Campus design of Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology: Showcasing creativity through urban lens

Abstract

In the recent years the government of this country of Bangladesh has made it a mandate upon all forms of universities of this country to function within a permanent campus of their own given the dire need of it. However, not all universities have the equal scope or opportunity to be able to avail a favorable site be it in terms of size or land price. At present, land prices in Dhaka are soaring to new heights every now and then, therefore it makes all the more difficult for universities to acquire desirable or adequate site areas. The rising population being another crucial factor, leads to more lands being developed as residential areas to accommodate the people. Therefore, universities have to be able to adapt to thrive within limited land space at the same time being in harmony with surrounding residential context. The project of the permanent campus for Shanto Mariam university of creative technology is set to be designed within a context similar to the above mentioned scenario. The aim of this project was to design a campus within a limited site and rather create a cultural community hub for the surrounding dense residential areas while at the same time showcasing the creative persona of the university and its activities leading to cultural enhancement. In an attempt to do so, issues such as mobility and facilities for the public have been given keen attention to in order for the university to act as a breathing ground for the surrounding areas as well as adding value to the residential area.