শোংনাম পাহাড়ে : Crafting A Resilient Mru Settlement And Sustainable Tourism Coexistence

Project idea

A community-centric alternative to mass tourism development in Bandarban,Bangladesh, integrating the Murong tribal community's needs with sustainable tourism infrastructure. The project counters a proposed five-star hotel development that would have displaced local communities and disrupted natural resources.

Project description

In response to a proposed five-star hotel development in Bandarban, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, this architectural intervention presents an alternative model that harmonizes tourism development with indigenous community preservation. Drawing from Mohammed Habib Reza's New Contextualism Theory, the project transforms a contested jhum cultivation area into a multifunctional space that serves both the Murong tribal community and sustainable tourism. The design integrates several key elements: an innovative hydram pump system for water resource management, agroforestry practices replacing traditional shifting cultivation, and a community hub called "Para Kendro" that houses educational, healthcare, and cultural facilities. The project's distinctive approach includes homestay options and carefully integrated resort facilities that complement rather than dominate the indigenous settlement. The design sets a precedent by demonstrating how architectural intervention can protect indigenous cultural landscapes while accommodating modern economic needs through tourism. By creating dedicated spaces for displaced Murong families and essential community facilities, the project proves that tourism development can coexist with and benefit local communities without sacrificing their cultural identity and traditional values.

Technical information

Water Management Hydram pump system implementation Stream preservation Sustainable water distribution Canal protection measures Environmental Solutions Agroforestry implementation Natural resource preservation Sustainable building materials Environmental impact mitigation Infrastructure Development Community-scaled facilities Educational infrastructure Healthcare facilities Market infrastructure Tourism facilities Sustainable Features Local material usage Traditional building techniques Energy-efficient systems Waste management solutions Design Philosophy: Based on New Contextualism by Mohammed Habib Reza Future-focused development Cultural preservation Community integration Environmental sustainability