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The ‘Machan’ project in Korail (organized by ‘Paraa’) has received the ‘Ammodo Architecture Award 2025’ in the ‘Social Engagement’ category. The project has transformed an abandoned dumping ground into a lively cultural space through a simple, community-based design created together with local residents. A total of 12 projects were selected for the Ammodo Architecture Award. These projects show how architects and design teams use their design skills to support social and environmental responsibility. |
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‘Korail - City of Culture’ is a sustainable urban development initiative, supported by the Creative Economy Program of the German Federal Foreign Office, and jointly implemented by the Goethe-Institute Bangladesh, Paraa, and the German partner Floating e.V. ‘Machan’, which means ‘stage’ or ‘raised platform’ in Bangla, reflects the core idea of the project. The structure is located at Ershad Maidan, one of the few open spaces in Korail. For many years, this maidan was used as a dumping ground. The goal of the project is to promote sustainable cultural practices among the residents of Korail and to create spaces for both local and global conversations on urban development. |
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Working with local volunteers, students, and various collaborators from Floating University Berlin, Paraa has turned this space into a shared stage for expression for everyone. Through storytelling, model-making, and hands-on construction, more than 60 workshops and residences contributed to shaping the design, where Korail residents and young designers worked together. This project would not have been possible without the collaboration and active participation of many individuals and groups. Everyone involved in the project took part in research, design, learning, organizing festivals, and other activities. The project started in 2021 and is still ongoing, continuing to develop and progress. |
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'Machan’ project (Image source: City Syntax) |
| Contributor: Ar. Faiza Fairooz |
