DNA PARIS AWARD For Abdul ALIM PLAYGROUND
Historically this project was originally a pond as rain water reservoir up to 1970. Gradually this pond become a dumping ground. Around 1975, it turned into a playground with sand filled, named 'Balur Math' (Sand Field) . Though it created an open space but generated rain water management problem which Dhaka is now facing as a huge problem day by day.
Beginning of the project "Jol Shobuje Dhaka", there was a research part where the big question posed. "why the public green spaces are not working and how to overcome?" The research finding was interesting when we saw the 'boundary wall’ around the open space in order to protect the green field or park actually protected antisocial people and activities inside the wall. the wall/grill acted as symbol of disrespect and distrust towards the citizen and put community outside the green mostly. So the foremost task was to dismantle all the walls around the field and make it absolutely open for the public. So the green space no more a destination only but a way to the destination also.
In our consideration, both open green and rain water management are important for sustainability. So creating the green for all and collecting the rain water with its reuse was a major challenge that incorporated in the design. rain water collecting trench has been created under the walkway around the football field which can collect five thousand liter of rain water for re use. four and half feet width, five feet deep trench is also covered by 6 feet by 1.5 feet R.C.C slabs which is removable when cleaning and maintenance required.
This project is also conceived as open to air school for the children. so that they can learn about "Six Season" of Bangladesh from the existing trees or planted new trees ( planted by the children of the community themselves) and flowers, fruits etc.
As a library is developed for mental growth and tea stall developed as sharing space for a better community. So, a small two storied building has been designed at the eastern part of the project.
This building has been considered as “Guardian Building” supposed to be open up to late night, ensuring the attendance of the community longest possible. the whole idea is to handover the ownership of "Shahid Haji Abdul Alim Playground" to the community, where automatically it belongs.
June 11, 2021
