Description
Located at the center of Dhaka, the Banani Graveyard and Mosque Complex has historical significance as the final resting place of the three martyred leaders of our war of independence, besides the assassinated family members of our "Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman‟ and many other noteworthy intellectuals of the country. The design philosophy for the project was to remove the stigma associated with graveyards by replacing them with the idea of a place for people to deem the continuity of the journey of this earthly life to eternity. The mosque, office, and other supporting facilities are designed to merge into or blend with the surrounding landscape of the graveyard.
Carefully crafted details are integrated throughout the project to behold the spirituality and religious aspirations with openness. To complement this idea further, materials are carefully chosen for their originality, color and expressions including the impressions of the shuttering materials on concrete louvers, walls and their cladding. The corridors and walkways have been remodeled with drainage and planters to sit. Walls are sculptured with graphics, inscriptions of religious commands and lighting, reducing lamppost-based lights in abundance.
The major special feature of the project is the main gatehouse, which houses the mosque, office, mortuary, and other supporting facilities for the graveyard under one datum. The gatehouse structure was designed in a linear way so that it blends and merges with the surrounding nature. Additionally, the structure was made to feel light and open by the use of full-height glass windows, giving a sense of transparency and openness.
Another feature is the boundary wall. The boundary wall was designed to contrast with the traditional way graveyard boundary walls are designed. The boundary was transformed into a work of calligraphy inspired by the Arabic word for “Allah”. Detail attention was given to the material, texture, and lighting of the boundary wall. The boundary wall is lined with plants like kolaboti (Canna indica) and katamehedi (Durantarepens) which gives color to the monochrome wall and is a highlight of the design that merges the wall with the landscape.
