ARCHITECHTURAL REGIME
Business – A Glimpse of Timeless Elegance in the British-Pub Revival named BAGHA Club
Located in the Gulshan, Dhaka, the newly renovated bar of The British Aid Guest House Association (BAGHA) Club is a renovation project designed by Zero Inch Interiors Ltd. The British-Pub-inspired interior design of the BAGHA Club’s bar is conceptualised to transform the space into a comfortable and cozy space. The guiding vision for the interior design of the bar has aimed to offer club members a sanctuary – a place where they could briefly detach from their demanding routines, relax, and recharge in a welcoming atmosphere following a day of work. The British Aid Guest House Association (BAGHA) Club was established in 1979. It is a part of the British High Commission estate and proudly serves a wonderfully diverse mix of European Union nationals. Among various amenities that the club offers, including a tennis court, children’s play area, all-day restaurants, swimming pools, and a library, the bar stands out as a focal point of social interaction and relaxation. Recently undergoing a remarkable renovation by the design team of Zero Inch Interiors Ltd., the British-Pub-inspired interior now exudes a timeless charm that seamlessly blends the traditional British pub environment with modern aesthetics. The Concept Behind the Renovation Project The interior embodies a distinctive British Pub aesthetic, interpreting traditional British elements in a contemporary style. Sharing the concept of the BAGHA club, Architect Ariful Islam says, “The idea was to renovate the bar in resemblance to British pubs, while, at the same time, doing it with minimal intervention to make the space inviting, cozy, and long-lasting.” A wall was dismantled, which, in fact, made the most visible change and expanded the space. This step in design resulted in lightening up the atmosphere of the club. After rethinking the space, the modified open-plan layout ensured that the bar counter was transformed into a rectangular shape, making it interactive and interesting. The renovation overall, therefore, achieves a delicate balance between reflecting the charm of British pubs and infusing a modern, vibrant dynamism into the space. Challenges in the Interior Design Designed by architect Muhammad Ariful Islam and his team in a remarkably brief two-month timeframe, this 2800-square-foot contemporary renovation stands as a one-of-a-kind endeavour in Bangladesh. “We’re confined to some challenges as the site was a rental space, which dictated that major demolitions were not permissible here,” added the architect. The primary challenges faced by the design team during the construction phase of the bar interior design were centred around the principles of minimal design intervention, budget constraints, and the necessity to execute the design within a notably short timeframe. Balancing all these constraints required careful consideration and strategic decision-making to ensure the success and execution of the envisioned space. Color Palette and Materiality In this interior project, wood has been selected as the primary construction material, complemented by glass and metal details. The utilisation of wooden panels, intricate carvings, and carefully curated lighting collectively contribute to creating a cozy, warm, and inviting ambiance. Furthermore, the extensive collection of bar accessories enhances the overall visual appeal, adding a layer of sophistication to the space. A new bar counter along with bar stools have been incorporated into the bar interior design, and this rendition perfectly completes the bar. The stunning stools with red-wine upholstery add a dash of colour to the interior and complement the wooden tone. Lastly, the sophisticated chandeliers add a dramatic charm to the entire British Pub ambiance. Architect Ariful Islam explains, “We preferred Challenges in the Interior Design Designed by architect Muhammad Ariful Islam and his team in a remarkably brief two-month timeframe, this 2800-square-foot contemporary renovation stands as a one-of-a-kind endeavour in Bangladesh. “We’re confined to some challenges as the site was a rental space, which dictated that major demolitions were not permissible here,” added the architect. The primary challenges faced by the design team during the construction phase of the bar interior design were centred around the principles of minimal design intervention, budget constraints, and the necessity to execute the design within a notably short timeframe. Balancing all these constraints required careful consideration and strategic decision-making to ensure the success and execution of the envisioned space. Color Palette and Materiality In this interior project, wood has been selected as the primary construction material, complemented by glass and metal details. The utilisation of wooden panels, intricate carvings, and