north side and the served in the south considering the climate and the adjacent road. The open south side is disinterred in the most functional way possible ensuring undeterred cross- ventilation throughout the year.



COMMENDATION AWARD WINNER Raiyan Samiul Haque (H-187) Mohammad Abrarul Arefin (AA-555) Fahim Shahrear Fahim (AF-092) To design a mosque, the first choice of question for designers is to ask, do we linger on symbolisms or do we choose to prioritize the spirituality of the prayer space. To trace back to the origin of Mosque, from the first congressional prayer organized by the Prophet (S) in a household, to the later expansions of Islam itself by the Ottoman empire; the design of mosque has always had a house- form in representation at first and the symbolisms took on regional influences mostly. A character of mosque is to be a space for prayer and concentration where we should primarily focus on the quality of the prayer.



NANO GENESIS Mashudur Rahman Fahim (F-017) Ishrat Zerin Hossain Mou (AM-094) Inteser Ahmed (AA-543) Md. Shaddam Hossen Shuvo (AS- 434) Image of a mosque is the most versatile in around the globe. It reflects its contextual, climatic, and cultural identity. On the other hand, Islam is also the most adaptable and fluid form of religion among others. In Bangladesh, mosque architecture found their unique characteristics from the Bengal Mosque over the time while keeping pace with local needs. The form shows influence of styles seen across the globe as well the indigenous one. In the context of Dhaka, now-a-days, it is very difficult to identify the character and heritage of traditional Bengal mosque. In response to this, Baganbari Mosque is intended to re- image by celebrating the heritage as well as contemporizing the essence and ideas of Bengal mosques along with its client’s and neighbourhood’s requirements.

Afrad Hussain (AH-462) Mahadi Hasan (AH-369) Dilruba Ferdous Shuvra (S-099) Md. Reazul Isalm Nafisa Alam Afrida Tahsin Haq The design began by identifying the essential elements of a mosque to create balance between open and closed areas, modesty and expression, identity, and convention as well as modernity and tradition. The allocated plot for this mosque is relatively small but survey suggested that the mosque would need to accommodate a large congregation. This necessitated reimagining the mosque typology into a vertically stacked volume. Planned for 500, the building can accommodate up to 550 people for the weekly Friday prayer

IDA (IN-DEPTH ARCHITECTURE) Monir Hossain Khan (K-104) Kazi Raqibul Islam (I-106) Fazlay Rabbi Shifath A. Munim (AM-260) Al-Shariar Rukon (AR-349) Fatema Zaman Meem In the design the primary motive was to bring back the began (garden) & connecting the community through this religious structure. The design process was to design a functional space for the prayer with providing other needed functional spaces. So, in the zoning the prayer space is towards Quibla and separated from other function so that the prayer space remains undisturbed. For parking space, the concentration was free the ground floor to accessible for the community. Rather than having jam packed space for vehicle, it is ensured to give the priority of open walkable space. It’s also established the prayer space expands on the Jummah day. So, therefore the ground floor more to public and open.

INCEPTION ARCHITECTS B.M.A. Mahfuz (M-087) Md. Shahabuddin The building is designed in a way where people can take or make their prayers while considering their privacy. It also considering the space, façade- that make the building environmentally cool and comfortable in both ways. We also considering that in our own context of Dhaka city -it can be a minimalist icon that can rename and regenerate the essence of old time and culture that can move forward to the future.

PLATONIC Sabbir Wadud Shohan (S-119) Muhaiminul Islam Masrek The core concept behind designing this mosque to create a place where peace belongs, where the musalli come to pray “ALLAH, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, and Search for peace and success. The design of this mosque has to be such that space not only provides the area for prayer but also brings peace to the surrounding inhabitants. As the site existing condition is such that there is an existing mosque at the north end of the site. It occupies almost half of the site. Therefore, our basic solution is not to touch the mosque when the proposed mosque been built. When the proposed mosque would have been completed then the existing mosque been demolished and on that area a plaza been introduced that connects the main prayer hall of the proposed mosque. And at the end of all we would get mosque building with a open to sky court within its premise.

STHAPOTIK Md. Sharif Uddin Ahammed (A-137) History says, mosques have been at the centre of civic life in eastern Bengal. Mosque or Masjid simply means “place of prostration”. A shaded place for Muslims to pray as well as a basic pavilion for social gathering for the community people. Baganbari mosque give us that opportunity to introduce one void in between those solid structures, a place for congregation to uphold the social pride including the community bondage of that area. In an aim of introducing a gathering platform for the community, a sense of openness we try to create an up lifted plaza. From our study about Khan Mohammad Mridha mosque, we find the inspiration where it has shown the importance of an open Platform in a congested or compact area.

