Project Description

Transforming a neglected space into a shared home for people and stray animals

Context

Korail, Dhaka’s largest informal settlement, lacks safe open spaces for people and stray animals. Dogs and cats survive in unsafe conditions, scavenging for food and shelter. Britto began with a simple act - a young girl, despite having little herself, shared her food with a stray dog. This compassion inspired a vision for a shared, healing space.

Concept

Britto (meaning “circle” or “connection” in Bangla) turns kindness into a physical environment where humans and animals can coexist. The design blends community participation, recycled materials, and vernacular craft, creating an adaptable, vibrant gathering place.

Key Features

• Shelter Clusters: Recycled blue plastic barrels, cleaned, cut, and painted with rickshaw and folk art, arranged in varied groupings.

• Bamboo Macha: Raised, thatched platform for shaded community seating.

• Water & Feeding Points: Accessible care stations for animals.

• Native Landscaping: Trees and plants for shade, comfort, and biodiversity.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

• Diverts plastic barrels from waste streams into durable, functional shelters.

• Uses renewable materials like bamboo and thatch, reducing embodied carbon.

• Introduces native greenery to improve microclimate, reduce heat, and support urban biodiversity.

• Encourages upcycling of wood and bricks, minimizing demand for new resources.

Community Participation

Residents collect materials, plant trees, and paint shelters alongside volunteers - building pride, ownership, and long-term care.

Impact

Britto creates safe spaces for animals, shaded gathering for people, cleaner surroundings, and a living showcase of Bangladeshi culture, sustainability, and community-driven design.