carefully curated lighting collectively contribute to creating a cozy, warm, and inviting ambiance. Furthermore, the extensive collection of bar accessories enhances the overall visual appeal, adding a layer of sophistication to the space. A new bar counter along with bar stools have been incorporated into the bar interior design, and this rendition perfectly completes the bar. The stunning stools with red-wine upholstery add a dash of colour to the interior and complement the wooden tone. Lastly, the sophisticated chandeliers add a dramatic charm to the entire British Pub ambiance. to choose wood as the primary material because when warm light falls on wood, it creates a golden effect. The red hues further enhance the vibrancy and liveliness of the space.” The ceiling is kept simple and devoid of (intricate) details, maintaining a blackout effect. The flooring features darker tones with rustic tiles adorned with wooden patterns. This careful selection of materials and design elements contributes to the overall coherence and elegance of the bar’s interior. Zero Waste Design Philosophy One mentionable feature of this renovation is the Zero Waste Design Philosophy of the design team. In adherence to this design philosophy, they embraced creative methods to repurpose furniture in the design of this bar. Through a commitment to sustainability, repurposed and recycled furniture, along with other items, were integrated into the overall design. Each furniture piece underwent resizing and repainting to align with current functional needs. Another key aspect of the sustainability initiative involved the replacement of all damaged glass windows, which were previously allowing rainwater to infiltrate the interior. By incorporating new, weather-resistant windows, they not only addressed the structural issues but also contributed to the energy efficiency of the
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A Glimpse of Timeless Elegance in the British-Pub Revival named BAGHA Club
Located in the Gulshan, Dhaka, the newly renovated bar of The British Aid Guest House Association (BAGHA) Club is a renovation project designed by Zero Inch Interiors Ltd. The British-Pub-inspired interior design of the BAGHA Club’s bar is conceptualised to transform the space into a comfortable and cozy space. The guiding vision for the interior design of the bar has aimed to offer club members a sanctuary – a place where they could briefly detach from their demanding routines, relax, and recharge in a welcoming atmosphere following a day of work. The British Aid Guest House Association (BAGHA) Club was established in 1979. It is a part of the British High Commission estate and proudly serves a wonderfully diverse mix of European Union nationals. Among various amenities that the club offers, including a tennis court, children’s play area, all-day restaurants, swimming pools, and a library, the bar stands out as a focal point of social interaction and relaxation. Recently undergoing a remarkable renovation by the design team of Zero Inch Interiors Ltd., the British-Pub-inspired interior now exudes a timeless charm that seamlessly blends the traditional British pub environment with modern aesthetics. The Concept Behind the Renovation Project The interior embodies a distinctive British Pub aesthetic, interpreting traditional British elements in a contemporary style. Sharing the concept of the BAGHA club, Architect Ariful Islam says, “The idea was to renovate the bar in resemblance to British pubs, while, at the same time, doing it with minimal intervention to make the space inviting, cozy, and long-lasting.” A wall was dismantled, which, in fact, made the most visible change and expanded the space. This step in design resulted in lightening up the atmosphere of the club. After rethinking the space, the modified open-plan layout ensured that the bar counter was transformed into a rectangular shape, making it interactive and interesting. The renovation overall, therefore, achieves a delicate balance between reflecting the charm of British pubs and infusing a modern, vibrant dynamism into the space. Challenges in the Interior Design Designed by architect Muhammad Ariful Islam and his team in a remarkably brief two-month timeframe, this 2800-square-foot contemporary renovation stands as a one-of-a-kind endeavour in Bangladesh. “We’re confined to some challenges as the site was a rental space, which dictated that major demolitions were not permissible here,” added the architect. The primary challenges faced by the design team during the construction phase of the bar interior design were centred around the principles of minimal design intervention, budget constraints, and the necessity to execute the design within a notably short timeframe. Balancing all these constraints required careful consideration and strategic decision-making to ensure the success and execution