The Art of Playful Design A Look Inside BRAC University’s Child-Centric Sanctuary
A new chapter in early childhood care begins with the opening of the second BRAC University Daycare Centre, located in the vibrant Badda Campus of BRAC University, Dhaka. This thoughtfully designed facility serves as a sanctuary for children up to eight years old, offering a nurturing environment that prioritizes safety and development. Designed by Dwm4 Intrends, with an enchanting lighting scheme from Miro Lighting, the daycare centre is a dynamic and imaginative world where play, learning, and exploration intertwine, creating a joyful space for the children. A Palette of Softness and Imagination The daycare’s core design philosophy is built on a foundation of softness and playfulness. The space is defined by a serene Scandinavian colour palette of pastel shades—soft pinks, blues, and greens—that create a calming and inviting atmosphere. This selection of soft hues was a conscious decision to create a tranquil environment where children feel secure and at ease. Central to the design, this concept is also considered in all edges and volumes and is evident in the custom-made modular furniture, which features rounded edges to prevent bruises and generously cushioned surfaces for comfort. Thoughtful Zoning for a Comfortable Experience The daycare’s layout is thoughtfully divided into two primary zones: public and private. The public zone serves as a welcoming entry point for parents, where mothers can drop off their kids, change their clothes, or feed them. This area features an ergonomically designed washroom with sinks and toilets at child-friendly heights. The private zone is the heart of the daycare. It features a common activity area for all kids—a dynamic space for interaction, play, and learning. Adjacent to this is a sound-insulated nap room, a peaceful sanctuary exclusively for toddlers. This segregated room ensures a quiet and restful environment for sleep, with secure storage above the beds for personal belongings. This approach prioritises the comfort of children while ensuring that parents experience a sense of security and peace of mind. Materials in Design That Engage and Inspire The interiors reflect a calm design approach that is both impressive and functional. The vinyl floors are a durable choice, providing a soft, child-friendly surface that is easy to maintain. The walls are adorned with CNC-cut plywood cutouts that form geometric origami-style animals, such as giraffes and kangaroos, adding a unique texture and depth to the space. A notable feature of interior design is the vertical rock-climbing wall made from panels with child-friendly grips. This equipment helps the young children develop strength through adventurous play and is designed for those aged 4.5 years and older. This interactive design maximises floor space for other activities while promoting physical activity and overall development. When integrating an indoor climbing wall into a playroom, the child’s developmental stages and sensory needs were well-considered to ensure a stimulating and safe environment. Architect Daniel Haque shares, “Children at this age have a lot of curiosity and love to learn from playful shapes, so several playful interactive elements were incorporated in the design.” Overhead, snowflakes on the ceiling and house-shaped shelves on the walls introduce a sense of whimsy and also serve as visual cues to guide children. For hands-on learning, a pair of yellow, popsicle-shaped whiteboards is placed strategically, offering a fun way for children to express their creativity and learn. The pencil-shaped steel columns and child-sized furniture are used throughout the space, including a specially designed sofa that draws inspiration from the iconic “La Mamma” piece near the entrance, scaled down to suit the proportions of young children. The “La Mamma” furniture concept, also known as “Big Mama” or “Donna,” refers to Gaetano Pesce’s Up armchair. This iconic piece, introduced in 1969, is characterised by its distinctive shape and was initially made of foam. The armchair’s design has become a symbol of design and feminism, and a modern design classic. Prioritising Safety in Every Detail Safety was the number one priority throughout the design process. Architect Daniel Haque emphasises, “Special consideration was taken to soften all the edges; there’s no sharp corner here. Every edge has been wrapped with fabric. All switches and sockets are also placed above children’s height so that they can’t access them.” The furniture, floor, and wall materials were all selected with durability and safety in mind, proving that a playful and beautiful design can be achieved without compromising on security. This vibrant daycare was effectively designed by the lead architectural team of Mamnoon M. Chowdhury, Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad, Daniel Haque, and Md. Arifur Rahman. They worked in close association with architects Hasib Rehan and Md. Raduan Ahmed, and the construction was executed by Ar. Arifuzzaman Khan, Engr. Md. Omor Faruque, and Engr. Md. Tareq Rana, to create a practical environment specifically designed to meet the needs of young children. Written By Samira Ahsan
