Louis Kahn - A chitchat on Bangladesh architects and architecture

[Electrequiem]

Originally Posted by akabir77
The best work of a jew architect is in a muslim country called Bangladesh. I am proud of my country for letting him do this master piece here...

He didn't had a single other structure like this built any where else. he was not appreciated when he was live. he tried to redo MN down town but they didn't let him do that saying he is crazy.

I highly doubt the general public (or even the people overseeing the project) knew what his religious background was ...

[AsifTheManRahman]

Yeah, we're too lazy to be racist. At least in the open.

[Orpheus]

Originally Posted by AsifTheManRahman
Yeah, we're too lazy to be racist. At least in the open.

Time to time I read many posts from our members suggesting that bangladeshis can be racist citing various names we call like "kaulas" and "chanku" etc. Or our preference over Forsha girls than kalo girls in marriage.

I think ppl mixes up racism with lack of interest in other cultures. We have problems with mixing with any other race on earth but ours....In fact, we have problems with any district but ours also. This is not racism... this is called not going out of your comfort zone.... You know chatagaiya language, so you marry a chatgaiy;, don't bother marrying a sylheti because then shashurira ki niya kotha bolbe?? No one is gonna understand anyone. Ekjon er puri bhaji arekjon er gaali....

[BANFAN]

Died a tragic death.

[akabir77]

Originally Posted by Electrequiem
I highly doubt the general public (or even the people overseeing the project) knew what his religious background was ...

yes people who worked with him in that project they knew it and they went great length to keep it out of media and stuff...

[Puck]

Originally Posted by Orpheus
Time to time I read many posts from our members suggesting that bangladeshis can be racist citing various names we call like "kaulas" and "chanku" etc. Or our preference over Forsha girls than kalo girls in marriage.

I think ppl mixes up racism with lack of interest in other cultures. We have problems with mixing with any other race on earth but ours....In fact, we have problems with any district but ours also. This is not racism... this is called not going out of your comfort zone.... You know chatagaiya language, so you marry a chatgaiy;, don't bother marrying a sylheti because then shashurira ki niya kotha bolbe?? No one is gonna understand anyone. Ekjon er puri bhaji arekjon er gaali....

no, it is not racism nor intolerance to alien cultures, it is mere tragedy..

[Kabir]

Originally Posted by akabir77
yes people who worked with him in that project they knew it and they went great length to keep it out of media and stuff...

Were you part of the project?

[Electrequiem]

The attitude that I have seen most Bengalis display when it comes to Blacks and Jews is nothing short of blatant racism. Upor diye manusher shathe bhalo kotha bolbe, but will say intensely bigoted things behind their backs. Its not that they are not "comfortable" in mingling with these people ... but they choose to believe their is something inherently wrong and lowly with them.

Originally Posted by akabir77
yes people who worked with him in that project they knew it and they went great length to keep it out of media and stuff...

Source?

[akabir77]

Originally Posted by Kabir
Were you part of the project?

ki money hoy apner??? i knew some people who worked on the project duh...

[bujhee kom]

But remember guys, Louis Kahn was commissioned/awarded the job to design the 'Second Capital' - 'Sher-E Bangla Nagar' and the Parliament bidg in Dhaka (Dacca) in a pre-1971 era, by the Pakistani Government, and the nation/ideology of Pakistan is based on the religion Islam when right after the independence and birth of the new nation Bangladesh our constitution clearly shows a secular country and the Bakshal party's 3 main mottos were, "Joy Bangla, Joy BongoBondhu, Joy Shomajtantro (Viva la Socialism) and no matter how faulty it was or untruthful it was (I mean Bakshal's practice of or faith/honesty in real socialism), Bangladesh was born with the idea or soon to be of a Socialist/one party government. Thus you see there was a major shift in the religious ideology (constitutionally) of the two different nations and two different ruling groups that oversaw the progress of Kahn's work! There were even rifts in the AL government (sometimes by some ministers/leaders) to discredit the whole project and maintainance of the Parliament bldg (stating it is too expensive for a poor nation to maintain/upkeep every year) as they often felt (deep down inside) that it was a project concieved by the past Pakistani government thus tarnished by a brutal raping regime.

