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New venue as platform for uniting local indegenous tribes and Bangalee settlers
The Bangabandhu Open Theatre is located in the Bandarban District in the Hill Tract region of Bangladesh, inhabited by ethnic Bangalees and Indegenious tribes.
The theatre is a shaded open structure aiming to create a platform for public gatherings and cultural exchange programs. The backdrop will have terracotta work depicting the cultural images of Bandarban and a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman.
The idea of the Civic Building came from government's desire to bridge the gap between Bangalees and the ethnic hill communities and promote greater understanding between the two distinctive people. As the creator of independent Bangladesh and father of the nation, Sheik Mujibur Rahman's ideology was to dissolve the differences between people of different religions, castes and ethnic backgrounds in the country. It also satisfies the clients' desire to create a space congenial for interaction and assembly of the people. The Open Theatre is dedicated to Sheik Mujibur Rahman.
The structure has been conceived as the spread out wings of a bird. Lightness has been achieved by the steel truss. The slightly angular concrete columns depict legs of the bird. Just as a bird brings all her chicks under her wings, the proposed structure creates a sense of togetherness between the two distinct cultural groups. It gives them a setting to meet and express their cultural practices openly and in harmony.
Rainfall is a major climatic feature. Attention has been given to retain and discharge rainwater at the intersections. Deep overhangs - and louver panels on the sides provide protection. Wide pedestrian paths facilitate public accessibility. The boundary wall allows unobstructed view without compromising the security needs. As regards to landscaping, trees, flowering bushes and earthen sculptures are considered.
The backdrop terracotta wall depicts the Bangladesh map and distinctive cultural practices of the two races including a portrait of Bangabandhu. Bamboo is a major building material in the region. Conscious effort has been given to depict bamboo construction principles and aesthetics. Since little attention is paid towards maintenance of public buildings in Bangladesh, steel and concrete has been used for long term sustainability. The expression of bamboo is evident.
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