-
|
Project title: Masterplan Development of Atghar-Kuriana Floating Guava Markets: An approach to enhance tourism in Pirojpur, Barisal Student’s Name: Ashefa Washema Basure Project Year: 2024 Supervisor’s Name: Iftekhar Rahman, Associate Professor & Head Head of the department: Iftekhar Rahman, Associate Professor & Head University name: Shahjalal University of Science & Technology |
|
|
Project Brief: Bangladesh is richly blessed with beautiful natural landscapes, interlaced by an intricate network of rivers and canals. In the country’s southern region, fertile lands along these waterways nurture thriving guava orchards, adding to its distinct rural charm. Guava cultivation flourishes in districts like Pirojpur and Jhalakathi—particularly in Swarupkathi (Nesarabad), Jhalakathi Sadar, and Banaripara Upazilas. Among the region’s most iconic features is the floating guava market at Bhimruli, Atghar, and Kuriana in Swarupkathi Upazila—sustained by the surrounding rivers and canals. However, this unique cultural and economic asset is slowly disappearing due to farming challenges, high maintenance costs, and poor infrastructure. In response, this project proposes a quality-based tourism strategy rooted in local collaboration. By focusing on rural placemaking and integrating rivers, canals, and natural water routes, the design envisions revitalizing infrastructure, boosting tourism, and sustainably empowering communities around the 2.8 km Kuriana canal—home to daily bazaars, floating guava markets, temples, guava orchards, and more. |
|
|
|
Idea Formation: The idea emerged from recognizing the canal’s dual identity—as a functional trade route and a heritage-rich corridor. Daily interactions with floating guava sellers, seasonal boat markets, and rural temples revealed untapped potential for rural placemaking. |
|
|
Community insights showed interest in alternative incomes through agritourism and handicrafts. By weaving together water-based transport, cultural narratives, and the seasonal guava economy, a tourism model evolved. Emphasis was placed on minimal intervention—amplifying what's already there. Integration of local legends, temple rituals, and guava trails provided a framework for immersive experiences while ensuring ecological sensitivity and respect for community traditions. |
|
Design Concept: Embracing the Floating Realm Journey – Water, People, Culture This design envisions the guava orchards, floating markets, rivers, canals, and lightweight architectural interventions as parts of a unique floating realm—where water, people, and culture thrive in harmony. The concept, Embracing the Floating Realm Journey, draws from the rhythms of rural life to craft immersive experiences deeply rooted in local traditions. The interplay of water routes, lush orchards, daily bazaars, and sacred spaces are united through sensitive placemaking. Light, low-impact structures enhance this landscape while preserving its spirit. The floating realm reveals a vibrant identity shaped by its waterways, communities, and the ever-evolving relationship between land and life. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Masterplan: |
|
The canal was analyzed to identify active and potential tourism spots, including floating bazaars, daily bazaars, temples such as Andakul Hari Temple and Kali Temple, orchards, and historical landmarks like the Adabari Durga Temple and the 1971 Memorial. Potential spots were thoroughly studied, and support functions were adapted from case studies like Thailand’s Amphawa Floating Market regeneration. |
|
|
|
|
|
Key developments included boat stations, watchtowers, food courts, campsites, training centers, araat (guava trading shops) module and public amenities. The tourism framework introduced themed routes—Farm to Table, Sacred Route, Waterway Trails, and Guava Exploration Trails—each enriching cultural, agricultural, and ecological experiences while promoting sustainable tourism and local livelihoods. |
|
|
JURY COMMENTS: ▪ Dr. Sheikh Serajul Hakim appreciated the project’s impressive scale and added that, among the projects he has reviewed across various schools, this stood out as one of the largest and most well-developed works.
▪ Another jury member observed that the student must have been deeply attached to the project from the very beginning—otherwise, achieving such depth and scope would not have been possible. He also commended the presentation sheets for their clarity and execution.
|
|
|
AWARDS: ▪ BSRM best thesis award (commendation award)-2025 |
|
| Contributor: Ar. Faiza Fairooz |