But A Kabir bhai is right about the effort by both Pakistani and later the new born Bangladeshi governments to keep a very low key info on Louis' religious background!

(Guys, please do forgive me if I fail to explain things clearly due to my poor English.....I want to say a lot, often struggle to express it clearly, because I get emotionally too charged up/excited)

[Zillul]

I need your help guys...some very interesting threads and points made on here in regards to Architecture and Bangladesh.

I am a bangladeshi national, born and raised in bangladesh.studying as an architecture student in england has drawn me towards my motherland in this paticular time of studies. I am to write a thesis investigation on a topic relating to Architecture -
So i thought what would be more interesting than to research into my own country and its architecture.
I dont really remember much about flooding in bangladesh as a young child, apart from things which I was told by my elders, but it was most probably because I lived in a village which was in the high-lands which made me less aware of flooding, but memories have stayed fresh in my mind when on two occasions upon visiting Bangladesh on my holidays. The house me and my family were staying in was flooded for the majority of time on our stay. I remember We had to swim from the main entrance to the main road, as we were staying in the first floor it was not too bad compared to what was happening around us in all directions. I clearly remember it was the monsoon seasons,floods came and went taking with it peoples homes and livelihood and I remember looking down out of the window feeling sad and sorry for them,I felt helpless because in reality at the time I could not do anything. These memories have stayed fresh in my mind ever since and I am very lucky to have this opportunity to investigate flooding and its effects on Bangladesh so one day maybe as an Architect I could do something to contribute to my country.
This is why I am concentrating my investigation on flooding and how it destroys peoples homes by constant scenes of flooding. By writing this thesis investigation I wish to improve my knowledge as a Bangladeshi living in the UK and also hopefully to build awareness by opening the eyes of other people. The title for my thesis investigation is as follows -

''Will Buildings in flood prone areas of Bangladesh ever rise above the natural disasters which have been affecting the country for many years? or will severe flooding conditions continue to destroy the livelihood of the Bangladeshi people?''


I would be very greatfull if you guys can share your knowledge with me so that I do not miss out on any vital information which may better my knowledge and make me and others aware of the circumstances which result from flooding in Bangladesh. if anyone can point me out to any books or websites which i might have missed, would be very helpfull

Thank you,

Zillul

My email is: Giro_05 @ hot mail. com

[Peace]

Originally Posted by Zillul
''Will Buildings in flood prone areas of Bangladesh ever rise above the natural disasters which have been affecting the country for many years? or will severe flooding conditions continue to destroy the livelihood of the Bangladeshi people?''

I am pleased to learn your good intention to help BD...

''Will Buildings in flood prone areas of Bangladesh ever rise above the natural disasters which have been affecting

-I am sorry I did not get your question. Are you actually asking- Will land in flood prone areas of Bangladesh ever rise above the natural disasters which have been affected?

will severe flooding conitions continue to destroy the livelihood of the Bangladeshi people?

-All depends on all mighty Allah and India. I am sure no scientists will give you certified opinion on this and risk their own licence.

I am sorry to be awkward but this might help you to re-structure your thesis title.

[Zillul]

-I am sorry I did not get your question. Are you actually asking- Will land in flood prone areas of Bangladesh ever rise above the natural disasters which have been affected?.....

Hi peace,
thank you for your comment, my apologies if you did not quiet understand my title...

''Will Buildings in flood prone areas of Bangladesh ever rise above the natural disasters which have been affecting the country for many years? or will severe flooding conditions continue to destroy the livelihood of the Bangladeshi people?'

