For a very long time, I was thinking to write about architectural projects which are not hypothetical and already constructed. Basically my idea was to write an architectural digest. So, today I have decided to write about a project which is very famous and was nominated and a finalist for AGA Khan Award for Architecture.
Project Details:
- Project Name: Lawachara Co-managed Nature Interpretation Center (CONIC)
- Location: Lawachara, Sylhet, Bangladesh
- Architects: Vitti Sthapati Brindo Ltd, Ehsan Khan
- Project Structure: Single Structure
- Ownership: Public Property
CONIC is a unique public-private partnership, bringing together leading Bangladesh and international companies to work with government and Lawachara’s Co-Management Committee to design and construct a world-class nature interpretation center.
Concept:
Now let me give you some basic ideas of this project. This project is done by Vitti Architects. This project is also known as the Nishorgo Oirabot Nature Interpretation Centre. The concept of the project was Blended with nature following the modern and traditional style of Bangladeshi Architecture.
Project Aims:
The aim of this project is to create awareness, biodiversity among people and to teach conservation and ecotourism. Also, Lawachara is a national park so this structure is an iconic structure that represents the park. It also works as a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center as well.
With more than 220,000 guests visiting Lawachara over the past two years, CONIC will serve important functions in terms of conservation education to ensure responsible tourism while also helping disperse park guests to reduce pressure on park resources.
Architectural Part (Exterior):
The building structure of this project is called post-slab with a flat roof. The benefits of using Post-slab structure is you can work with any spaces freely and use of cantilever. Your structure won't be rigid and you don't need to provide beam. This is a single-storied structure. the ground floor is totally open, free-flowing and share wall used as a structure and to divide spaces.
Use of horizontal ribs on the exterior wall not only for beautification but also to provide interesting lighting in the interior. Both Staircase and a huge Ramp available.
It's a linear-shaped rectangular single form building structure.
Perspective from Ramp and the height difference from the ground to the first floor is 15 feet. Also, there are some public facilities like toilets, guardrooms available on the ground floor.
When you will enter into the first floor you will notice the column thickness differences and lighting as well. This is a sitting area basically it is the waiting area. Other functions are classrooms, conference rooms, display area, and a pantry.
The most interesting feature of this building is this triple-height space. This is an existing tree and without cutting this tree, the architect prepared and designed the whole concept of this building.
A Few Things I have learned from this Project :
- Worked with Single Form.
- Simplicity
- Play with lines, lighting and linear form
- Worked with existing materials without removing them
- How to make spaces more interesting
- Triple height spaces can be dynamic
- Work with natural lighting
- Horizontal Ribs articulation on the exterior.
This is it for today... See you on my next Architectural Digest...
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Priyan...
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