Location :  Rarikhal, Munshiganj, Bangladesh

Student’s Name: Badhan Das

The Year of Project: 2023

Studio Spervisor: Dr. Abu Sayeed Mostaque Ahmed, Ziaul Islam, Nabila Ferdousi, Pronoy Chowdhury Shuvo

Department Head: Dr. Nabanita Islam

University:  University of Asia Pacific

Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, a famous Bengali scientist who was born in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. He made outstanding contributions to Physics and Botany. He invented Electromagnetic Radiation which results in today's 5G internet, he was the first man who proved that plants have life. His ancestor's house in Munshiganj has been neglected for many years. He was not being honored in his birthplace. The project aims to revive Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose House for the global community through plant science museum and plant research center. 

Image: Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose Inventions

Image: Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose Chronology

In addition, it is known from the Global Innovation Index that the position of Bangladesh is far behind in terms of research, which may be due to the lack of proper facilities for laboratories.

The purpose of this project also questioned what 21^st century laboratory architecture should be. Bangladesh cannot fall behind in this age of technology if Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, who came from a rural background at that time, was able to make a stir in the world. Thus, the birthplace of Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose can be a place of inspiration for future scientists.

Image: Bangladesh Position on Global Innovation Index

Therefore, the project begins at Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose's birthplace, where his roots are traced. Through all of this, the Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose Museum and Laboratory will inspire future generations, laboratory infrastructure in Bangladesh can be developed, and Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose will receive the respect he is entitled to.

Image: Site Existing Building Timeline

Site Analysis:

The site is located in a place called Rarikhal in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. Site area is 13.5 acres. The Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose School and College building located on the site is being newly constructed on the adjoining land. There is also an old building on the site known as Suruzabala Saha Bhavan which Suruzabala Saha herself donated to the Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose Committee and relocated. It is currently being used as teachers' accommodation. The site is surrounded by 7 ponds and has numerous old trees. Identifying the existing trees are there because tree presence is essential for plant research. Since the location is inside the Arial Beel Zone, the water level has been taken into consideration during design.

Image: Site Images

Image: Site Existing Section

Concept:

There are two considerations to approach the concept. The first comes from Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose's philosophy, and the second is from site analysis.

·       As per the literature authored by Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, the coexistence of living and non-living entities embodies his principles, which he unveiled throughout his life through his diverse explorations. 

·   Since the site is a flood-prone area, the museum has been conceived as a green backdrop to highlight Sir J.C Bose's house rather than submerging it underground.

·     The Surujabala Bhaban, as it bears the spirit of the old buildings of Bengal, can be opened for public use.

·      By studying the local houses of Munshiganj, it is known that the houses being elevated preserve the biodiversity of the place. On the other hand, the Bose house facade can be proportionately divided into solid voids to create a new style of architecture.

·       The project may also include lab experimental plant exhibition where people can listen to plant's voice, plant’s waves through a device in different tones. One can feel the pulse of the tree and gain more knowledge about the tree.

Image: Concept 

Image: Masterplan

Image: Museum Block

Image: Cafe Block

Image: Lab Block

Image: Accommodation Block

The eastern part of the project is the researchers' zone, where they can conduct indoor and outdoor research. The western area is the public zone where one can learn about the flora-fauna which will make them realize the importance of trees in the present time. Efforts have been made to minimize reshaping the natural elements present on the site. An attempt has been made to enrich the existing flora-fauna which will be reflected as Sir J.C Bose’s philosophy and also memorable to the general public and researchers.

Image: Museum Blow up South Elevation

Image: Museum Section BB'

Image: Cafe Section CC'

Image: Lab Section DD'

Image: Museum Birds Eye View

Image: Cafe Birds Eye View

Image: Lab Birds Eye View

Image: Accommodation Birds Eye View

Jury Statements

The importance of old architecture has been prioritized over new construction, which blends in with the ecology of the site. In addition, the entire site was created with the ecological balance in mind. Furthermore, the mix of greenery and water reflects the philosophy of Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose. There are traces of amphibian architecture all over the layout. As a result, adequate sensitivity is also included in the selection of materials. New construction is arranged so that areas can have the best views; an accommodation block, for instance, is planned to resemble a resort.

Image: Museum View 1

Image: Museum View 2

Image: Museum View 3

Image: Lab View 1

Image: Lab View 2

Image: Cafe View

Image: Axonometric View