A Fresh Look of WE SPACE with Inclusivity at its Core
In the bustling Gulshan North Avenue of Dhaka, a unique office concept in Bangladesh replaces traditional departmental segregation and hierarchy with freedom of workspace and teamwork. Located in a prime location of Dhaka’s business hub, WE SPACE is Woolworth’s Group’s Bangladesh office, co mprising an area of 6,300 square feet. The entire project was completed in 90 days, which was a challenge in itself. The spaces in this project have been designed with Woolworth’s inclusive concept of “WE” and togetherness in mind. This concept is reflected in the layout, flexible workspaces for users, and an interesting colour palette that complements the brand identity. As per the question, Sudeshna Shireen Chowdhury, the founder and principal architect of Studio.O, explained, “All functions are arranged together in a loop. If you enter the office from one side, you can come back and end up in the same space.” Inspired by the concept of “We Space,” the layout has been developed with a central collaborative social hub and town hall space as the heart of the office. Upon entering, a clean, central circulation spine welcomes the user into the space. This loop leads them towards designated zones, which are specifically marked to enable easy navigation. The design ensures universal access for both circulation and entry into all spaces, promoting proper orientation and mobility. Overall, the office space has been designed to be exceptionally user-friendly, showcasing unique details and features while upholding the brand identity of Woolworth’s Group. Architect Sudeshna explains that there are no designated seats or fixed workstations. The concept is for all functions to be connected in a loop, allowing users to enter from one side and return to the same space upon exiting the loop. The design team did not introduce a traditional reception area, as the other Woolworth’s offices do not have one either. The zoning prioritises common areas, meeting rooms, and a multifunctional room near the entrance for guests. The kitchen, designed more like a coffee pantry, is also placed near the entrance for easy access by guests. Public spaces are readily accessible upon entering the office. “As you move further inside, you’ll find the workspaces located near the terrace space,” as explained by Architect Sudeshna. All the furniture for this project has been locally sourced and designed, making it exclusive to the users and the office. Hatil provides modern, space-saving compactor storage that allows for a significant amount of storage within smaller areas. Height-adjustable tables and workstations were made locally using handmade techniques. The vibrant colour palette within the workstations incorporates orange and green shades. A unique feature is the collaborative table they designed. It can function as a whole table for four people or unfold into individual workspaces. One of the most striking features of the space is the ceiling. The Woolworth’s logo is cleverly incorporated as a ceiling light fixture, adding a unique and memorable touch to the ambiance. The clients loved this detail and are considering replicating it in our other branches to create a consistent and memorable brand experience. Vinyl flooring is used throughout the space, with a colour scheme that complements the blue ceiling light to further highlight the blue colour in the ceiling and the brand association as well. No partitions were used in open spaces; the variation in the texture of the floor materials separates the zones. Biophilic principles were considered throughout the design process. Planters were strategically placed to integrate nature into the workspace. The architect adds, “We always consider biophilic principles. So, we planned where the planters would go and designed accordingly.” The meeting room features a TV panel that doubles as a whiteboard, demonstrating a smart design element. Acoustics were also a priority. To minimise echo, a false ceiling with sound-absorbing panels was installed. Carpets were also used for the same purpose. In the main workspaces with exposed ceilings where talks and town hall meetings are held, sound-absorbing carpet flooring was used. Another unique addition to the project was the soundproof office pods for four people. “These pods are fully furnished, offer 85% sound absorption, and have their own ventilation systems,” explains Architect Sudeshna. She further adds, “Every space has its own identity. There is a focus zone, a collaborative zone, and a social zone, all with different kinds of identities and characters.” Completed in January 2023, WE SPACE is a collaborative project by the eminent architecture firms Studio.O and Binyash, located in Dhaka. The team of architects brainstormed together to come up with a concept that ensures efficiency, comfort, and a positive ambiance for office users. Architect Sudeshna Shireen Chowdhury concludes, “Working with the Woolworths team was an exceptional experience. We appreciate the unparalleled support from our partners.”
