Project Description

Project Title: Mayer Angina

Site Location: Tongi Asadnagar Slum, Bangladesh, located at the intersection of two internal roads within the settlement. The site was previously an open, abandoned area that had long been used informally as a dumping ground, giving it a neglected and negative identity within the community. Through this project, the unused space has been transformed into a meaningful, safe, and active community environment.

Mayer Angina is a small yet multifunctional circular space designed within a 10-meter cube volume. The project is developed with narrative depth, where architecture is not only a physical structure but also a story of care and transformation. Like a mother’s courtyard, the space nurtures the community by gradually supporting growth, participation, and development. Just as a mother guides a child through different stages of life, this space supports social and economic progress through everyday activities and shared experiences.

The design directly responds to the realities of life in the settlement. Most residents work as garment workers, construction laborers, small vendors, or daily wage earners. Their homes are compact, often consisting of one or two rooms with shared kitchens and sanitation facilities. As a result, there is little space available for education, work, or community gatherings. Women, in particular, have limited opportunities for income-generating activities due to spatial constraints. Mayer Angina addresses these challenges by functioning as a shared and flexible platform for the community.

The circular structure has a radius of 3.5 feet and a height of 8 feet, creating a usable volume of approximately 8.72 cubic meters. The remaining 1.28 cubic meters beneath the roof is allocated for fire extinguisher storage, considering the high fire risk in densely populated areas where multiple families share cooking facilities. The circular form promotes equality, participation, and smooth circulation, ensuring inclusive use for all community members.

Functionally, the space transforms throughout the day. In the morning, it is used as a learning environment where children receive additional educational support. At midday, the space becomes a training area for women, offering handicraft and sewing workshops that enable home-based income opportunities. During the afternoon and evening, youth skill development programs such as mobile servicing training are conducted, while the same area can also function as a small shop or marketplace to encourage local economic activity. A council area allows both men and women to gather for discussion and collective decision-making. The space also serves as a monthly vaccination center, improving access to basic health services.

Material selection follows local practicality and context. A concrete base ensures durability and protection from water damage. Tin is used for the facade and roof because it is lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain. Glass windows provide natural light and ventilation, creating a comfortable interior environment. Folding chairs and tables allow the space to transform easily for different activities, ensuring efficient use of every area.

Through narrative depth, Mayer Angina is more than a physical structure; it is a story of transformation in which a neglected site gradually becomes a safe, functional, and supportive environment for the community. By integrating education, skill development, healthcare, and economic activity, the project creates a ripple effect of positive change throughout the settlement.