Imagine being able to spend a peaceful evening with your loved ones in the middle of Dhaka’s hectic city life, where indoor and outdoor areas flow together to form a kid-friendly environment. And now, in O’play, it’s all come to life.
O’Play A playful combination of colours and spaces
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Pursuing Prestige: The Radisson blu water garden
We rarely find a person acquainted with Dhaka who has not heard the name Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden or has not seen the iconic pitched roof building on the airport road. For years the name has carried the essence of luxury, exclusivity, and prominence to mass people. Just paying a visit to Radisson is enough to make someone feel special. Since 2006, Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden has been a prominent name in the luxury hotel market. The luxury and exclusivity with a touch of nature make it the perfect blend for people who want to experience proper five-star hospitality in Dhaka. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden is between the city center and the airport area, making it easy to locate and access, especially for international travelers, including most of the target group. Being situated away from the urban chaos gives it a spacious room to breathe, making it worth battling through the Dhaka traffic to spend quality time with the city dwellers. The building stands as an icon of a five-star hotel in Dhaka city amidst water bodies and green landscapes. The whole area comprises 7-acre of land, but the building stands only on 2.5 acres, leaving the rest to embrace the natural landscape. It becomes hard to miss due to the fusion of Modernist architecture with the nostalgia of our traditional pitched roof. The project is a partnership between the property owner, Sena Hotel Developments Limited, and the multinational corporation, Radisson Hotel Chains, which provides quality management. International and local consultants worked together to develop the building by the brand criteria. Every element, from service, food, room amenities, comfort, building materials, and local experience to security and safety, is carefully designed to provide guests with a meaningful and unforgettable experience. The grand ramped driveway is one of its kind in this hotel. It is rare to find such a spacious approach in Dhaka due to the congestion and scarcity of land. One can see the unhindered view of the cityscape of Dhaka from the drop-off area, overlooking the wide airport road. After a careful security check, the ceiling height change to the lounge is awestriking. This open salon is visible from all floors above. Its height has been scaled down to human proportions by chandeliers of various sizes and height levels, which creates a more inviting atmosphere. The visual drama of the lounge and its modernist design, circular shape, and strategically placed features give the space an impressive appearance. It provides an interactive space for both the visitors and the occupants. The main entrance is from the first floor, and all the public functions comprise the ground floor and first floor, making it easily accessible without any contact with lift buttons or door handles- which proved to be highly useful during the Covid-19 situation. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, is one of the prominent names in arranging national and international high official Government and private events, particularly in terms of its security and hospitality. They offer versatile conference rooms that can accommodate up to 1,100 attendees, ensuring the success of events of all sizes covering approximately 3,000 square meters. The Grand Ballroom’s 990 square meters can accommodate a memorable wedding celebration or buffet. The Utshab Banquet Hall is available for product-launching-style events. Several boardrooms are also accessible for personal meetings, training courses, breakout sessions, and other smaller events. Healthy food over taste is a primary priority at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. The four restaurants and one bar named Blaze Entertainment Lounge & Bar, try to maintain the international standard in every dish. One can enjoy fresh, wholesome Bangladeshi cuisine at ‘Sublime’- a restaurant perfect for a romantic evening or an important client meeting. ‘The Water Garden Brasserie’ can be a perfect option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and choose from the international buffet and cook-to-order stations. ‘Spice & Rice’ offers a contemporary twist on Asian food, and ‘Chit Chat’, a deli café, can satisfy the cravings for savory snacks and sweet treats. They also have a dedicated space for smoking called ‘the Cigar bar’. The hotel business is going through a period of transition. The market has been divided into subsets to cater to a wide range of potential clients. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden strives to appeal to locals and tourists by incorporating local cultural elements into its decor and the standard they promise. