Friendship Center is located at Fulchhari, Gaibandha. Built underground, the building looks a lot like an ancient Buddhist monastery from above. Its construction style is also inspired by the ancient Buddhist monastery of Mahasthangarh. The roof and surface of the building are at the same level, so the building cannot be seen from a distance. Green grass cover on the roof- has created a close relationship between the roof and the ground. The main reason behind the people’s love for this building called the Friendship Center at Madanerpara village in the Kanchipara union of Fulchhari Upazila of Gaibandha is its construction style. The area of this building built along Gaibandha-Balasi road is 32 thousand square feet. Every day crowds of curious people flock to see the building built of locally made brick masonry.
The structure was selected as one of the 19 finalized architectures worldwide for the 2014-16 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. This is not the first time that Kasef Mahbub Chowdhury has been selected for this award. Although he has not received the award so far, he has been shortlisted for the award three times. Receiving an award may be a matter of time.
The construction of the Friendship Center took about two years and cost about TK 8 crore. The land allotted for the building is very low and dams have been built around it to prevent water. The dam did not have to be filled with soil. The construction of the building has been affordable. As it is a training center, a secluded and quiet environment has been created for the trainees and adequate light and air access has been provided. The roof of the building is covered with green grass and the rooms are under the ground so it is naturally relatively cold. Skylight is the source of natural light in a room other than the surrounding rooms. great combination of light court and open attic light-shade. There are 5 water pools in the building area. The entire building did not use the same brick and cement masonry plaster. Excellent drainage system throughout the roof so that no water accumulates on the roof. In some places, the drain has been carefully hidden from view.
Two blocks across the center. The ‘A’ block for outdoor activities, offices, training centers, libraries, and the ‘B’ block for inter-activities is basically housing. According to the location and activities of the room, the whole construction area has been divided into 24 parts. Such as- a library, admin room, reception, parking, etc.
It is made by Urbana, an interior and furniture design and manufacturing company. So there is excellent continuity of interior and furniture with the installation.
Architect Kasef Mahbub Chowdhury. Captain of Urbana.
Way To Go At Friendship Center
The Friendship Center is located at Madanerpara village in Kanchipara union, Fulchhari Upazila of Gaibandha. You have to go through Gaibandha-Balasi road. Auto or CNG powered rickshaws from Gaibandha cost 10-15 TK. Besides, the rickshaw will actually cost 30 TK. Since it is the office of a private organization, it is difficult to enter without permission.
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