Project Description

Bangladesh is home to thousands of canals that have long supported inland water transport and drainage. Yet, like many worldwide, these vital waterways are under threat—suffocated by unplanned urban growth, encroachment, and misuse. The Ghagra Canal in Dinajpur City is one such example. Once a vibrant ecological and social corridor, it now struggles under informal settlements, waste, and deteriorating commercial zones. However, within this neglected space lies great potential. We envision the Ghagra Canal as more than just water and edge—it can be a catalyst for canal-oriented urban healing. This transformation will not only restore the canal's ecological functions but also revitalize social and cultural ties. By integrating elements like the Aqua Courtyard Plaza and Deck & Bird Sanctuary, the canal becomes a sensory escape from the urban noise, offering a place of healing and reflection. Through thoughtful design—walkways, extended decks linking settlements and commercial fronts, and quiet spaces for rest—we recreate a sense of ownership, connecting people to their environment in meaningful ways. The canal becomes a shared canvas, a blue-green spine for care, memory, and gathering. By restoring the Ghagra Canal, we confront the global challenge of dying urban waterways and reimagine them as spaces of hope, restoration, and collective well-being. The focus on canaloriented urban healing emphasizes environmental repair, climate resilience, and respect for living systems, creating a harmonious relationship between nature and people.