URBAN design
portfolio
Rashedul hasan Deepon
Student Project (B.arch)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: This is a conceptual project. Students are given a hypothetical site included a university and the street in front of it. The objective is to create a THRESHOLD between the street and the university. It was an exercise to find definition of the word THRESHOLD.
Places like Dhaka are quickly being consumed by smoke and pollution. A solution to tackle it is by bringing green back. A threshold would not be a man made structure but a proper landcape project.
Elements: Urban Design + Landscape Photoshop + Illustrator + FreeHand
The plan is to resolve the duality of spatial functions (calm university environment v.s busy active roads. By means of landscapin g or using greenery the aim is trying to design a landscape where one half compliments the busy roads and the other half compliments the university. It is important to define the two halves in terms of space quality, touch, sight and smell.
Section and Elevations
Seasonal Adj u stments Different types of trees were used to represent the six seasons of Bangladesh. The tall large trees were used on the roadside (exterior) so that they compliment the elevation in an urban scale. Compared to the taller trees relatively smaller trees were usec on the interior of the landscaped area. Sitting arrangements were provided and integrated as part of the landscape
pl a ns wi t h perspecti v es
Different seasons create different moods and experience for the public. A dynamic change of colors on a yearly basis
Final year thesis(B.arch)
REDESIGN AND redevelopment of
RAYER BAZAR MARKET BRIEF DESCRIPTION: On July 31, 2004 DCC market division sources set out a proposal to renovate 13 markets of Dhaka City after deeming them dilapidated and risky for use. Among them, the DCC Rayer Bazar kitchen market was stated to be the most risky market. The Rayer Bazar Market was built in 1965. It is a historical and traditional market in Dhaka City. The area is named Rayer Bazar after the landlord ‘Ray’ . Although the location originally had the name, Sultan Ganj, which is still found on signboards, banners and festoons. Yet, ‘Rayer bazar’ is the most commonly usednamed among the local populace. Due to the passage of time the Bazar is in dire condition. The structure of the building has severly weakened, is on the verge of collapse and poses immediate life threatning risks to it’s users. Hence, the DCC officials have decided to build a new 14 story building on the premises with functions such as kitchen market, shopping facilities and apartments. My thesis is to understand the bazar morphology and the imprint the current bazarholds on it’s locality so that I am able to find an appropriate CONTEXTUAL response to the New Bazar.
Elements: Urban Design
+ Context + Preservation +Architecture Photoshop + Autocad + Illustrator + Sketchup The structural weakness of the existing bazaar prompted the DCC officials to develop a 14 story high rise building cconsisting of shops, offices and apartments with kitchen market facilities at ground level. Though the new building maybe structurally solved it poses a threat od a another kind, the gentrification of the area and uprooting the Rayer Bazar locals. This situation has provided a conflict of interest of the two parties. The Rayer Bazar locals are concerned that they will not get their allocated spaces back and the DCC officials are upset that they aere not able to make optiimum use of their site.
There are have been three independent cases against the DCC from the Rayer Bazar market business owners association and the highcourt has ordered the DCC to solve the dispute before progressing with the redevelopment project. The DCC proposal is rationalised based on the notion that this project will bring about an overall improvement in the local economy. However, the local business are contesting that argument by questioning the nature of the change and how it affect their livelihood. They continue to express their distrust of the government.
It should be noted that the Bazar itself holds a sense od identity to the locals as it acts as a landmark. It even has a historically significant structure within the premesis. A ‘Mot’ containing a remant of Ray Shaheb the original owner of the land. It would be absurd to erase these significant elements and characteristics of the site and replace it with a brand new structure. Therefore, it is important to find a common ground that benefits all stakeholders. RECOMMENDATION: Design spaces with traditional bazar morphologies and insert modern ancillary functions
Propose a Bazar interface that is of equal benefit to both parties Provide Modern facility Be inspired by the ‘bazar’ morphology Solutions and Policy of garbage management A new spatial identity inspired from the old spatial grammar Provide a flexible breathing space A bazar that serves the community both socially and economically
Apperentice/ Internship
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING:
HIGHWAY SOLUTION BRIEF DESCRIPTION: This project was formulated as per the Transportation policy proposal in the Detail Area Plan of Dhaka and Development Plan of Mongla (a seaport area in Khulna, Bangladesh)
Connectivity is the most important aspect of development of any region. It is all the more important for the project arera due to the seaport. Presently Mongla Port isconnected with the rest of the country by roadway and Waterway Railway link is also underway. Roadway: Door to door connectivity road is most preferred mode of transport. Depending on the level of connectivity a road may be a highway, an area connector or local road. These road systems together form an effective road network connecting all facilities and establishments to each other. Since highways connect distant regions, ‘speed’ is thedetermining factor for highway planning. The other extreme, key function of access road is to provide link to individual households and facilities where the ‘safety’ of an individual is the prime concern. Roads performing these two extreme functions therefore must be segregated through proper road heirarchy system to avoid fatal consequences.
