Project Description

In Puran Dhaka, near Victoria Park, an 18th-century water tower quietly watches over the streets. A 50-foot cylindrical brick structure that most people pass without a second thought. For years, a boundary wall kept it closed off, while vendors and hawkers lined the street outside, busy with the city’s rhythm. Its history had faded, and its gates remained shut. We wanted to bring it back to life, to invite people to step inside and experience its story.

We removed the boundary wall and let the tower speak for itself. A curved green pathway lined with fragrant plants now guides visitors in, creating a soft edge that separates the tower from the street while welcoming people inside. Small nooks along the path give vendors and hawkers a spot to sit, blending everyday life with the calmness of the tower.

Inside, the tower opens up with tall brick walls, graceful arches, and a waterfall flowing from the ceiling that fills the air with sound and freshness. Light drifts in, the aroma fills up the space, and the rhythm of falling water invites pause. The open floor around the core hosts exhibitions, small events, or quiet moments. A section inside the tower displays its history, sharing its story with every visitor. In the circular core room, people can write their thoughts and pin them to the wall, leaving traces of themselves in this timeless space.

By engaging sight, smell, and sound, Onubritto-The Sensory Circle reconnects people with history, offering a breathing space amidst the chaos of Dhaka city. It is a place to reflect, gather, and simply be.