of the envisioned space. Color Palette and Materiality In this interior project, wood has been selected as the primary construction material, complemented by glass and metal details. The utilisation of wooden panels, intricate carvings, and carefully curated lighting collectively contribute to creating a cozy, warm, and inviting ambiance. Furthermore, the extensive collection of bar accessories enhances the overall visual appeal, adding a layer of sophistication to the space. A new bar counter along with bar stools have been incorporated into the bar interior design, and this rendition perfectly completes the bar. The stunning stools with red-wine upholstery add a dash of colour to the interior and complement the wooden tone. Lastly, the sophisticated chandeliers add a dramatic charm to the entire British Pub ambiance. Architect Ariful Islam explains, “We preferred Challenges in the Interior Design Designed by architect Muhammad Ariful Islam and his team in a remarkably brief two-month timeframe, this 2800-square-foot contemporary renovation stands as a one-of-a-kind endeavour in Bangladesh. “We’re confined to some challenges as the site was a rental space, which dictated that major demolitions were not permissible here,” added the architect. The primary challenges faced by the design team during the construction phase of the bar interior design were centred around the principles of minimal design intervention, budget constraints, and the necessity to execute the design within a notably short timeframe. Balancing all these constraints required careful consideration and strategic decision-making to ensure the success and execution of the envisioned space. Color Palette and Materiality In this interior project, wood has been selected as the primary construction material, complemented by glass and metal details. The utilisation of wooden panels, intricate carvings, and carefully curated lighting collectively contribute to creating a cozy, warm, and inviting ambiance. Furthermore, the extensive collection of bar accessories enhances the overall visual appeal, adding a layer of sophistication to the space. A new bar counter along with bar stools have been incorporated into the bar interior design, and this rendition perfectly completes the bar. The stunning stools with red-wine upholstery add a dash of colour to the interior and complement the wooden tone. Lastly, the sophisticated chandeliers add a dramatic charm to the entire British Pub ambiance. to choose wood as the primary material because when warm light falls on wood, it creates a golden effect. The red hues further enhance the vibrancy and liveliness of the space.” The ceiling is kept simple and devoid of (intricate) details, maintaining a blackout effect. The flooring features darker tones with rustic tiles adorned with wooden patterns. This careful selection of materials and design elements contributes to the overall coherence and elegance of the bar’s interior. Zero Waste Design Philosophy One mentionable feature of this renovation is the Zero Waste Design Philosophy of the design team. In adherence to this design philosophy, they embraced creative methods to repurpose furniture in the design of this bar. Through a commitment to sustainability, repurposed and recycled furniture, along with other items, were integrated into the overall design. Each furniture piece underwent resizing and repainting to align with current functional needs. Another key aspect of the sustainability initiative involved the replacement of all damaged glass windows, which were previously allowing rainwater to infiltrate the interior. By incorporating new, weather-resistant windows, they not only addressed the structural issues but also contributed to the energy efficiency of the
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Democratising architecture: Design that inspires awe and closeness to home
It was as though the beauty, heritage, and history of Mymensingh were plotting the becoming of Architect Masudur Rahman Khan – his birth city. Growing up in vast and glorious Mymensingh, which runs along Old Brahmaputra’s shores and birthed the Nakshi Kantha, Maimansingha Gitika and Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, the BUET-alum Architect fashions his edifices from the collective memories of his childhood.
Read MoreAhead in Time’s Silent Symphony
Beyond his role as an innovative architect, Muzharul Islam was characterised by humility and an unassuming nature. His consistent choice of traditional clothing and a preference for a modest lifestyle indicated a deep commitment to his craft rather than a pursuit of personal recognition. The simplicity and focus on perfection in his work underscored the profound impact of his architectural contributions, and the enduring prominence of his legacy in South Asian architecture speaks volumes about his unwavering dedication and passion.
