Mirpur 12 government college and university: bridging communities through campus design

Abstract

College campuses in Dhaka city are extremely introvert with boundary walls blocking all kinds of interaction between the two environments. On the other hand various private institutions also exist, where there is no student plaza. In the present context of Dhaka city, its' urban fabric constitutes of uneven pedestrian management. There is constant flooding of roads and pedestrian walkways with people, vehicles, vendors, beggars, garbage dumps etc. Thus every site needs to give back to the urban fabric similarly as it takes away when a form is autonomously placed. This paper aims to explore the ways for proper execution of public spaces within a college here in Dhaka, which is currently under the name, "Bongobandhu university college". The study will constitute various case-studies and historic evolutions, both native and foreign to discover the appropriate typological, morphological and functional dimensions for the school. Various architectural theories on public plazas and philosophy stated by renown intellectuals on designing an educational institution will be reviewed along with site area mapping in order to revolutionize a new typology of how schools should be in Dhaka. The conclusion would be a structure viable in terms of sustainability of environment and social structure, inclusive of proper public environment for street users, being able to adapt to future needs.