Student’s Name: Amit Sikder

Location: Tikatuli, Dhaka

Project Year: 2024

Studio Teachers: PROF. DR. FARIDA NILUFAR

                                PROF. DR. RUMANA RASHID

                                DR. MAHER NIGER

                                AR. ZISHAN FUAD CHOUDHURY

Supervisor’s Name: AR. NAYEEM BIN ABEDIN

Head of the Department: AR. A.B.M. Mahbubul Malik

University Name: Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology

 Amit Sikder

The Rajdhani Market, located in Tikatuli, is a major shopping hub for the residents of Old Dhaka. It serves a large population in the southern part of Dhaka city. The current marketplace is owned by the DSCC and leased to the market committee (Shomiti). The market spans approximately 6 acres, while the surrounding island area covers nearly 8 acres.

WHY RETHINKING IS NEEDED?

The market was originally built to create a commercial hub and connect the neighboring community. Over time, it has failed to achieve this purpose.

Major Issues Include:

•      Poor infrastructure quality.

•      Inefficient circulation and layout.

•      Lack of ventilation and natural light.

•      Unpleasant overall shopping environment.

•      High risk of fire hazards.

 Analysis

Goals:

§  Creating a vibrant public hub to serve as a focal point for the community.

§  Establishing essential interactive linkages to reconnect the neighborhood and foster engagement.

§  Promoting economic viability by optimizing the market’s commercial potential.

§  Integrating green spaces and urban amenities to enhance public use and overall livability.

Concept:

The Phrase "52 Bazar 53 Goli" Emerged When Dhaka Developed Beside the Buriganga River as A Commercial Hub. Its Numerous Markets, Like Shambazar ,Tati bazar, Laxmi bazar, Chawk Bazar etc. Were Linked by Countless Alleys, Creating A Unique Urban Fabric. This Blend Led People to Call It the City Of "52 Markets, 53 Alleys."

Concept

Basic layout and decision of the entry exit

The project is designed to accommodate 900 shops, increasing capacity by 1.2 times compared to the existing market of 750 shops. A central alley promotes Dhaka's street shopping culture and creates a skyline inspired by Old Dhaka's dynamic, staggered profile, contrasting with New Dhaka's uniform skyline.

As markets expand vertically, upper floors lose value. I propose a design with multiple ground floors, where each floor holds the value and advantages of the ground floor.

The market consists of two building masses: the western building for clothing and the eastern building, adjacent to the park, for accessories. This strategic placement ensures that accessories, which are frequently purchased by park visitors, are conveniently accessible.

Zoning

Masterplan

Ground floor plan

Floor plans

Proposed zoning of shops & shop module

Key Considerations:

1. Temple Preservation: A 120-year-old temple is preserved with an urban park and separate plaza.
2. Distinct Spatial Identity: Varied circulation patterns enhance wayfinding.
3. Walkability: Improved pedestrian access via underpass and footbridge.
4. Traffic Resolution: Vendors relocated to a central alley to clear pathways.
5. Fire Safety: Compliance with BNBC standards, a water reservoir for emergencies, and fire hydrants strategically placed at four corners to support the neighborhood in case of fire hazards.

South-west elevation

Section AA'

Section BB''

The project is approached from social and financial perspectives.

Social Perspective:

• A park and public plazas enhance walkability and accessibility.
• An underpass on the south and a footbridge on the northeast improve connectivity.
• Rooftop spaces encourage community interactions, reflecting Old Dhaka's culture.

Financial Perspective:

• A two-level basement parking facility accommodates 600+ cars and 100+ bikes, offering rentable spots.
• Multiple food courts along the park side and rooftop attract visitors and enhance commercial viability.

Sectional perspective

Elevation detalis

A perforated metal screen, integrated with planters along the elevation, helps mitigate roadside noise, creating a quieter market environment. The greenery provides a sense of relief while reducing dust and the perforations allow natural airflow through the building.

An external staircase seamlessly connects the ground floor public space to the rooftop, enhancing accessibility and spatial continuity, while illustrated stories of old Dhaka's 200-250 year cultural vibrance along the stairway enrich the journey and foster a sense of belonging among the three neighboring communities.

The project prioritizes environmental sensitivity and contextual harmony. A 60-foot building depth with openings on both sides and long corridors ensures natural ventilation and daylight.

Solar panels on the rooftop generate electricity, enhancing energy efficiency. A sunken, soak able area with deep-rooted trees like Krishnachura and Mehgani helps groundwater recharge by allowing rainwater infiltration. 

Excess rainwater is stored in an underground reservoir for market use, including toilet facilities and after purification, as potable water—implementing an effective rainwater harvesting strategy.

A two-level public park restores ecological balance and attracts birds and insects. Native trees like Mango, Jamun, and Jackfruit enhance biodiversity, improve the microclimate, and foster a greener urban environment.

The project integrates passive design and sustainable water management, addressing Dhaka’s environmental challenges and promoting a self-sustaining urban fabric.

Project model 

Render (Entries)

Render (Hawkers' street)

Render (Public spaces 1)

Render (Public spaces 2)