Read MoreSilence, an Integral Aspect of Architecture
As Nurur Rahman Khan commenced his discussion on architecture, a concept exists only as an idea that becomes apparent once it is created. Attaining the deep level of architecture requires a great deal of time, attention, and meditation. If we wish to reach that level of it, we must bring our soul to it. It could be difficult for the public to comprehend or accept it entirely. Nurur Rahman Khan began his architectural career at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), despite lack of understanding of how architecture functions. The sole realisation he possessed was that architecture constitutes a fusion of engineering and creativity. In his formative years, he delved deeply into music, photography, graphic design, acting and writing alike. Before he began his career in architecture, he had no prior experiences in drawing or sketching. Over the time, he acquired the skill of drawing architecture from mathematical drawings in the form of ‘axonometric’ drawings. He did not become aware of architecture until the very end of his first academic year, since it was then that he was able to appreciate architecture’s beauty. As a consequence of his subpar craftsmanship, he used to receive lower grades. After his first year of school, he began going to the library to learn about the aesthetics of architecture. It was at that point during which he began comprehending the aesthetics of architecture, and since then he never stopped his journey to acquire knowledge about it thereafter. He continued by outlining the method by which architects prioritise aesthetics over attaining the fundamental purpose of their design, instead of flaunting the design, one should be proud of it. The greatest architect of Bangladesh, according to him, is Muzharul Islam, and his level of prosperity ends there. We are forfeiting numerous facets, failing to appreciate the true essence of architecture. Our focus has shifted towards the grandiose, the towering, and the extravagant, relinquishing our humanity to the allure of grandeur and brand-centric values. Addressing the architects within our community, NR Khan inquired about the apparent challenge in reaching the remarkable levels of creativity and imagination set by Muzharul Islam in the field of architecture. Tanya Karim and Nurur Rahman Khan, who are partners, founded an architectural firm with the goal of significantly altering the architectural arena. Their office became known for its theoretical pretext, search for situated modernity, and use of historical and cultural allusions. In the summer of 1991, Tanya Karim, NR Khan & Associates became known as an architectural firm leading the way in modern ideas in Bangladeshi architecture. Throughout his academic journey, he teamed up with Tanya Karim as a groupmate, and their collaborative synergy flourished after they graduated between the years 1992 to 1993. In his viewpoint, when discussing Tanya Karim, he recognised her as a nurturing figure who would impart knowledge to classmates just before exams. He highlighted the enduring complementarity between himself and Tanya Karim. During their studies with her, a profound mental connection was forged. Tanya Karim played a pivotal role in enlightening him about the intricacies of art, fashion, and other facets of design, drawing from her upbringing in a culturally enriched family. Their designs are always inextricably linked to the point at which the architecture’s user finds it worthwhile. One of their cherished projects is the Shanchita Residence, envisioned as a Baganbari- A House in a Garden. It was conceived with the idea of providing a nurturing environment for both the users and their children to cherish as they grow. The concept of Baganbari is not merely about architecture; it’s a philosophy woven into the very roots of the design. It is a place where family bonds are nurtured, and the architecture becomes a silent witness to the laughter, joy, and shared moments that shape the family. “A project is a canvas of someone else and we are the architects painting on it, if we indulged a self-centered design, it definitely would have a short lifespan,” Nurur Rahman Khan remarked. They (TKNRK) have secured positions of distinction in numerous competitions, notably triumphing in the National Competition organised by the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) in 2012. They clinched the 1st prize for their outstanding design of the Bangla Academy. The Bangla Academy project takes a multifaceted approach to sustainability rather than focusing only on being “environment friendly”. “Site” is the first sustainability metric that the project looks at. On the grounds of a historic building and later additions to the “Bangla Academy complex’’. In the modern era, there appears to be a tendency to use sophisticated design techniques and technology in order to achieve a “green” solution to building design. It is important to remember that utilising the actual “environment” is one of the most logical approaches to designing “environment friendly” architecture. The site, the environment, and the climate should take center stage. “Indifferent” methods can be used to create a successful “green” architectural design. As for the building design, a significant portion of the office building has been designed to benefit from natural ventilation and abundant natural lights. Most days, the interior is bathed in natural light, creating a well-lit and airy environment. Moreover, when discussing TKNRK, he emphasized, “We are forward-thinking individuals, acutely aware of the essence of our architectural pursuits. Our ancestors crafted cities like Mahasthangarh 2000 years ago without external guidance as today’s. Therefore, as architects today, why limit ourselves to the mundane concept of a ‘Kurey Ghar’ (hut) that does not align with our cultural heritage? Instead, let’s draw inspiration from the grandeur of the cities our forebears-built millennia ago and aspire to create something extraordinary. By utilizing costly materials to create an appearance of frugality, we are engaging in economic dishonestly within the country. This practice not only deceives the economy but also reflects a lack of integrity towards the materials themselves.” For him, it holds paramount importance to instill into people a genuine understanding of the true essence and user-centricity of architecture, steering clear of the reliance on
