Revitalizing Shibbari Morh; design of a public hall complex, Khulna

Abstract

Khulna, a city distinguished by its cultural richness and vibrant urban fabric, has an ever-evolving urban landscape that is ready to change. A focal point for both nostalgia and expectation, the Shibbari Morh site, once known as Zia Hall, reflects the city's rich historical narrative. This research paper conducts a detailed architectural investigation in an effort to showcase the Khulna Civic Center, a contemporary and multidimensional public hall complex, as a new cultural and civic landmark. The Khulna City Corporation has set out on a journey to usher in an era defined by contemporary urban functionality and sustainability while preserving the site's deep-rooted historical value, as previously exemplified by Zia Hall, and Khulna's dynamic urban trajectory. The eloquent goodbye to Zia Hall serves as a metaphor for the coming into being of a contemporary and multidimensional public hall complex. The Shibbari More location, which is right beside the city museum, train station, temple, and university, emerges as a strategic hub, fusing together numerous strands of Khulna's cultural fabric. The Khulna Public Hall Complex is supported by a steadfast dedication to building a hub that redefines urban architecture and rekindles civic and cultural participation. This study paper promotes a healthy blending of tradition and innovation in the redesigning of Shibbari Morh. The goal is to establish a thriving urban core that honors the history of the city while embracing a vision for the future. The Khulna Public Hall Complex is positioned in this thesis as the meeting point of architectural excellence and cultural heritage preservation, serving not only as a physical structure but also as a symbol of civic pride and a keystone in the city's transformation.