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden offers accommodation services with its 200 five-star standard hotel rooms and suites. All the rooms have a balcony that offers stunning views of the hotel’s pool, rich landscape, and bustling city streets. In addition, they offer non-smoking floor services for the convenience of their customers. A significant feature of this hotel is the abundance of positive natural light seen throughout. At different times of the day, the play of light and shadow produces contrasting yet complementary effects. The garden, pool, and pond create sublime atmospheric peace. The pond area’s natural splendor lies in the fact that it has been preserved in its original setting, thus enhancing the genuineness and significance of the overall experience. The significance of this pond is enhanced by the jogging path that circles it. The open lounge area next to the pool, surrounded by organized nature, is a beautiful spot to spend some quiet time in the fresh air. The entire garden is planned such that there are always blooms to be seen, no matter the time of year. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, tries to encourage energy conservation and an eco-friendly environment. They reduce water waste by rainwater harvesting. The hotel promotes low and efficient water and electricity use by creating awareness whenever possible. They utilize as much natural light as possible indoors, given that most of the space is outdoors. The day light-sensitive technology used in light fixtures ensures minimal or no waste of energy. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden promises to provide the best when it comes to service. However, finding skilled human resources who can meet the
Balancing Work and Tranquility Brac International Headquarters
With changing generations, the working culture along with its surrounding environment is evolving. As employees’ lifestyles become more comfortable, there is a greater demand for modern work life and space. One such example is the newly renovated headquarters of BRAC International. The office on the 14th level of the BRAC Centre is an exception in itself. BRAC International is an international nonprofit organisation that works to empower individuals and communities affected by poverty, illiteracy, diseases, and social injustice. BRAC’s institutional expertise has successfully implemented programmes across 10 countries in Asia and Africa, impacting the lives of over 100 million people by adapting the models according to the context of the specific country. As an international nonprofit, BRAC International wanted to give a fresh look that reflected their cross-regional work as well as create a space that employees would feel proud to work in. Chinton Architects Ltd. implemented and executed the designing process, closely working with the Executive Director, Shameran Abed. The design draws heavily on BRAC’s values and their core brand DNA. The principal architects, Md Ishak Miah and Neeman Karim, along with the project architect Md Shakiful Islam Proshun and the team, designed a modern yet humble office space that draws heavily on earthy and nature-oriented office interior by using many leafy plants in the indoor office premise. There are also many beautiful photos of programme participants throughout the office to inspire the staff. “Our new contemporary office interior is one of the first of its kind in the BRAC building and several other floors have been inspired to implement similar design elements on theirs. As BRAC International staff, we feel proud of our office and enjoy working here, while welcoming our colleagues from country offices who also feel good to have such a modern and beautiful head office,” Tania Ashraf, Head of Strategy, shared with Ceramic Bangladesh. The eye-dragging view of the whole Banani and beyond is a very complimentary factor and helps the employees to release stress amidst working hours, not making them feel claustrophobic. The offices along the sides of the building are semi-frosted glass partitions with maps and skylines of major cities and countries where the organisation has a presence. The main meeting room features the Dhaka skyline. “We wanted to create a workspace where people feel inspired to come and work. We wanted our colleagues to feel proud about working with Brac International.” A few featured walls are dedicated to showcasing photos of programme participants. The four columns passing through the f loor showcase the organisation’s values – Integrity, Effectiveness, Innovation, and Inclusion. There are separate meeting rooms, which are interestingly named after the working regions. The big meeting room has clocks showing the timing of all the internationally affiliated countries. The office also has standing desks for employees to take breaks from long hours of sitting. Tania Ashraf added, “The lobby area has a collage of photographs from the f ield and reflects our DNA which is very much a part of our daily work. Every morning when we come to work, we feel inspired by seeing these images as soon we get out of the lift. We wanted to create a workspace where people feel inspired to come and work. We wanted our colleagues to feel proud about working with BRAC International. As all of us work very hard, it was important for us to create a beautiful space where we can be productive as well as remember our purpose. Authored by Rehnuma Tasnim Sheefa