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A story of Rewards as lateral Awards
Architecture is a practice, a profession. Is it only that? To many, it might be, but to a few, it is a form of emotion or a meaningful impact on public realm as well. Architecture is not only all of the above, but beyond. The arena is not just there to make boxes to accommodate functions. It needs involvement of humans, life, psychology, sociology, economy, and every other vital aspect to shape a living standard. From micro to macro, from master planning to interior designing, the field is vast to explore. Architects need to be sensitive and sensible enough to practice these opportunities of responsibilities. VITTI Sthapati Brindo Ltd., co-founded by architects Iqbal Habib and Ishtiaque Zahir Titas, is one of the few firms in Bangladesh that focuses on all these aspects. In the past 32 years, Vitti has accomplished master planning, building designs, and interior designs for both public and private realms. The story cannot be shared in short. For them, the project experience speaks more intensely than words. The architectural projects of Bangladesh are pinning their existence on the global map, earning a lot of recognition and awards. Vitti as a firm has also received many prestigious ones, but to them, these accolades add value to the projects and compel Vitti to act more responsibly. Their main source of success is the lateral returns they receive from projects started for the benefit of common people. Their success is determined by the impact of their designs on the lives of Dhaka dwellers. Again one such initiative that has had a significant impact on bridging the gap between Dhaka’s eastern and western neighborhoods is HatirJheel. Since most of Dhaka is densely built up, the journey along the lakeside is a splash of fresh air. But it wasn’t an easy journey to create this dream project. “We opposed the initial house planning for four and a half years, as well as the commercial expansion of Kawran Bazar in the Hatirjheel neighborhood. I noticed a model of the planned housing was in the RAJUK chairman’s room. In a conversation, he excitedly shared how the housing plan advanced to landfill the waterbody. High land price was their excuse,” shared Ar. Iqbal Habib. With the help of respected specialists in the environmental and other sectors, they launched a protest that helped to create the experience we live in today. It was more than simply a project; it was a vision and a dream. People in Dhaka never imagined that it would be possible to go from Gulshan-1 to Tejgaon by waterbus. The smiley face of the waterbus user is rewarded for the architects. The stories are always greater than the projects. Large-scale initiatives by Vitti are illustrations of how perseverance can bring big dreams. This serves as motivation for individuals and aspiring architects. Dhaka’s parks and playgrounds have recently been refurbished, giving the city some much-needed green space. Twenty-seven parks, mostly in the northern part, were designed by Vitti. But what we see is the result: stories that were not designed on pen and paper. The permission to revitalize these parks was also an achievement after a social movement. How were the parks designed? Ar. Ishtiaque’s response to this query was, “The development of these parks was designed by users, children, who have the primary rights to the space. We provided them with Minecraft, and they designed their parks. We ensured those children, female children, the elderly, and especially abled people had facilities and access to parks. We wanted people to be inspired by the space that they designed, that we enhanced, and that we built.” The project was executed with a focus on collaboration and inclusively, which has resulted in park and playground that truly serve the community. This project involved active participation from the user group and young children who were given the opportunity to express their desire for the space through a participatory questionnaire survey. Hence the designs are an example of successful co-creation as a process, it create a sense of ownership and pride among the community. However, the success of the project can be attributed to the careful co-management of all stakeholders involved, including professionals and the community. People’s contributions influence the nation’s daily growth. And these tales are examples of growth through adversity and success. Architecture in Bangladesh should be for and at times created by the general populace. At this juncture, the nation requires user-centric design, particularly in public domains. “Vitti—The Atelier” was established in 1991 under the direct supervision of subcontinental Master Architect Muzharul Islam. In 1993, three youthful architects, Ishtiaque Zahir, Ehsan Khan, and Iqbal Habib, founded “Vitti Sthapati Brindo Ltd.” from the “Atelier.” Currently, there are ninety members on the team, including architects, CAD specialists, engineers, administrative employees, and support personnel. “As fresh graduates in a very challenging time of transition period of democracy in the country, our spirit was at the top level. The thirst for working hard and serving the society was there within. We believed architecture is a practice that needs guidance from a leader, hence walking in the ideology of the Master Architect Muzharul Islam, who believed every aspect of human life and the nation as a whole is included in the framework of architecture. Vitti’s motto has always been to create an umbrella under which diversified projects are practiced and ideas are groomed. We try to grow as a group rather than as an individual entity,” concluded Ar. Ishtiaque Zahir Titas.
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