My title is quoted in a metaphorical form to highlight and ask the question: is it possible to build all buildings above the water in the flood zone areas of Bangladesh?? or are their any other solutions to reducing the loss of peoples homes....referring to solutions such as stilt architecture which is apparent in parts of the world where flooding exist....or any other which the institute of Bangladesh might be looking into...

To give you a better understanding on what exactly I wish to find out, here is my current structure: (by the way I am open to any suggestions or correction regarding my structure, so please feel free to make any comments)


1)
The History of flooding in Bangladesh, and how it has affected the country and its people.


2) Is there a brighter future ahead for Bangladesh? , or will this cycle continue to destroy the lively hood of the Bangladeshi people and the country as a whole?

3)
What is Climate Change? Is it making the situation far-worse adding to the annual monsoon seasons? And does it really have anything to do with the situation of Bangladesh?

-What areas of Bangladesh are said to be mostly affected by the continuing events of floods?


-Why is this happening?


- Lowlands?


-The height of the sea?

- Melting ice within other parts of the world causing sea levels to rise?

- Is the government or any private institutions taking any actions in order to achieve buildings of the future which will withstand flooding of this nature?


4)
Are any neighbouring countries affected?

-if so why?
-what do their sources/scientists say about this?
-Are they taking any action to bring about a better future for the way buildings are constructed in their countries?

5)
What types of architecture exist within Bangladesh?
-Are their any world re-nound buildings in Bangladesh which methods can be learnt from?

6) is building on higher ground the only way forward? Or are their cheaper and easier methods of Architecture?



please feel free to shine some light on my proposal / structure .

Zillul

[Peace]

Originally Posted by Zillul
-

My title is quoted in a metaphorical form to highlight and ask the question: is it possible to build all buildings above the water in the flood zone areas of Bangladesh?? or are their any other solutions to reducing the loss of peoples homes....referring to solutions such as stilt architecture which is apparent in parts of the world where flooding exist....or any other which the institute of Bangladesh might be looking into...

Hi Zillul,
welcome to BC, btw.
I don’t have very good knowledge about architecture or in related issues, but my general understanding is that buildings can be built without having a ground floor, leaving the space for car parking. So, if similar architectural mechanism can be applied in BD, why do we have to worry about flood water?

[Zillul]

''I don’t have very good knowledge about architecture or in related issues, but my general understanding is that buildings can be built without having a ground floor, leaving the space for car parking. So, if similar architectural mechanism can be applied in BD, why do we have to worry about flood water?''

Thank you for your reply,

Yes brother you have a good point, unfortunately the people who are mostly suffering from such flood conditions are no doubt in most occasions the poor, and yes it is definately possible to build higher on columns, but it comes down towards money in the end....which most probably may be the simplest solution to the problem.

Maybe I should think about re-structuring and including/identifying ways in which cheap housing can be produced through local materials etc...

[akabir77]

Originally Posted by Zillul
''I don’t have very good knowledge about architecture or in related issues, but my general understanding is that buildings can be built without having a ground floor, leaving the space for car parking. So, if similar architectural mechanism can be applied in BD, why do we have to worry about flood water?''

Thank you for your reply,

Yes brother you have a good point, unfortunately the people who are mostly suffering from such flood conditions are no doubt in most occasions the poor, and yes it is definately possible to build higher on columns, but it comes down towards money in the end....which most probably may be the simplest solution to the problem.

Maybe I should think about re-structuring and including/identifying ways in which cheap housing can be produced through local materials etc...

there si no problem theoritically per say. but to go up your foundation so go very deep which
1. is very very costly
2. if flood water stays it would decrease the strenth of the foundation else you would see evey one is building homes on top of rivers...

