Have you ever walked into a shopping mall and felt like you were in a different world? The Bashundhara City Mall in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is like that. Its facade design is so amazing that it could make even the best architects stop and stare. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a building look like it was designed by aliens, this article is for you. Get ready to be amazed by the cool facade that’s changing the way buildings look in Bangladesh ,

Construction and Engineering

The Bashundhara City Shopping Mall in Dhaka, Bangladesh was a massive construction project that took several years to complete. Construction on the mall started in 1998 under the direction of Shafiat Sobhan, the vice-chairman of the Bashundhara Group .

The building complex is 19 stories tall and covers an area of 17,763 square meters (191,200 square feet), making it the second largest shopping mall in Bangladesh . It is also considered one of the largest shopping malls in South Asia, with up to 50,000 visitors each day .

The mall’s design and construction faced several challenges. Building a structure of this scale and complexity required close collaboration between the architects, engineers, and contractors . Advanced engineering techniques and construction methods had to be employed to bring the ambitious vision to life .

Despite the challenges, the Bashundhara City Mall was completed and opened to the public on August 6, 2004 . The total cost of the building was more than $100 million USD . The mall’s innovative design and engineering have been recognized as a significant achievement in Bangladeshi architecture .

History and Background

Bashundhara City Mall: A Landmark in Bangladesh’s Retail History

Bashundhara City Mall, a colossal shopping complex located in the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh, has been a game-changer in the country’s retail industry since its inception in 2004. With its striking facade and innovative design, the mall has become an architectural icon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Challenge of Creating a Unique and Functional Facade

Designing a facade that would stand out in a crowded urban landscape while also being practical and functional was a significant challenge for the architects tasked with the Bashundhara City Mall project. The mall needed to attract visitors, provide a comfortable shopping experience, and withstand the harsh environmental conditions of Dhaka.

Bashundhara City Mall: A Beacon of Architectural Excellence

The architects rose to the challenge by creating a facade that not only looks stunning but also serves essential functions. The result is a masterpiece of modern architecture that has become a symbol of Bangladesh’s progress and ambition.

Discover the Secrets Behind Bashundhara City Mall’s Facade Design

In this article, we will delve into the history, design, and significance of Bashundhara City Mall’s facade. By understanding the thought process and techniques behind this architectural marvel, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the mall’s beauty and the role it plays in shaping Bangladesh’s built environment.

Architectural Design

The architectural design of Bashundhara City Mall is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its designers. The mall’s facade is a striking blend of modern aesthetics and functional elements that create a visually stunning and practical structure.

Concept and Inspiration

The architects behind Bashundhara City Mall, Mustapha Khalid Palash and Mohammad Foyez Ullah of Vistaara, drew inspiration from the concept of a “city within a city”. They envisioned a self-contained complex that would offer a complete shopping and entertainment experience to visitors. The facade design reflects this idea by incorporating various elements that cater to different needs and preferences.

Unique Features

One of the most distinctive features of Bashundhara City Mall’s facade is its use of glass and steel. The extensive use of glass creates a sense of openness and transparency, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the mall but also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

The facade also features a striking glass dome that serves as the main entrance to the mall. This architectural element adds a touch of grandeur and elegance to the overall design, creating a memorable first impression for visitors. The dome’s design is a perfect blend of form and function, as it not only looks stunning but also allows for natural ventilation and cooling.

Materials and Techniques

Bashundhara City Mall’s facade is constructed using a combination of high-quality materials and advanced construction techniques. The extensive use of glass is complemented by steel frames that provide structural support and durability. The architects also incorporated sustainable design principles, such as the use of energy-efficient glazing and the incorporation of natural ventilation systems.

The construction process itself was a feat of engineering, as the architects had to overcome challenges posed by the site’s location and the harsh environmental conditions of Dhaka. The use of cutting-edge construction techniques, such as the installation of the glass dome, required precision and expertise to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

Significance and Impact

Bashundhara City Mall’s facade design has had a significant impact on the architectural landscape of Bangladesh. It has set a new standard for modern shopping mall design in the country, inspiring other developers to create innovative and functional structures that cater to the needs of a growing consumer market.

