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This article examines the architectural significance of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, including its design, construction, and impact on architecture.
Introducing the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban:
The National Parliament House of Bangladesh, also known as Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, was designed by architect Louis Kahn and spans 200 acres. Construction began in 1961 and was completed in 1982. Located in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, this parliament house was commissioned by Pakistan.
The primary reason for selecting this building is its importance to Bangladesh and the historical significance it embodies. Additionally, Kahn's use of various elements in the design conveys a sense of power, with light playing a crucial role. The building's placement within a dense context, surrounded by numerous structures—primarily educational institutions and residential areas is another factor . The form of this building is distinct from other government buildings serving as parliament houses; without knowledge of its function, one might not immediately recognize its purpose.
Source:- google earth
The Historical Journey of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban :-
The idea of constructing a parliament house came after Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan. This newly independent nation wanted to establish democracy and sovereignty and this parliament house played a major role in accomplishing it. Due to the growing population, they wanted a bigger and better space where all this could occur. The Parliament House was commissioned around the year 1959.
The task of designing the building was given to Ar. Louis Kahn because of his unique way of creating structures that conveyed symbolic meaning and also his growing reputation at that time as an architect.
Understanding the Typology of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban:-
The Parliament house's typology is a mix of monumental and civic architecture. The scale of the structure with solid concrete masses in its exterior makes an impression that the structure plays an important role. Kahn also uses various architectural elements from modernist architecture such as geometric shapes, the use of raw materials, etc. The design also addresses Dhaka's hot and humid climate. Thick concrete walls and recessed windows provide shade and reduce heat, while the water bodies around the building help cool the air and regulate the temperature around it.
Plan of Parliament house
source:- plan from arch daily
Plan of typical Bengali House
source:- Author
Architectural Design and Principles: Louis Kahn’s Approach to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban:-
Kahn's design is known for its geometric precision, use of natural light, and incorporation of traditional Bengali elements. The building's main structure consists of a series of rings, with the central assembly hall at its core. The use of geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles is a key feature of Kahn's design. These shapes are not only for aesthetics but also serve practical purposes, such as allowing natural light to spread throughout the building.
Source:- komalantaz.tumblr.com
The Spatial Dynamics of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban: Layout and Functionality:-
The building's layout is based on concentric rings, with the assembly hall at the center. Surrounding it are offices for members of parliament, committee rooms, and other necessary spaces. The placement of the assembly hall symbolizes the importance and a sense of power.
It is circular, with a central opening that lets natural light flood the space, creating a sense of openness and transparency. The building has courtyards, terraces, and water features. These areas provide space for informal gatherings and reflect the importance of water in Bengali culture. The building’s geometric forms and layout also hold cultural significance. The circles and squares reflect traditional Bengali art. The central assembly hall of the parliament building, surrounded by ancillary spaces, reflects this traditional organization, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose within the building. Kahn claims that this building's layout mimics traditional Bengali courtyard houses where there is a sense of community. While parts of this can be seen in the plan below where some elements are similar like having buffer spaces that connect various rooms but the major element of having a courtyard was not incorporated in this structure which I feel should have been because of how important role it plays in the context of bangladesh’s climate. Moreover Kahn’s use of light in this whole project was the main standout point: the way he designed recessed windows and geometric shapes of windows so that light could come in easily and the way it should just project on a certain room. Also there is a sense of hierarchy of space that can be seen in the plan because the ability to access a certain space is only given to the authorized personnel and overall how it has emerged as an overall
Source:- Arch daily
The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is built in a big, open space with a large man-made lake and gardens around it. This peaceful area is very different from the crowded parts of Dhaka, making it a calm spot in a busy city. The building’s wide, low shape and the use of water help it fit in with the flat land around it. The trees, plants, and water around the building also help block out the city's noise and pollution, making the building stand out even more.
source:- www.re-thinkingthefuture.com
Materiality and Environmental Considerations:
As per Kahn the materials used in the building were chosen to suit Bangladesh’s culture and environment. But what i think about the materiality of the building is that use of concrete in such a high amount was not good as it is not environmentally friendly and Kahn could have used other materials instead.
Concrete is the main material selected for its durability and ease of use. The exposed concrete gives the building a raw appearance. Kahn also used local materials like brick and terracotta, adding texture to the building. Using local materials was also practical, reducing costs and construction challenges.
Kahn’s design also addresses Bangladesh's environmental and climatic challenges. The building incorporates features that help cope with Dhaka’s hot and humid climate, such as natural ventilation and the strategic placement of openings to allow air circulation. Water bodies around the building contribute to cooling by lowering the temperature and providing evaporative cooling. The thick concrete walls and recessed openings minimize heat gain while using natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. Kahn also respected the natural environment, carefully considering the building’s relationship with the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion this building holds a very deep historical importance in Bangladesh and Kahn has made efforts in designing this building when it comes down to functionality of the building and what purpose it serves as, the major key factor to lookout for in this building becomes its natural lighting and how Kahn has incorporated it in this project.
References
David G, David B, De Long, and Brownlee. 1991. In the realm of architecture. New york: n.p.
Kahn, louis. n.d. complete works 1935-1974.
Frampton, Kenneth. Modern Architecture: A Critical History. London: Thames & Hudson, 1992.
Frampton, and Kenneth. 1992. Modern architecture : A critical History of London. London: n.p.
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