SUSHI TEI Experience Tranquillity with Authentic Japanese Taste
If you’re in the mood for a sublime space and Japanese cuisine, Sushi Tei is the place. Sushi Tei interior aspires to a state of harmony, serenity, and simplicity. Clean lines, uncluttered areas, and a minimalist approach are used in the design to foster a serene mood. Popular Japanese restaurant chain Sushi Tei is known for its sushi and other Japanese cuisine. It began its journey in Singapore and has since spread to several Asian nations including Bangladesh. In 1994, it was opened in Singapore and in Bangladesh it’s first introduced in 2020 at Gulshan, Dhaka. The interior reflects Japanese culture’s Zen Garden idea. recognising and praising the genuine shape and colour that permeated the entire area. A sturdy Keora tree root sculpture stands out at the entrance. A component of nature, yet in its unaltered, unadulterated state, it exudes a unique aesthetic appeal. On the exterior, the GP sheet and MS sheet sculpture blend with the creepers, creating a green facade. The transition from the outside to the inside is thoughtfully planned. At the entryway, a zen garden is included to go with the wooden pavers. A large waiting area is available at the reception desk on the ground floor to welcome visitors. The first floor is where the restaurant is. The staircase’s Tuna fish sculptures on the wall and the north-diffused light from the opening offer visitors a sense of calmness. The entire experience—from the outside to the inside—is a voyage into meditation. “It’s pretty difficult to convert a residential property into a restaurant space. I liked the entire area as there were a lot of space and trees surrounding the structure. The obstacles we experienced served as the inspiration for every design choice,” explains the interior designer and artist Md. Mazharul Haque Tonmoy. “It had an issue with water clogging since the surface in the area was lower than the road. To address that, we included soak-able green areas, which allowed us to design an outdoor zen garden.” The restaurant’s aesthetics favour a subdued and neutral colour scheme. Earthy tones such as beige, cream, soft greys, and muted greens have been used to create a calm and soothing atmosphere. The focus is on functionality and creating a sense of spaciousness. The use of natural materials is remarkable. Wood, bamboo, stone, and natural fibres like cotton are incorporated into the restaurant’s interior. Exposed wooden beams, bamboo partitions, and stone accents create a sense of warmth and authenticity. Sushi Tei’s interior emphasizes open spaces and a sense of flow. The layout of the restaurant allows a smooth transition between different areas. Open floor plans, sliding doors, and screens are used to create flexible spaces that can be adapted for different group sizes or private dining options. It’s fascinating how different types of floor materials are used to separate spaces. To accommodate various visitor demands, various sitting configurations, including booth seating, low-height seating, and Takumi seats, have been implemented. Gentle and warm lighting played a crucial role in this Zen-inspired restaurant. Soft, diffused lighting fixtures like pendant lights, paper lanterns, and wall sconces have been used to create a tranquil atmosphere. While the space is designed as a low-light space, maximising natural light through large windows or skylights is also incorporated to establish a connection with the outside world. Incorporating Japanese artwork, calligraphy, or traditional motifs enhanced the Zen aesthetic. Hanging scrolls (kakemono) with brush paintings, ink wash paintings (sumi-e) and carefully selected artwork provide focal points and add cultural depth to the space. The acoustics of a dining area are crucial to its ambiance. The soft trickling of fountains and running water is now present. The ambient noise was softened with the help of a miniature indoor fountain. To add a touch of nature and artistry, Sushi Tei’s zen garden displays bonsai trees. These meticulously crafted arrangements reflect the Japanese appreciation for beauty and harmony in nature. The entirety of the setting is ideal for taking photos. The use of mirrors and glasses is fascinating. “The Japanese are very sensitive about their design. The patterns they use on their screens are also very detailed. We tried to follow their process of design, not a specific design. The philosophy was to let the space speak for itself about how it wanted to be treated. We were just trying to listen,” Md. Mazharul Haque Tonmoy added. Sushi Tei, provides an oasis of calm for guests, allowing them to relax, unwind, and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of their surroundings while enjoying their dining experience. Written by Fatima Nujhat Quaderi
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