FORMATION Abul Hasnain Monzur Murshed (M- 052) The home of the Prophet Muhammad is considered the first mosque. His house, in Medina in modern-day Saudi Arabia, was a typical 7th- century Arabian style house, with a large courtyard surrounded by long rooms supported by columns. This style of mosque came to be known as a hypostyle mosque, meaning “many columns.” Most mosques built in Arab lands utilized this style for centuries. Dhaka is a city of mosques. Local surrounding and context is adverse, as very narrow road and dense structures are urban scenario. For spirituality it takes some space, contact with the Nature, The architecture of a mosque is shaped most strongly by the regional traditions of the time and place where it was built. As a result, style, layout, and decoration can vary greatly.

ARCHDEN CONSULTANTS Maaruff Hossain (H-135) Rubaiet Sharmeen (AS-363) Fahim Ahmed The idea is to build a mosque that has the essence of green and gardens reflecting the site’s historical significance. But due to the existing site surrounding context an enclosure has to be built, keeping setbacks from the surrounding structure thus reducing visual chaos both for the surround neighbourhood and the mosque itself.

STUDIO DHAKA ARCHITECTS Tarek MD Saidul Islam (I-081) Badia Badrudduja (B-049) The proposed design is a solution of a simple mosque where maximum space has been utilized in such a manner that south is open with a raised platform for gathering, a symmetrical and monolithic building structure. South have wide veranda which is eventually turned into open stair for vertical connection. Besides, the raise platform has given additional space for multipurpose functional arrangement which has been separated the prayer space to be calm and quiet. The thick concrete wall will reduce the temperature and block the sound pollution as much as possible. The opening in north south direction will welcome the southern light and air ventilation. In addition, an individual miner and west solid wall have Islamic pattern engraved on the wall to make it more modern with essence of Islamic spirituality and modernism.

ARCH HOLIC ARCHITECTS Nilmoni Saha (S-051) Md. Zahurul Anwar Ananta (AA- 444) Gourav Dey Sayeda Tanziha Islam In this project, we just want to simply bring back the essence of the old’ Baganbari’ (by the vertical green wall), which was already forgotten by the residence of that area. So that people can recall the green past, realize what they lost and left for the future generation. We desire to represent the mosque to be a wake- up call for not only the inner soul but also for society. Through design, we aim to remember and learn from the past, reflect the experience in based of the expectation of the future.

Mohammad Milton (CM-102) Hosni Mobarak (M-129) Sk. Ariful Haque (AH-373) Md. Hasib Mahmud Tipu (AT-156) Total Building West & East side faced covered with Brick Screen wall. Which is aesthetically designed and also best for climatic comfort. Some green terrace is also designed to take the green environment vertical. In the South & North side open for more climatic comfort & well ventilation. North Side a stair for fire protection & South side a sculptural stair is designed. Both stairs ensure easy access to the mosque for the worshipers. Two water body in the ground level ensure the environment cooler than the natural time & also create the place more friendly for the children to play. Overall, the hole environment is not only a space for prayer but also a breathing space or a breakout space or a gathering space for all community people.

DESIGN DRIVE INCRETION Imran Bin Hossain (H-196) Uchchas Barua Uthsha Mohammad Atikuzzaman Junayed Khan We started working with basic pure rectangular form. Then the considering the climate, the light & wind of south direction is allowed to enter the prayer hall by bending the west wall. Light has significant spiritual meanings associated with both angels and miracles. It can symbolize life, love, wisdom, and hope. We used locally available materials brick & concreate.Ten-inch- thick wall & southeast ventilation will always keep the building cool. Which is energy efficient. Functionally it provides maximum prayer space in this site. The mosque embodies the spirit of Islam in our country, at the sometimes it holds library facility anyone who came on the space obviously he finds out basic and humanity of Islam. In broader sense the project has to be deal with sensitivity towards the Islamic philosophy, public emotions in surroundings socio-cultural context & its innovative, modern & bold form as a mosque building.

