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Project Name: CLIMATE RESILIENT RURAL SETTLEMENT Location: NAPITKHALI, GABURA UNION, SATKHIRA. Site Area: 23 acres Client: Bhumija Foundation. Student Name: Md.Arafat Hossain Project Year: 2024 Studio Teacher: Syed Monirul Islam, Shahriar Mahmud Project Supervisor: Abdullah Al Amin, Kowshik Ahmed Chairman of The Department: Prof. Dr. Masud Ur Rashid University: Southeast university |
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The coastal communities of Bangladesh have exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of climate change impacts. However, recurring natural disasters such as Cyclones Aila, Sidr, and Amphan have severely affected the Gabura Union, destroying homes and heightening the vulnerability of local residents. This region confronts numerous pressing challenges, including frequent cyclones, saltwater intrusion, persistent waterlogging, riverbank erosion, lack of economic self-sufficiency, and emerging threats like rising sea levels and intensified storms. Furthermore, the encircling river has exacerbated land erosion, jeopardizing the continued existence of the village. |
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Following a comprehensive investigation of the local context and a thorough examination of the community's daily challenges, a profound sense of responsibility emerged to devise impactful interventions that would meaningfully contribute to improving their livelihoods. Consequently, the envisioned approach sought to address their hardships through a multifaceted strategy. Recognizing the complex and interconnected nature of the problems, this design tackled each issue individually while ensuring an integrated framework to foster overall resilience. |
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CONCEPT: SURVIVING WITH ADVERSITY The concept, "Surviving with Adversity," emphasizes empowering the community to adapt and prosper despite these difficulties. It encompasses solutions such as cyclone-resilient housing, salinity-tolerant agriculture, sustainable water management, and economic diversification. Additionally, the implementation of natural defense systems, including mangrove reforestation, and the engagement of the community in disaster preparedness are integral to this vision. This design leverages the integration of traditional community knowledge and innovative approaches to bolster the local population's resilience and ability to rebuild sustainably. The overarching goal is to cultivate a future where the community can live with dignity despite the persistent challenges they face. |
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Project Description This climate-resilient community housing initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to mitigating vulnerabilities in coastal regions prone to natural disasters. The master plan incorporates three distinct unit types, each designed to enhance resilience and generate income. To promote environmental sustainability, the project has integrated various tree species and established a green belt. Within these units, four cluster types have been introduced to support income generation through activities such as fish farming. Each cluster integrates vegetation and gardens, enabling residents to earn income from agricultural and horticultural endeavors. |
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Additionally, a marketplace has been provided to meet daily needs and foster economic activity within the community. This holistic approach ensures the community not only survives adversity but also thrives through sustainable and self-reliant practices.Strategically elevated schools, healthcare centers, food banks, and shelters are surrounded by a 12-foot-high road infrastructure that provides protection and access during emergencies. These elevated community facilities are designed to withstand extreme weather events, incorporating flood-resistant materials. Crucially, these housing developments also prioritize livelihood diversity, incorporating spaces for community gardens, small-scale agriculture, a PSF pond for drinking water, and a training center. This enhances community self-sufficiency and creates local economic opportunities. Flexible communal spaces can also host micro-enterprises, workshops, and local markets, fostering a resilient local economy. By integrating disaster resilience with livelihood possibilities, this project aims to empower the community to adapt and thrive amidst ongoing challenges.. |
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Technical information The design presents a thoughtful and innovative strategy to accommodate the 91 existing families and allow for future growth on the site. It prioritizes environmental sustainability by preserving the existing pond and trees, demonstrating a harmonious integration with the natural landscape. Additionally, the decision to elevate the dwellings and plinths demonstrates a considerate approach to providing long-lasting and secure living quarters for the occupants, accounting for the possibility of floods. Furthermore, the inclusion of agricultural and fish farming areas not only enhances the economic opportunities for the residents but also enables them to engage in sustainable activities. This holistic design fosters a sense of community and a safety net by allocating space for families who may be displaced or in need, thereby promoting resilience and self-sufficiency within the community. |
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Basic needs are given priority in the master plan: Cyclone: 5-6 levels of Green belt are provided in the design to reduce the speed of wind including the orientation and roof of the cluster and the unit is designed in such a way that the damage due to cyclone can be reduced comparatively. For river erosion: Forestry on both sides of the dam. Afforestation includes trees that retain soil and reduce river erosion. For example: Goran tree, Gewa tree, Keora tree, and Nipa palm. Surge flood: Basically when the sea level rises in this area and the river erosion and the area get flooded. The last time "aila" flooded this area, it was submerged in 3'-4' of water from the sea level. For this reason, I divided the site into 7 blocks and raised them 5'6' high with earth and raised their houses 30"-36" higher so that even if water enters, their houses are safe. Apart from this, we have provided an emergency shelter zone that can be used to take shelter even if there is an overflow. Apart from this, we have provided one food bank in each block where they can also take shelter in times of emergency. |
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Water Logging: The water body is proposed to reduce water logging and work as a drainage system and reduce the risk of site flooding. Salinity: the design considered 2 points for salinity. Firstly, regular irrigation, and Secondly raising the lower soil which can be done by digging ponds. It will be possible to reduce salinity by raising the water level by using ponds & pond soil. Drinking water: Every family collects rainwater for drinking water. Additionally, two PSF ponds are installed across the property. During the monsoon season, they will save drinking water, and in the absence of rainfall, they will utilize the PSF pond's water for drinking. Income-generating opportunity This design allows the user to be able to profit from every early activity, beginning with the site's soil excavation. A community-based revenue arrangement is also in place here, which includes the following: a community garden, a community pond for fish culture, agriculture, greenery, fish arrot, a shop, and a bazaar & cow shed attached. |
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| This project envisions a self-sufficient and resilient rural community capable of adapting to the challenges of climate change. By integrating sustainable housing, local livelihood opportunities, disaster preparedness, and ecological restoration, the design offers a replicable model for coastal settlements across Bangladesh. The expected outcome is a livable, secure, and economically empowered community that serves as a prototype for climate-responsive rural development. |
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Comments of jurors:
• “This type of project should be done with emotion and integrity, here exactly the project was handled with such emotions and integrity” • “The way you have considered 5 categories in this project such as - Settlement, the houses, how to build up their capacity, how to create community base CA involvement and develop according to the phase of owner ship - these are the main steps of disaster resilient housing, which you have shown perfectly. It's a good approach” • “You have knocked down every point , how to implement the project, as you said in your Construction Process. When there is no house in the zone, then the development should be started; this is a good tactic. This type of project is justified by understanding the depth of the project and its site. That you have done very well by surveying each house and explore their issues.” • “The issues regarding the project and its implementation are addressed here. Besides the project went through a process to get the solution. Hence, he is successful and we are proud of him. We don’t say that we need well solver designer at this stage rather we want student’s dedication and creativity – which is found in Arafat. So, I congratulate him.” • “Generally, this type of project is not handled by architect only; it needs more professionals to be settled. So, he took this challenge and that’s a matter of appreciation. I wish him to continue with this project in future days.” |
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| Contributor: Ar. Faiza Fairooz |
