The Rose Garden Palace, a historic landmark situated in Tikatuli, Dhaka, has faced neglect and degradation over time. This structure, which once symbolized the socio-cultural aspirations of its creator, zamindar Hrishikesh Das, now stands as a forgotten relic of Dhaka's rich history. The palace’s historical and architectural significance is overshadowed by the urban chaos surrounding it, risking the loss of a crucial link to the city's cultural and social identity.

Project Significance: The project seeks to restore the Rose Garden Palace as a vibrant museum and cultural center, transforming its 4.4-acre heritage site into a hub of history, education, and community engagement. By integrating traditional and modern architectural elements, the design will bridge past and present, creating a space where visitors can immerse themselves in Dhaka’s rich narratives. The museum will host interactive displays, educational workshops, traditional Bengali restaurants, and curated exhibitions, offering a comprehensive cultural experience.

Design Philosophy: In designing this museum, my focus is on creating an experience economy. This means that visitors will not only see the exhibits but will also engage with them in a meaningful way. The museum will offer interactive displays, educational programs, and immersive environments that evoke the historical and cultural narratives of Dhaka. My aim is to make each visit memorable, ensuring that people leave with a profound respect for the heritage and a desire to return.

Architectural and Cultural Integration: The design incorporates elements of both colonial and traditional Bengali architecture, reflecting the complex history of the region. The gardens will be restored to their original splendor, using landscape layouts reminiscent of the British Raj period, with a blend of English garden designs and local Indian styles. Additionally, spaces within the museum will host traditional Dhaka food restaurants and gift shops, enhancing the cultural experience for visitors.

Inclusivity and Accessibility: One of our core goals is to make the Rose Garden Museum accessible to everyone. This includes provisions for the disabled, ensuring that all exhibits and facilities can be enjoyed by all visitors. Interactive exhibits will be designed to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, making the museum a truly inclusive cultural hub.

Educational and Community Engagement: We plan to establish partnerships with local schools and educational institutions to enhance the museum's role as a center for learning. Through workshops, guided tours, and interactive exhibits, students and visitors alike will gain a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and social context of the Rose Garden Palace and its significance in the broader narrative of Dhaka and Bangladesh.

In conclusion, the transformation of the Rose Garden Palace into a museum and cultural center is more than just a conservation project. It is an effort to preserve and celebrate our heritage, to educate and inspire future generations, and to create a space where history and culture are not only remembered but also actively experienced and cherished.

This project incorporates several key technical elements to enhance sustainability, functionality, and historical integrity. Brick masonry is used for the walls, ensuring durability and thermal insulation, while tempered glass and dual-paned windows provide safety, energy efficiency, and acoustic insulation. Shading strategies such as extended roof overhangs protect the façade from direct sunlight, reducing heat gain, and courtyards are integrated to improve cross-ventilation and create a comfortable microclimate. A sump pump system prevents basement flooding, and a greywater recycling system allows treated water to be reused for garden irrigation, promoting sustainability. To enhance natural lighting, glass blocks are installed above the basement and underground floors, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. These technical solutions collectively create a well-balanced design that respects heritage while incorporating modern efficiency.