This project is a vision for a vibrant urban mobility hub located in Gulshan, Dhaka—one of the city’s most dynamic commercial and recreational zones. The design seeks to address the pressing challenges of urban connectivity and create a space where transit, nature, and community seamlessly converge. At its heart, this project is about rethinking how people move, interact, and engage with their environment, making urban living more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for all.
________________________________________
The Reason: Why This Work Was Undertaken
Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, faces significant urban mobility challenges. Traffic congestion, fragmented transit systems, and limited public spaces make commuting exhausting and time-consuming for residents. In bustling areas like Gulshan, where economic, recreational, and social activities converge, the need for an integrated mobility solution is critical.
This work was undertaken to provide a holistic design solution to these challenges. The idea was not just to facilitate movement but to elevate the experience of urban transit by integrating efficient transportation systems with thoughtfully designed public spaces. The inclusion of lakeside mobility and access to nature was an intentional choice to provide a balance between the fast-paced demands of city life and the calming, restorative power of natural environments.
By combining transportation infrastructure with green spaces, pedestrian pathways, and waterfront accessibility, this project addresses an urgent need for sustainable urban design. It envisions a city where moving from one place to another is not just a task but a pleasant and engaging experience.
________________________________________
The Audience and Design Problem
The intended audience for this work includes a diverse group of people—daily commuters, local residents, office workers, tourists, and recreational visitors. Gulshan, as a bustling commercial hub, attracts individuals from all walks of life. The challenge was to create a space that serves the functional needs of these users while also offering opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction.
The design problem was multifaceted:
1. Fragmented Connectivity: The area lacked seamless links between different modes of transportation, such as the metro, monorail, and waterbus systems.
2. Traffic Congestion: The overdependence on private vehicles has resulted in significant congestion and environmental degradation.
3. Limited Public Spaces: High-density urban areas like Gulshan often lack accessible, well-designed public spaces for community interaction and relaxation.
4. Environmental Concerns: The rapid urbanization of Dhaka has encroached on natural areas like lakes and green zones, creating an urgent need to preserve and integrate these elements into urban design.
5. Accessibility: Many parts of the city remain inaccessible to individuals with limited mobility, making inclusive design a key consideration.
This project sought to solve these problems by designing a unified system that connects key transportation hubs with public spaces, ensuring accessibility for all while promoting sustainability and community engagement.
________________________________________
The Message: What the Project Communicates
This project sends a clear message: urban mobility and community life can coexist harmoniously. It challenges the notion that transit systems are purely functional and instead reimagines them as vibrant public spaces that enhance the quality of life in the city.
The integration of green spaces and lakeside mobility emphasizes the importance of reconnecting urban environments with nature. By providing direct access to Gulshan Lake and its surrounding greenery, the design fosters a deeper appreciation for natural resources while offering a respite from the urban hustle.
The project also communicates the potential of sustainable design to reshape the urban experience. By prioritizing public transportation, walkability, and green infrastructure, it aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote eco-friendly city planning.
________________________________________
Design Features and Solutions
The final design is a cohesive system that integrates multiple elements, each carefully crafted to enhance urban connectivity and livability:
1. Skywalk System
The elevated Skywalk serves as the backbone of the project, connecting the metro station, monorail station, and waterbus terminal. It offers a safe and efficient pathway for pedestrians, elevated above the congested streets of Gulshan. Designed with shading structures, seating areas, and greenery, the Skywalk provides both functionality and comfort.
2. Integration of Lakeside Mobility
The Skywalk seamlessly connects to the lakeside development through ramps, ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with limited mobility. The lakeside area features walkways, seating spaces, and viewing decks, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Gulshan Lake.
3. Transportation Hubs
The design integrates the metro and monorail stations into a single, cohesive transit hub. This not only improves connectivity but also reduces transfer times between different modes of transportation. The inclusion of waterbus services adds another dimension to urban mobility, offering a sustainable alternative to road-based transit.
4. Green Zones and Public Spaces
Green zones, including shaded walkways, planters, and vertical gardens, are incorporated throughout the design. These elements enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space while improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect. Public plazas and seating areas provide spaces for social interaction and community activities.
5. Sustainability Features
The project incorporates solar panels for energy generation, rainwater harvesting systems, and eco-friendly construction materials. These features reduce the environmental impact of the development while promoting sustainable urban living.
6. Accessibility and Inclusivity
Ramps, elevators, and wide pathways ensure that the entire development is accessible to individuals with diverse mobility needs. This inclusive design approach makes the project welcoming to all users.
________________________________________
The Eight Qualities of Pedestrian and TOD Design
The design aligns with the eight qualities of pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented development:
1. Imageability: The Skywalk, green spaces, and lakeside development create a distinct and memorable identity for the area, making it a recognizable urban landmark.
2. Legibility: Clear signage, intuitive pathways, and seamless transitions between transport modes ensure that the space is easy to navigate for all users.
3. Enclosure: The Skywalk and transit hubs are designed with thoughtful proportions and defined edges, creating a sense of safety and comfort.
4. Human Scale: The design prioritizes human-scale elements, such as shaded walkways, seating areas, and interactive public spaces, to ensure a welcoming and engaging environment.
5. Transparency: Open facades, glass elements, and visibility to the surrounding greenery promote a sense of openness and connectivity with the environment.
6. Linkage: The integration of multiple transport modes and the connection to the lakeside ensure seamless movement throughout the area.
7. Complexity: The variety of spaces—ranging from transit hubs to recreational areas—adds richness and diversity to the urban experience.
8. Coherence: A consistent design language and careful spatial planning ensure that all elements of the project work together harmoniously.
________________________________________
Conclusions and Outcomes
The project successfully addresses the challenges of urban mobility, environmental degradation, and lack of public spaces in Dhaka. By combining functional infrastructure with engaging public spaces and sustainable features, it creates a model for future urban developments.
The design is not just a solution for today’s problems but a vision for the future of urban living in Dhaka. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance mobility, foster community interaction, and promote sustainability, offering a blueprint for other high-density cities around the world.
Ultimately, this project reimagines Gulshan as a space where movement and life flow together seamlessly, creating a vibrant and sustainable urban ecosystem.
