Description

Our team, being architectural and landscape consultants for the original “Integrated Development of Hatirjheel Area, including Begunbari Khal” project, was assigned to identify the potential impact of the environment and master plan to define a ‘Mitigation Plan and required Acclimatization Strategy’ of Hatirjheel west of Maghbazar link road part due to the introduction of the Elevated Expressway Project with its tributary towards the old part of Dhaka and Dhanmondi area.

Due to legal complications related to then BGMEA complex illegality issue, only works related to the drainage network and some parts of the landscape and road development beside Hotel Shonargaon were completed under the original integrated development project initiative. As such, the site was in deplorable condition, having two narrow connections to the Hatirjheel integrated development project, under the railway line and the Maghbazar connecting road, hindering the continuity of the water flow and connectivity.

With the above background, the “Architectural Acclimatization of the Piers on the Hatirjheel Area with Landscaping and Environmental Beautification for Sonargaon Interchange Alignment of Dhaka Elevated Expressway PPP Project” was taken to synchronize with the drainage system and to integrate the comprehensive plan for the entire area beside mitigating the intervention of the Expressway project. The alignment was redesigned by making the piers more compact and reducing their intervention on the water body by shifting on the southern part of the lake shore. The proposed operational office and other service structures were omitted from the ‘Panthakunjo’ park area to preserve the garden, ensuring the transit passed through with minimum piers in that area. This process of acclimatization aims to reduce disturbance to the lake's ecosystem and maintain its natural beauty.

Consequently, efforts were made to develop urban community-based amenities beneath the elevated expressway, creating a more cohesive and environmentally friendly space. Amenities like public toilets, Seating areas, Ghats, Continuous pathways along with bicycle lanes, and floating walkways adorned with aquatic plants of urban forest creation initiative, were introduced with appropriate illumination and sound systems. These elements aim to create ‘Public Place Making’ by enhancing connectivity and leisure spaces, encouraging a vibrant urban environment.

This finance for the project was drawn from the partners of the PPP initiative of the Elevated Expressway project as part of the compensation to mitigate the interventions and their impacts under EMP.