TRIKON ARCHITECTS Shafique Rahman (R-156) Mashriki Hussain Mohona (AM-297) Tasmia Tabassum Rakib Patwary Motaher Hossain Mashfi Hasan Arnob Shehzad Zahir (Z-012) The primary intention for designing the mosque on this site is to create multipurpose open space in the ground level and vertically extend the build form in order to accommodate prayer volume and community space in different levels. While allowable building footprint is 60%, we propose 47.5% to achieve the openness. Along with the vertical zoning in form a green curtain wall has been designed as the boundary which further integrated with a water sheet to create an introvert nature dominating environment. Circulation spaces and entry plaza has been designed in a way that offers spatial relationship between elevated spaces which also create space for community.

ATELIER ARCHSCAPE Abbasi Khanm (K- 139) Uzma Alam (AA-381) Sumaya Hasan (AH-268) Md Asad Hossen We considered the mosque not only as a prayer hall but also as an urban living space; creating a ‘Common Place’ for the community to meet, share and prosper. The ambiance of the mosque is of a free-flowing, democratic public place. Furthermore, the mosque is designed to be celebrated as a verdant and breezy urban space, a rare liberating experience in this overcrowded city. With time the mosque will become a place of memories for the community; a part of their quintessential stories.

SCALE ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANTS Shycot Chandra Mandal [AM-299] Masum Billah Zens While designing the Baganbari Mosque, we tried to design a structure that is contemporary in look but from material and visual perspective it gives a sense of local context which will serve the adjoining neighborhood. So we created an identical structure as a landmark for the area. The building with the inviting pedestrian entry plaza uplifts the people towards the prayer space as well as creates a well-balanced approach in a dense area. The building facade consists of curvature planes represent as inverse mimbar that will filter the light into the interior prayer space and create a well-lighted spiritual space. The sun will create dramatic natural lighting throughout the day while hitting the facade.

KHETRO Ar. Md. Shumsuddin Ahmed Bhui- yan (B-041) Ar. Al Numan Mohammad Younus (Y-008) Ar. Dhruba Jyoti Das (D-014) Ar. Md. Hasan Al Emtiaz Zafree (AZ- 011) Ar. Asif M Noeem (AN-118) Md. Israfil Bhuyan Md. Saiful Alam Md. Rajen Ali Md. Mohsin Mia Md. Amin Uddin Md. Saiful Islam Nuruddin Md. Zahed Md. Mohay Manur Rahman When we started designing our Mosque, we tried to relate these above mentioned instances with our design. As per design guideline and according to our study we kept the ground floor open for different activities that we can relate with the first mosque’s courtyard. Because of urban setting and lack of ground area we needed to take our prayer spaces upstairs. But we tried to keep it as simple as it was in the first mosque. It’s not important to décor the mosque. It was to provide a space that allows us to say our prayer soundly.

CONSULTING ARCHITECTS PLANNERS & ENGINEERS (CAPE) Kafi Newaz Khan (AK-132) Md. Masudul Islam (I-074) Faysal Karim Bhuiyan (AB-078) Kaiser Hamid (AH-206) The project at hand is not endowed with the luxury of a large site. Thus, the conventional mosque layout is not the answer. A prominent challenge that this project puts forth is the issue of a proper entry. The project site and access road is oriented such that the mosque demands entry from the west. This also brings in another issue- the western façade of the building, which often becomes the back of a mosque and is mostly left out as a solid wall in order to protect the worshippers from the blaring west sun but now has become the face of the building.

THE SITE

The site is located at 526/1 Baganbari, Malibagh, Dhaka. This site is adjacent to Baganbari road, which is the only one way to reach the site. Baganbari road is connected to DTI road, and it is 200m away from the site. Total site area is 5.634 Katha or 4056.54 sqft. There are two buildings on the site- one is the existing mosque and another is an old residential building which has been demolished recently. Existing mosque stands on 1750.06sqft of land (A) and additional 2306.48 sqft land (B) is vacant (the demolished old residential building site). The site itself is very challenging as this has only one narrow road connecting it with the area where most of the users come by foot. Vehicle access is very limited. Moreoever this road leads to a dead end. Surrounding buildings are very closely built leaving very small to no space along the boundary of the site. Also, the access road being at the West side which is also the direction of the ‘Qibla’ making it difficult to design.



COMPETITION TIMELINE Announcement of Closing of Deadline of Design Extended Deadline Competition Registration Submission of Design & Submission Starting of Registration 31 March 30 April 10 May 2021 2021 2021 10 March 2021

Jury Session Announcement of Prize Giving Virtual Publication Results Ceremony 02 June 12 June 24 June 30 August 30 November 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021

PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY