Cultural Hub | Hatirjheel, Dhaka

Idea projektu

The concept of the Cultural Hub is inspired by the traditional “Shampan“ boat, a symbol deeply connected to the waterways and cultural heritage of Bangladesh. The flowing and curved form of the building reflects the graceful silhouette of a “Shampan” gliding through water, creating a strong visual relationship with the surrounding waterfront context of Hatirjheel, Dhaka. The design translates the essence of movement, connectivity, and cultural identity into an architectural form that serves as a gathering place for people, art, and community activities.

Popis projektu

The proposed Cultural Hub at Hatirjheel is envisioned as a vibrant public destination that celebrates culture, creativity, and social interaction. Designed along the waterfront, the project integrates exhibition spaces, performance areas, community gathering zones, and multipurpose cultural facilities within a unified architectural form. A central open courtyard acts as the heart of the development, encouraging interaction and creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The arrangement of spaces promotes accessibility, visual continuity, and engagement with the surrounding landscape, while the building form responds to the dynamic character of the site and its relationship with water.

The ground floor accommodates the most public and active functions, including performance spaces, exhibition halls, cafes, and open gathering zones, ensuring continuous public engagement and fluid movement throughout the site. The first floor accommodates more focused and semi-private functions such as exhibition galleries, workshop studios, and flexible learning spaces for cultural exchange, maintaining a strong visual connection with the central courtyard and allowing natural light penetration.

A basement level is incorporated primarily for parking, along with essential services and back-of-house facilities required for the efficient operation of the building. The roof is designed as a publicly accessible space, offering open gathering areas and panoramic views of the waterfront, extending the cultural experience vertically.

Technické informace

The project is located at Hatirjheel, Dhaka, on a prominent waterfront site with access from adjacent road networks. The development consists of a basement level for parking and service functions, while the upper levels accommodate cultural, educational, and public activities. The building is designed using a reinforced concrete structural system combined with steel and glass elements to achieve both strength and transparency. Natural daylight, cross-ventilation, and landscape integration have been considered throughout the design to enhance environmental performance and user comfort. The use of brick, glass, steel, and concrete creates a contemporary architectural expression while maintaining durability and contextual relevance. The curved massing, inspired by the “ Shampan ” boat, forms a distinctive landmark that strengthens the cultural identity of the area and enriches the public realm of Hatirjheel.