Project Name:A SETTLEMENT TO REVIVE FROM DISASTER CRISIS IN CHAR ROMANI
Project Location:CHAR ROMANI, Lakshmipur
Student’s Name:FARIA AFRIN
Project Name:A SETTLEMENT TO REVIVE FROM DISASTER CRISIS IN CHAR ROMANI Project Location:CHAR ROMANI, Lakshmipur Student’s Name:FARIA AFRIN Project Year: 2023 Studio Teachers:Ar. Ayasha Siddiqua , Ar. Sharif Uddin Ahammed, Ar. Zishan Fuad Choudhury, Ar. Farjana Rahman STUDIO SUPERVISOR:Ar. Imran Ibne Amin Head of the Department’s Name: Prof. Dr. Roxana Hafiz University: Ahsanullah University OF Science And Technology |
Bangladesh is a riverine country & the world largest deltaic zone. About 6.5 million people (approximately 5% of total population of Bangladesh) live in the chars of Bangladesh. These chars are formed mainly by the sedimentation of three extremely dynamic rivers namely – the Brahmaputra , Ganges and Meghna . The char lands are the home to some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Bangladesh who are usually landless or lost their home in any previously occurred disaster. Due to disappearing of embankments, the low-lying areas are flooded by usual tidal water every year. People become waterlogged & are forced take shelter on the roof , boats , roads etc. Hectares of croplands , numerous poultry farms, & hundreds of fish farms are washed away . Roads and houses are submerged and thousands of people get marooned every year. People displaced by one char erosion have no other alternative than to settle on another accreting char land elsewhere.
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Image : Existing Analysis 1 |
Image : Existing Analysis 2 |
Image : Existing Analysis 3 |
Image : Existing Analysis 4 |
Image : Existing Analysis 5 |
This project is a rehabilitation project for the char dwellers to revive from disaster crisis, which aims to design a sustainable settlement for the char dwellers to ensure resilience during and after any natural disaster , so that they don’t have to migrate anywhere else during or after any natural disasters. |
Concept The design of this project initiated with the concept to generate “A HOPE” within the people of char lands by converting the CURSE OF FLOOD INTO BLESSINGS . As natural disasters are beyond the control of human being , so fighting it yet taking benefits from it is the main focus of the proposed design . The design of the project focuses on two seasons specially – DRY and WET season trying to ensure two different active environment on land and water at the two different seasons . The concept also includes concern about rain water harvesting , bio gas production , solar energy generation , local material use, at – micro , macro and meso levels for sustainable development. |
Image : Concept |
Image : Conceptual 0-100 years flood level target |
Image : Infrastructure Layering |
DESIGN MTHODOLOGY Incorporating sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, solar electricity, bio-gas production, and local material production demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Rainwater harvesting can provide a reliable source of water for various purposes, reducing dependence on external sources. Solar electricity helps generate clean energy, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and minimizing the project’s environmental impact. Bio-gas production can utilize organic waste and provide an alternative energy source for cooking and heating. Additionally, utilizing local materials helps support the local economy and reduces transportation and construction costs. |
Image : Masterplan |
Image : Ground floor plan |
Overall, this rehabilitation project develops a comprehensive and sustainable approach, focusing on the needs of the landless people while considering environmental and cultural factors. It potentially tries to provide a resilient and prosperous future for the char dwellers, offering them a safe and self-sufficient settlement that can withstand natural disasters and foster sustainable development. |
Image : Farmer's cluster |
Image : Fisherman cluster | To make the homesteads safe from the existing water level of floods, a dig and mound process is implemented. This involves excavating the land to create elevated areas or mounds where the homesteads can be constructed. By raising the level of the land, the homes are protected from floodwaters, reducing the risk of damage to the structures and ensuring the safety of the inhabitants . In order to make the homesteads cyclone protected, the design incorporates the planting of deep-rooted trees. These trees serve as a natural defense against high wind forces by acting as windbreaks and reducing the impact of strong winds on the structures. The deep root systems of these trees provide stability to the soil and help anchor the structures during cyclonic events. |
Furthermore, the project focuses on constructing strong and resilient structures that are cost-effective. By utilizing appropriate building techniques and locally available materials, the project aims to ensure that the homes are able to withstand the forces of floods and cyclones while also being affordable for the community. |
Image : Boatmaker cluster |
Image : Shepherd cluster |
In the design of the project, the distinct lifestyle and activities of the existing community, including farmers, fishermen, shepherds, and boat makers, were given importance. The shape and layout of the courtyards were carefully designed to comfortably accommodate their respective courtyard based activities. |
Image : Seasonal variation section |
Image : Unit | By focusing on the rehabilitation and development of sustainable settlements for landless people in char areas, this project aims to provide a stable and secure living environment for them, mitigating the need for migration during and after natural disasters. By viewing flood water as a resource rather than a threat, it intend to create a positive impact on the lives of the affected communities. Overall, project appears to be holistic and forward-thinking, addressing both the immediate needs of the landless people in char areas and their long-term sustainability. It takes into account various aspects such as disaster resilience, resource management, and preservation of local traditions, which are crucial for the success and well-being of the community. |
Image : Proposed water level coverage |
JURY COMMENTS Ar. Dr. JASMIN ARA BEGUM: We want some works of our students should reach such level which would inspire others . her work is one of such inspiring works. In future other junior students from 5.1,4.2,4.1 batches who are supposed to attend thesis next, I want you to follow and fixed your target to reach this goal and you should dream to achieve this level of work. |
Image : Bazar |
Image : Kolpar |
Image : Tong |
Image : Fisherman cluster |
Image : Boatmaker cluster |
Image : Shepherd cluster |
Image : Blowup |
Image : Before flood |
Image : During flood |
Contributor : Ar. Faiza Fairooz Nirnoy Upadeshta Ltd., Panthapath |