Project Description

The decline of open spaces and pond-filled landscapes in contemporary Rajshahi has reduced opportunities for community gatherings and children’s play, contributing to stress and isolation. This project reclaims a pond-side location to create a healing space that reconnects people with their cultural heritage. By reviving communal life, it sparks creativity, engagement, and introspection—supporting mental well-being, rebuilding social bonds, and reawakening the community’s link to its vibrant past.

The design draws inspiration from the bioscope—once a cherished source of joy and imagination—not as a literal device, but as an icon for curiosity, interaction, and wonder. Here, the bioscope becomes a storytelling tool, showcasing photographs and visuals from the community’s collective memory—moments elders once lived through, from joyous Eid celebrations to scenes of resilience after tragedy. These changing themes create anticipation, drawing children out of their rooms and encouraging them to explore, connect, and understand the lives and emotions of others. An undulating walkway weaves through a series of human-scale boxes, each offering distinct experiences: quiet seating for reflection, multipurpose activity areas, dioramas, and viewing pods revealing cultural stories and images.

Each element restores emotional balance through exploration and participation. Interactive pockets along the pond’s edge transform a neglected area into a restorative environment where movement and storytelling blend seamlessly. This space becomes a living memory bank—reviving traditions, inspiring creativity, and strengthening community ties—offering sanctuary for both children and adults while easing stress and enriching community life.