Project Title: Future of The Past: Jute Diversification & Promotion Centre

Student’s Name: Nusrat Hossain

Email: nusratjune@gmail.com

Project Year: 2023

Project Guide Teachers: Architect Ziaul Islam, Architect Nishat Tasnim

Head of The Department: Dr. Md. Nawrose Fatemi

PARTICIPATIONS

·     Nominated by the university for participation for KSRM Awards for Future Architects - 2023

·    Shortlisted in Top 20 Projects of Tamayouz International Graduation Award - 2024

Nusrat Hossain

Image: Photomontage

Worldwide, the most commonly seen pollution nowadays is ‘Plastic pollution’. As the world grows so fast, everything changes very fast as well. For this fast fashion economical materials like plastic became very suitable. It is found as a bi-product in the petroleum industry and does not cost much except for the environment. Because “There is no such thing as a free lunch” (Milton Friedman). As this is not a biodegradable material, nature suffers the most which we are also going to suffer in the long run. The availability of plastic has not only harmed the environment it also closed some of the very rich eco-friendly industries such as Jute industry.  

Image: Timeline of Jute

Jute was one of the main cash crops in Bangladesh. Also known as ‘Golden Fibre’ for its color and tremendous value. The first ever mill in Bangladesh (former East-Pakistan) was also a jute mill named ‘Latif Bawany Jute Mills Ltd’ founded in 1951. So, Jute contributed to the environment, aesthetics, economy, and industrialization of Bangladesh. 

Image: Significance of Jute

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CONCEPT

‘Prevention of Pollution’ is the motto of this project. More than 50% of plastic pollution is caused only by packaging, where jute was once one of the very popular options for packaging which is now replaced by plastic materials. Like a glorious golden past, jute also has a very golden opportunity soon as polymer bags from jute cellulose are also invented, which work similarly to plastic bags and its biodegradable as well. So, the concept of this project is to revive the jute and replace plastic with it just and its diversity the way the jute was replaced by plastic earlier. Because it can also revive our environment, economy, and industries healthily.

Image: Site map

Image: Site analysis

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Image: Intervention

DESIGN CONSIDERATION

Despite the current dire state of the jute industry, this project aims to guide people through 'The Prosperous Past,' 'Abandonment of the Present,' and 'Hope for the Future.' All of this is placed through a single walking journey. Design intervention and sometimes materials have changed according to the demand of every space.

PROJECT BRIEF

The beginning of the walkway displays the history of jute, featuring jute machinery and products from its illustrious past. ‘The Abandonment of Present' depicts the industry's decline, with an elevated walkway passing through a dark abandoned mill. The 'Plastic Revolution,' which played a significant role in this decline, is also highlighted. A large mirror at the end of this gallery prompts visitors to reflect on their role in this decline. This gallery is named ‘Reflection of Realization’.

Following this, a deck named 'Ray of Hope' offers a pause with views of the Shitalakshya and Balu rivers, symbolizing the vastness of nature. This deck also provides a view of the 'Sonali Bag Project,' symbolizing hope for the future and encouraging visitors to contemplate the impact of their actions on nature and the nation.

Image: Masterplan

Image: Floor plans

Visitors then have the U-turn from darkness to opportunity, 'The Hope of Future,' featuring an exhibition gallery showcasing the diversification of jute products, including the 'Sonali Bag' and other potential alternatives to plastic. The “Walkway from Past to Future” project is designed to help visitors experience the journey of jute through different timelines and inspire them to take action towards a sustainable future.

After completing the walkway, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the jute industry's positive and negative phases, the impact of pollution, and the potential for future opportunities. The final phase encourages action. After the landing area, it includes a library and archive for further learning about pollution, prevention, jute materials, and industries. Inspired by Simon Sinek's words, "Words may inspire, but only action creates change," the project culminates in a workshop at the heart of the journey. Here, visitors can learn to make jute products and explore their applications in versatile sectors. Opposite this workshop there is a storage wall for displaying visitors' works, adding artistic value.

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An essential extension of the workshop is a playground, open to the sky, featuring toys made of jute, welcoming children to foster good habits from a young age. Visitors can also purchase jute products from stalls and souvenir shops.

The North-South oriented block serves as a formal zone, housing offices, a formal training center for entrepreneurs, an archive, and a cafe for workers. The most private zone is the accommodation area, designed to encourage day-long tours or extended stays in touch with nature and knowledge gathering. It includes various room types for families and students, facilitating school campaigns with dormitories for students.

JURY COMMENTS

Dr. Md. Nawrose Fatemi  (Associate Professor & Head, University of Asia Pacific)

Decisions were made sensibly thinking of human, nature and their wellness.

Architect Ziaul Islam  (Associate Professor, University of Asia Pacific)

Although having a large-scale project the design approach leads it towards a humble architecture that welcomes people, encourages people, and gives them direction to make a change. Something more could also be done here. But within the time limit of a semester, this output and decision-making show the involvement of the designer with the design very well.

Architect Mohammad Shoeb Bhuiya  (Assistant Professor, University of Asia Pacific)

The scale of the project is large yet it is done in maintaining all possible details. This detail helps in a clearer understanding of the project and its scale.

Architect Zareen Habiba  (Associate Professor, University of Asia Pacific)

This project shows a detailed view of a lot of potential and purposes. So, the core purpose of this project could be more focused and precise.

Architect Syeda Rizwana  (Lecturer, University of Asia Pacific)

The presentation approach towards detailed spaces such as blow-up sections and exploded axonometric views are appreciated.