Student Name:             Asraful Hossain

Project Year:                 2024

Location:                       TSC, University of Dhaka

Thesis Supervisor:        Ziaul Islam

Studio Mentors:           Muhtadin Iqbal, Dr. Nabanita Islam,

                                     Md. Muhtasim Galib Inan

Department Head:      Dr. Md. Nawrose Fatemi

Asraful Hossain

1. HISTORICAL ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA AND THE TSC

The University of Dhaka, established in 1921 as compensation following the reunification of Bengal after Lord Curzon’s controversial 1905 partition, has become a key institution for higher education in Bangladesh. In 1947, the partition of India and Pakistan brought significant political changes, including Ayub Khan’s introduction of basic democracy. This shift led to the founding of the Teacher-Student Center (TSC) at Dhaka University in 1961, aimed at fostering extracurricular and social activities, according to Doxiadis archives.

Image: Historical origins of the University of Dhaka and TSC

2. PRESENT-DAY CHALLENGES OF THE TSC

The TSC quickly became an integral part of the university and the city, providing a platform for cultural, social, and recreational activities. However, over the decades, Dhaka University's landscape and its student population's needs have transformed considerably. The once-adequate facilities of the TSC now face challenges in meeting its users' diverse and expanding demands. This thesis aims to revisit the original purpose of the TSC, examine its historical context, and propose a contemporary framework that aligns with the current needs of the university community.

Image: Present-day challenge of Tsc

Image: Tsc then & now 

3. “TSC” THEN AND NOW 

Key findings highlight a significant gap between the TSC's existing facilities since its beginning and the present-day requirements of the university’s population. Issues such as inadequate space, outdated amenities, and a lack of infrastructure emerge as critical areas needing attention for a new center.

4. THE CONTEXT: 

a) Archipelago: Additionally, the lack of interconnectivity among all of the  zones of this large university campus is due to its horizontal expansion over  time and urbanization. Major city traffic passes through this campus,  conflicting with the campus traffic, making a situation like an archipelago.

Image: Archipelago 

b) A living museum and archive of centuries: Dhaka University is like a living museum, where centuries of history, culture, architecture, lush old trees, and the songs of birds converge. Its campus embodies Mughal grandeur, colonial elegance, and modern innovation, reflecting the rich and layered evolution of Bengal through time. Iconic landmarks such as Curzon Hall, the Shaheed Minar, and Aparajeyo Bangla serve as powerful historical and cultural markers, commemorating transformative events like the Language Movement and the Liberation War. Beyond its timeless structures and natural  beauty, the university thrives as a hub for national festivals, intellectual pursuits, and vibrant cultural expression, making it a unique space where history and contemporary life harmoniously coexist.

Image: Archive of centuries 

5. PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR TSC:

Based on the findings, this thesis proposes a comprehensive redevelopment plan for TSC that addresses its current challenges. The plan emphasizes the following key strategies.

Image: Preserving Tsc 

a) Preserving TSC :

TSC stands as a prime example of preserving contextual and iconic creations. Designed by Doxiadis, it is a testament to architectural and cultural significance, making it essential to safeguard its legacy for future generations. 

As a 100-year-old campus that embodies historical elements from different eras and serves as a living museum and an ideal place to celebrate and preserve this unique architectural icon.

Image: Bridging the Archipelago 

b) Bridging the Archipelago:

To address connectivity challenges between the archipelago dots, a “Decentralized TSC” is proposed as part of a fluid connector concept. These aim to seamlessly link different parts of the archipelago. Additionally, pedestrian pathways will be enhanced with consistent textures and materials to create a cohesive visual experience. Public art installations and historical landmarks will act as cultural and visual connectors, enriching the travel routes and fostering a sense of continuity.

Image: Proximity analysis

● Proximity Analysis: Identifying three zones within a 10-minute walking distance to serve as strategic hubs that link all the dots of the archipelago. These hubs will host various activities, enhancing student engagement and acting as vital connection points.

●     Density Mapping:  Density mapping was carried out to analyze the characteristics of the three potential intervention zones, focusing on user activity patterns. This analysis aims to inform future program distribution by aligning site characteristics with appropriate programs and user types. The mapping was conducted at various times and on different days to ensure a thorough understanding of user density. These zones are intended to connect all the “dots” of the archipelago effectively.

Image: Density map 

PROPOSED INTERVENTION ZONES AS CONNECTORS OF ALL THE DOTS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO: 

Image: Proposed intervention zones

6. PROGRAMME FORMULATION FOR THREE ZONES:

The research employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews with students, faculty, and administrators, and a review of contemporary literature on university student centers and their roles in higher education institutions globally.

Image: Programme formulation

7. PROPOSED MASTER PLAN:

Image: Proposed Masterplan

Image: Zone A conceptual sketch 

Image: Zone A

8. ZONE A (GATEWAY): 

The work of this zone began by addressing the pedestrian connectivity dividing the area. While options like tunnels or elevated pathways for vehicles and pedestrians were explored, the road remained unchanged to ensure uninterrupted access for emergency services near Dhaka Medical College.

Instead, an underground pedestrian passage was created, featuring a food court and a visitor center showcasing the area's rich history, influenced by Mughal, British, and Greek eras. Beneath Payra Chattar, a student activity space now houses rehearsal rooms, seminar rooms, a conference room, and the relocated DUCSU office. This frees the original DUCSU building for club activities. Other existing facilities remain unchanged.

Image: Exploded isometric Zone A

Image: Site plan

Image: Basement 1

Image: Basement 2, 3

Image: Section AA BB

Image: Protest zone

Image: Payra Chattar

Image: Tsc node

Image: Food court entry

Image: Zone B

9. ZONE B (DUCSU PAVILLION):

After relocating the existing programs of the DUCSU building to the TSC node basement, the building was reimagined by unifying the entire area from the central library and Social Science Chattar to the Modhur canteen using consistent materials. I also enhanced visual connectivity by removing the elevation of the DUCSU building and transforming it into an open, multipurpose space accessible to all students for gatherings, exhibitions, and more.

Image: Zone B conceptual sketch

Image: Exploded isometric zone B

Image: Ducsu Pavilion

Image: Modhur canteen

Image: Zone C

10. ZONE C (DU ACTIVITY CENTER)

To accommodate the growing needs of Dhaka University students, the "decentralized TSC" concept now includes a new facility featuring a 1,000-seat auditorium, a multipurpose hall, a dedicated student block, and an expanded parking area to alleviate roadside parking issues near Shahid Minar and Sharardi Uddan.

Image: Zone C conceptual sketch

The field's edge has been redesigned as a park, creating a seamless visual connection with the surrounding areas. An elevated indoor sports block offers a grand open space with panoramic views of the field from Doyel Chattar, doubling as a versatile event space with terraces and plazas for student activities. 

Indoor sports and swimming pool capacities have been significantly increased, while the DPDC power station roof has been converted into a gallery with seating for 700, combining functionality with enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Image: Ground floor plan

Image: First floor plan

Image: Section AA

Image: Section BB

11. JURY COMMENTS:

The large-scale work approach is commendable, but prioritizing decision-level planning across zones while focusing on detailed interventions in smaller portions could allow for more possibilities for exploration of connections. Future development opportunities can include introducing additional intervention zones, ensuring scalability and adaptability as the needs of Dhaka University continue to evolve.Integrating Zone A with the MRT system would significantly enhance accessibility, fostering better connectivity to the surrounding urban environment.