The mall’s facade has also become an iconic symbol of Dhaka’s urban development, attracting visitors from all over the country and abroad. Its unique design has made it a popular destination for photography enthusiasts and architecture lovers, further enhancing its cultural significance.

Facade Elements

Bashundhara City Mall’s facade is a masterpiece of modern architecture, featuring a range of elements that contribute to its stunning appearance and functionality. The mall’s designers, Mustapha Khalid Palash and Mohammad Foyez Ullah of Vistaara, have seamlessly integrated these elements to create a cohesive and visually appealing structure.

Main Entrance and Atrium

The main entrance to Bashundhara City Mall is marked by a striking glass dome that serves as a focal point for the entire facade. This architectural element adds a touch of grandeur and elegance to the mall’s exterior, creating a memorable first impression for visitors.

The dome’s design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose. It allows for natural light to flood the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and contributing to the mall’s energy efficiency.

The atrium beneath the dome is a spacious and open area that serves as a gathering place for visitors. It features a combination of glass and steel elements that create a sense of transparency and openness, further enhancing the mall’s visual appeal.

Vaulted Skylights and Glass Dome

In addition to the main entrance dome, Bashundhara City Mall features a series of vaulted skylights that run along the length of the facade. These skylights are made of glass and steel, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interior spaces.

The use of glass in the facade is a defining feature of Bashundhara City Mall’s design. It creates a sense of openness and transparency that is further enhanced by the mall’s open-plan layout and high ceilings.

The glass dome and skylights are not only visually striking but also serve a practical purpose. They allow for natural ventilation and cooling, reducing the mall’s reliance on artificial climate control systems and contributing to its overall sustainability.

Transparent Facade and Natural Lighting

The extensive use of glass in Bashundhara City Mall’s facade creates a sense of transparency that is further enhanced by the mall’s open-plan layout and high ceilings. This design feature allows natural light to flood the interior spaces, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that is both visually appealing and energy-efficient.

The transparent facade also allows for a seamless integration between the interior and exterior spaces, creating a sense of continuity and flow. Visitors can easily navigate between the mall’s various levels and departments, thanks to the clear sightlines provided by the glass facade.

The use of natural lighting in Bashundhara City Mall is a key aspect of its sustainable design. By reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day, the mall is able to significantly reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint.

 Significance and Impact

Bashundhara City Mall’s facade design has made a big difference in Bangladesh and beyond. The mall’s unique features have changed the way people shop and have influenced the country’s urban development.

Influence on Bangladeshi Architecture

• Bashundhara City Mall’s design has set a new standard for modern architecture in Bangladesh.
• The use of glass and steel in the facade has become a popular choice for other buildings.
• The mall’s design has inspired other developers to create innovative and functional structures.

Role in Shaping Dhaka’s Urban Landscape

• Bashundhara City Mall has become an iconic symbol of Dhaka’s urban development.
• The mall’s location in the city center has helped to revitalize the surrounding area.
• The mall’s design has attracted new businesses and residents to the neighborhood.

Impact on the Local Economy and Tourism

• Bashundhara City Mall attracts thousands of visitors every day.
• The mall generates revenue for local businesses and creates employment opportunities.
• The mall’s unique design has made it a popular tourist destination.

Cultural Significance

• Bashundhara City Mall’s design has become a cultural symbol of Bangladesh’s progress and ambition.
• The mall’s design has been featured in various media outlets.
• The mall has become a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

Future Plans and Developments

• Bashundhara City Mall is planning to expand its facilities and services.
• The mall is committed to maintaining its iconic facade design.
• The mall’s management is working to make the mall even more comprehensive and exciting.

Conclusion

The impact of Bashundhara City Mall’s facade design cannot be overstated. It has set a new standard for modern architecture in Bangladesh, inspiring other developers to create innovative and functional structures that cater to the needs of a growing consumer market.

The mall has also become an iconic symbol of Dhaka’s urban development, attracting visitors from all over the country and abroad.

 It is a shining example of how thoughtful design can transform a space and leave a lasting impact on a nation’s cultural and economic landscape.