Urban River Spaces | AGA Khan Award for Architecture 2022
Award Cycle: 2020-2022 Cycle
Status: Award Recipient
Country of origin: Bangladesh
Location: Jhenaidah, Bangladesh
Completed: 2019
The community-driven project provides public spaces in the riverine city with 250,000 residents; over time, access to and use of the river and banks had become impeded. To date, the project comprises two ghats – steps leading down to platforms at the river, with adjacent walkways – and the opening of obstructed pedestrian pathways leading to them. Locally available materials such as brick and concrete were used in the simple, contextual designs, all built by local builders and masons; the site-specific projects retain all existing trees and vegetation. Future phases focus on public use of the river area with walkways, gardens, cultural facilities and environmental efforts to increase biodiversity in the river.
