Project name: Conservation of Bhawal Rajbari through adaptive reuse, Gazipur

Student’s name: Md. Ferdous Rahman

Supervisor’s name: Ar. Dr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman

Head of the department: Ar. Iftekhar Rahman

University name: Shahjalal University of Science & Technology

Idea generation:

The design for the conservation and adaptive reuse of Bhawal Rajbari is rooted in the concept of the "rebirth of memories." It merges historical research, community engagement, and cultural sensitivity to create a meaningful architectural intervention. Insights from local surveys and interviews directly informed each design phase- from site analysis and adaptive reuse strategies to exploring memory, identity, and community needs.

Emphasizing participatory design, the project seeks to reconnect locals with their heritage, turning Bhawal Rajbari into a living monument that preserves the past while serving contemporary needs.

Design Concept:

The project seeks to revive the lost legacy of Bhawal Rajbari by conserving its historic fabric and reinterpreting the rich narrative of Raja Ramendra Narayan and the iconic Bhawal Case. Through a remedial adaptive reuse strategy, the design restores architectural integrity while correcting past misuses. Programs such as a museum, heritage stay, and conservation center bring life back to the palace. The temporal presence of characters and events is subtly reflected in spatial storytelling. By bridging historical memory with community access and local materials, the project breathes new life into the site—rekindling the cultural identity of Bhawal Zamindari.

Rebirth of memories:

Conservation of old structure: Proper documentation of old structures through several processes. Façade preservation, establishment of motifs, and accessibility should be considered in the process.

Remedial approach: Remedial building works refer to the specialized type of rectification and corrective actions for buildings with defects, particularly involving significant structural and/or water ingress issues. 

New structures for the restoration of memories.

Temporalities of characters: Temporality refers to the idea of a linear progression of past, present, and future. The term is frequently used, however, in the context of critiques of commonly held ideas of linear time.

Contemporary architecture is influenced by old patterns.

Masterplan

Proposed adaptive re-use of Rajbari

Ground floor plan & First floor. This

This research focuses on the adaptive reuse of Bhawal Rajbari (Bhawal Zamindar Palace) in Joydevpur, Gazipur, as a sustainable strategy for conserving architectural heritage. Once a symbol of the Zamindari era with strong European influences, the palace now suffers from neglect and functional changes due to urban growth and socio-economic shifts.

Adaptive re-use plan - 1

Adaptive re-use plan - 2

The study analyzes current conservation practices and proposes a comprehensive adaptive reuse framework through site documentation, historical research, and policy analysis.

It emphasizes reconnecting the structure with the local community while promoting cultural tourism and economic development.

By highlighting adaptive reuse as a practical and sustainable conservation method, the research contributes to broader discussions on heritage preservation in rapidly urbanizing contexts.

Adaptive re-use plan - 3

Other publication:

▪ Published in ‘Showcase’ magazine,

▪ Nominated for the ‘KSRM award for future architects’  

▪ Nominated for ‘BSRM: where to go?’ Thesis award.