If you have crossed Gulshan 1 circle or got caught in its signal this week, you have surely noticed the colorful rickshaw hoods installed on the north-east triangular island. As a means to promote the ARCASIA Forum 20 taking place in Dhaka this month, Architecture Department of different Universities were asked for installations at different nodes of Dhaka. “Experience Dhaka by Rickshaw” is BRAC University’s Architecture Department’s take on the City Branding Installation.

Installation at Gulshan 1 circle, Source: Sadequl Saif

Ever since the beginning of its use, rickshaws have always been people’s favorite choice of transportation mode. “Perched on the back of a rickshaw, cruising through the lanes and labyrinths of the city is undoubtedly the best way to experience the bending pot of culture and the sheer vibrancy of this town.” To remind the people of this experience, BRAC University’s team began working on planning the installation since October. After vigorous site survey and observing the present scenario of Gulshan, their mission was to introduce people to the most popular and convenient form of transportation that also symbolizes Dhaka city and reinstating its socio-cultural value.

After the preliminary concept was approved by Institute of Architects, Bangladesh (IAB) the students started working to bring their concept to reality. Using bamboo and colorful fabrics and painting on them, the students prepared the elements of this installation.

Concept of using the viewports of Rickshaw, Dept. of Architecture, BRAC University

The spaces in the installation were inspired from the openness of the rickshaw and its human scale interaction, turning it into a part of the urban fabric. The colorful hoods are pieces that has already merged into the country’s folk arts. The eco-friendly transportation solutions have retained its position throughout time and acts as a perfect element to brand the city. A location where rickshaws have recently been banned, the installation helps rickshaws from becoming obsolete in people’s mind around this area.

Execution of the installation, Source: Samira

 

Installation at Gulshan 1 Circle, Source: Sadequl Saif

Besides BRAC University, other universities like AIUB (in front of IAB), NSU (inside Radisson), Stamford University (west corner of Bijoy Shoroni), BUET (West road of IAB and east Bijoy Shoroni), State University (Gulshan 2), SUST (Kakoli) also took part in the ARCASIA City Branding Installation.