MIRPUR 10 SHOPPING COMPLEX

Project idea

The Mirpur 10 Shopping Complex reimagines the role of a commercial center within one of Dhaka’s busiest and most congested urban nodes. Situated on a 4.6-acre site previously occupied by a fire service training center, the project responds to both the area's commercial density and the upcoming Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station that will further increase pedestrian traffic and congestion.

The design aims to create an iconic yet locally rooted shopping complex that goes beyond commerce to serve as a vibrant public hub. The architectural language is bold and dynamic, blending with the existing urban fabric while offering new experiences. Recognizing the challenges of pedestrian overload and chaotic vehicular movement, the project introduces a new spine, a curved pedestrian path that connects the MRT station with the main bus terminal. This spine cuts through the site, guiding foot traffic organically through the complex and redefining how people interact with the space.

The project positions itself not just as a shopping destination but as a social and recreational landmark for all age groups, offering spaces to pause, explore, and connect within a densely layered city.

Project description

The central design move is the creation of a curved pedestrian axis, linking the future MRT station with nearby transit points and drawing foot traffic into the heart of the complex. This path is more than circulation, it is a public spine that organizes retail, food courts, outdoor seating, plazas, and green terraces along its length.

By absorbing pedestrian congestion into the site, the complex relieves the surrounding streets and creates a public realm within. The building massing is layered vertically around this main route, allowing visual connectivity between levels. The design uses setbacks, voids, and open edges to form terraces and semi-outdoor spaces that encourage lingering and socializing.

A floating ramp from the MRT station brings visitors directly into the upper level of the shopping complex, while an elevated walkway along the front veils chaotic vehicular movement and prioritizes pedestrian experience. The complex becomes an urban recreational hub rather than a closed commercial box, blurring the line between public space and retail.

The building promotes openness, visibility, and inclusivity, making it a place not just to shop, but to rest, meet, and engage with city life.

Technical information

The Mirpur 10 Shopping Complex is primarily constructed using a steel frame structure, chosen for its flexibility, lightness, and ability to span large open areas ideal for retail. Steel columns and beams form the main structural grid, supporting multiple levels of commercial spaces and public terraces.

The building's facade is composed mainly of curtain wall systems, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and providing visual transparency between inside and outside. Glazing is paired with shading devices to reduce heat gain and glare, supporting thermal comfort in a dense urban environment.

Cantilevered ramps and walkways, including the floating ramp from the MRT station, are constructed with steel framing and metal decking, ensuring durability and seamless integration with the rest of the massing. The stepped form of the complex accommodates green terraces and semi-outdoor public zones without disrupting the structural rhythm.

The system supports adaptability over time, with modular bays that can accommodate various commercial functions. The design balances technical efficiency with urban openness, creating a framework that is both expressive and functional in Dhaka’s busy commercial core.