NEIGHBORHOOD NEXUS

A GATEWAY FOR THE COMMUNITY

SHAKHARI BAZAR, DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Level 3 | Term 01
Project Type : Recreational
Site Area : 3550 sqm
Duration : 4 Weeks
Assignment : Individual
Studio Instructors : Arefin Ibrahim, Nazifa Jabeen Siddiqua

In a neighborhood where a classical urban fabric is rapidly evolving with digitalizing lifestyles, this clubhouse embodies a bridge between tradition and modernity. The design integrates elements of the existing urban character while introducing bold, contrasting features to enrich the aesthetic and functional experience.

Before starting the design project, we did a contextual study in a four person group where we explored the neighborhood, identified key attributes, and conducted survey on locals regarding their expectations from a club.

Later on, I drew inspiration from the vibrant activity around bustling road junctions and derived an architectural form centered around a courtyard with three distinct axes. One axis houses the multipurpose hall, which provides shade to the amphitheater below and creates an inviting space for community events. Another axis accommodates a departmental store, an exhibition hall, and a gym, promoting functionality and daily engagement. The final axis features a restaurant overlooking the water body, alongside the club office.

The courtyard acts as the heart of the design, fostering interaction and serving as a symbolic and physical connector of the spaces. By juxtaposing traditional architectural elements with bold, contemporary design principles, the clubhouse becomes both a reflection of the community’s heritage and a forward-looking beacon of progress. The project creates a versatile environment for social gatherings, leisure, and cultural events, encouraging meaningful community engagement and growth.