Grounded in Wellness: The Story Behind Svadha
Over the past decade, Bangladesh’s spa and salon culture has gone through a quiet but striking revolution. The once-flashy, first-service catered parlours have given way to curated wellness havens that prioritize experience over gimmicks. From Faux-Thai facades, a new design language is emerging. At the forefront of this transformation is Svadha, the country’s first salon to fully integrate Ayurveda into its core philosophy. But it’s not just their services that set them apart, it’s the atmosphere. Their aesthetic blends the royalty of Mughal architecture with the earthy soul of Marrakesh, creating a space that feels both grounded and luxurious. Svadha is a family-led vision brought to life by Rumjhum Fattah, her brother, Md Golam Rezwan, and sister-in-law, Behtarin Chowdhury Ridma. While the trio has long been a part of Bangladesh’s RMG sector, Svadha marks their first foray into the world of beauty and wellness, and they’re doing it on their terms. The name Svadha, derived from Sanskrit, beautifully translates to “self-care” and “self-love”—an ethos that defines everything the brand stands for. “At Svadha, we’re not here to sell beauty or grooming services,” says Rumjhum. “We’re here to create a space where people can slow down, tune in, and prioritize their well-being.” Svadha is located in the heart of Gulshan Avenue and comprises a total area of around 3300 square feet. The interior, designed by the creative minds at Studio R.A.R., is a visual and sensory ode to stillness, grounding, and mindful indulgence. “Svadha is a true embodiment of peace and tranquillity,” shares co-founder Behtarin Chowdhury Ridma. “From the lounge to the treatment rooms, we wanted every inch to feel like a retreat, where the stress of daily life simply melts away. To achieve that, we explored a palette of earthy tones and tactile, natural materials.” She pointed out that most salons in the city are built around speed and efficiency, often at the expense of comfort. “Everything is so fast-paced—walk in, get the service, walk out. There’s hardly ever a moment to truly unwind,” she reflected. At Svadha, the philosophy is deliberately different. The space is intentionally kept open and airy, avoiding unnecessary partitions or a heavy-handed layout. “We wanted to let the space breathe, just like our clients,” she added. There are no false ceilings or forced divisions; instead, the design embraces fluidity, allowing natural light and movement to flow freely. Catering to working women, Svadha brands itself as a wellness retreat. “Our clients come not just to look good, but to feel good. After long hours at work, they deserve to be unrushed, cared for, and truly pampered.” Drawing inspiration from Moroccan and Indian architectural traditions, the space features intricately carved wooden mirror frames, classic oil lamps, and a striking antique doorway that sets the tone from the moment you enter. A gentle water fountain hums in the background, further enhancing the atmosphere of calm. “We wanted to infuse the space with elements of nature and its calming rhythms,” shared Rumjhum. “The water fountain, placed thoughtfully within the layout, is a quiet homage to that intention, a gentle nod to movement and serenity. Throughout the space, you will find indoor plants too” Lighting, too, was carefully curated to complement this ambiance. There’s a deliberate avoidance of harsh, bright lights. Most areas are bathed in soft, ambient illumination, dimmed and mellow to encourage relaxation. However, in zones like the makeup and hair stations, where precision is key, the lighting is thoughtfully intensified to ensure clarity without disrupting the overall calm. One of the standout features of the salon is the textured wall next to the reception where the metal brand name is hung. There is also a graffiti wall, commissioned by a Fine Art student of Dhaka University where Mughal-themed flowers are painted. Every piece of furniture in the salon has been custom-crafted in-house. Each zone has been thoughtfully planned to serve its specific purpose, whether it’s a quiet waiting lounge, a private treatment room, or a styling station. Every detail, down to the custom-built furniture, typography on the walls, and curated lighting reflects Svadha’s vision of a wellness destination that feels both intimate and elegant. Written by Kaniz F Supriya
Delifrance’s baked items are made with flour from the Grands Moulins de Paris, a major French milling company operating since 1919. The recipes served follow the franchise standards, and the new recipes also get approved by Paris. Hence, the international-quality chefs bring to the table a range of savoury dishes alongside croissants and other finger foods.