[Zeeshan]

Dhakeshwari Temple

[Zeeshan]

Comilla Jagannath Temple

[Zeeshan]

Kantojiu temple




Kantojiu Temple is one of the Most Wonderful Temple of Bangladesh. This magnificent kantoji temple is situated in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. This temple was built by Maharaja Pran Nath, in 1702 c.e to 1752 was construction period. This beautiful temple is well decorate and one of the greatest example on terracotta. There present bird elephant, flower, warrior, weapon and many other art was present by artiest [sic]. After be seen this art anybody can tell they are very skilled about terracotta art.
The other name of this temple Navaratna Mondir, the temple was built in a nava ratna style. At first time it had nine spires but all of these spires destroyed in an earthquake in 1897.
This colorful and ornamental temple attract tourist from different side one of inside of country and outside of country.

http://visitniceplacebd.blogspot.com...1_archive.html

[Nasif]

From facebook post:
Louis Kahn working on his design, Dhaka, 1964.

"লুই আই কান" (বামে,মাঝে) এবং তার সহকারী "জাতীয় সংসদ ভবনের" মডেল/ডিজাইনের উপর কাজ করতেছেন । শেরে বাংলা নগর , ঢাকা । ১৯৬৪ সাল।

[mufi_02]

It's interesting to see then W.Pak gov't commissioned such a massive architectural project in Dhaka. Maybe the only good thing they have done.

[Navo]

Originally Posted by mufi_02
It's interesting to see then W.Pak gov't commissioned such a massive architectural project in Dhaka. Maybe the only good thing they have done.

Unfortunately, many of the famous buildings in Bangladesh were not built after 1971.

Old High Court Building, Dhaka

The Old High Court Building in Dhaka is situated at High Court Street, opposite the picturesque Curzon Hall. It was constructed in the beginning of 20th century following Renaissance architectural structure. It was built as the governor’s house of East Bengal and Assam government. After the construction of the building, the advisor of Indian government said that it was not suitable for governor’s residence. Then, it was used as general office and was given to Intermediate College. The High Court Building was built after the division of India in 1947.

Continue Reading

[Navo]

Also, if you're interested in Islamic Architecture, you could read the books of Dr. Perween Hasan as they provide an overview on the topic. One of her books:

'Sultan and Mosques'



"Before the Mughal style came to dominate the Islamic architecture of the Indian sub-continent, Bengal and its rulers had developed their own forms. The mosque architecture of the Independent Sultanate period (from the 14th to the 16th centuries) represents the most important element of the Islamic architecture of Bengal. This distinctive regional style drew its inspiration from the indigenous vernacular architecture of Bengal, itself heavily influenced by Hindu temple architecture. The early Muslim architecture of Bangladesh is an important but little studied part of the architectural heritage of the Islamic world and the Indian sub-continent. Perween Hasan's work is a most original contribution to its subject." (Read Praise)

However, a friend of mine who is well-informed about the subject, picked up the book recently and criticized it for not being analytic enough; rather a collection of photos and general comments and she was able to benefit from the fact that there are few experts on the topic.

[Zeeshan]

So I have a qualm. So I rented...not even bought...A Global History of Architecture text book for 70 odd bucks and while among zillions of interesting places I felt proud to see "Sherebangla Nagar". But what irks me why is that the only place represented from BD? Granted, my knowledge is lay at this level, but one of the three authors Vikramaditya Prakash (among Francis Ching and Mark Jarzombek), seemed to have devoted about 3 pages on Chandigarah.

Is it really fault of BD architects not to highlight more interesting places (see my other thread here) or that is the only one "recognized" internationally? I mean Smriti Shoudh was omitted and so was other ruins of temples, mosques or even Paharpur (if you count it as architecture).

Thoughts?

Edit: Paharpur was mentioned but not under index of BD.

[Nasif]

Our parliament is way more prominent and beautiful than all 4 pictures of Asian parliament!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_system#Asia

I am sure there is at least one beautiful pic of the shangshad bhaban in wiki commons that can be used there (how about the shangshad page). Definitely needs update!

Unfortunately, I fear any modification with adding our parliament pic might be voted down. Just compare the ones that are there representing Asia