Elements: Urban Planning
+ Design + Transportation Adobe Photoshop +AutoCad + Sketchup
-Excerpt from Chapter3 of Mongla Report
PROBLEMS FOUND IN HIGHWAY
REASONS BEHIND THE PROBLEMS
- Traffic accident
- Mix of local and highway traffic
- Fatal accident
- Roadside settlement
- Highway robbery
- Activities on road - Relative height of the highway from the surrounding - Borrow pit (canal) along the highway - Using speed breakers on Highways - At grade rail crossing - Improper road geometry - Surface condition - Visibility obstruction - Over exhausted or unskilled drivers - Under performing vehicles - Highly inadequate treatment facility for trauma victims - Ineffecient law enforcement
Atleast twenty known settlements are located beside the major highway road connecting Dhaka to Khulna, whose presence greatly affects the effectiveness of the Highway and in many cases defeats it’s sole purpose of mobility
View of Bus stop at + 25’
Bird’s eye view of junction point
View of possible functions such as highway restaurants at +12’
Bird’s eye view of vehicular exit-entry point to highway
View of possible functions such as bazaars at ground level
Close up bird’s eye view of vehicular exit-entry point to highway
Schemetic section
Perspective of junction point
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Segregation of highway traffic from local traffic - Link settlements on either side of highways - Propoer road geometry - Maintain appropriate slope on highway - Ensure grade separated railway crossing - Ensure proper visibility on highway - Ensure proper rest and training of highway drivers - Ensure vehicles with appropriate fitness - Establish Trauma centers at necessary intervals on highway - Strengthen highway police with appropriate man power and logistics
Design Competition
IAB COMPETITION
DESIGN OF UNITY COMPLEX
Elements: Urban Design
+ Landscape + Architecture + Sustainibility Adobe Photoshop +Autocad + Illustrator + Sketchup +Free Hand
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: This unique project competition had three things in one. Urban Context (especially drainage) response to nature through cultural tradition and finally, housing modern lifestyle of it’s residents. All these tempted us to expplore a solution.
Professional Experience
BEDFORD UNION ARMORY A NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: It is a neighborhood planning study that aims to strengthen and build upon the community’s considerable assets, while identifying new opportunities that support the overarching goals of developing and preserving affordable housing, improving utilization of local institution resources, and revitalizing the streetscape environment. The neighborhood study is intended to complement the vision of an ongoing large-scale, mixed-use redevelopment project located at the Bedford-Union Armory site led by BFC Partners and Slate. Reccommendations: In order to activate the streetscape and create a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, numerous interventions are recommended, including sidewalk widenings, increased green space and natural features, increased seating opportunities, safer and more attractive bicycle infrastructure, improved bus stations, and traffic-calming strategies. In unison, the recommendations laid out in this neighborhood planning study intend to create a more vibrant, livable, and equitable community presence.
Elements: Urban Design
+Landscape + Context + Architecture + Streetscape Photoshop + Illustrator + Sketchup
2
1 3
Top view of study area and street recommendations
1 Proposed road section of Bedford Avenue
2 Proposed road section of Franklin Avenue
3 Proposed road section of Crown Street
Conceptual plan for Crown Street
Birds eye view of Crown Street
Birds eye view of Crown Street (zoomed in)
Perspective of Crown Street
Final year Studio (Mup)
redevelopment proposal for
HISTORIC TAPPEN PARK
Top view of red bricks extending from Tappen Park to Front Street
Elements: Urban Design
+ Preservation +Architecture Photoshop + Illustrator + Sketchup
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Plan Bay Street is a project by graduate students from Hunter College’s Urban Planning & Policy (UPP) program with support from the Staten Island Downtown Alliance. The purpose of the project is the reexamination of the Bay Street corridor from the St. George Ferry Terminal to Rosebank in Staten Island. The scope of the project is quite comprehensive and among them Tappen Park is a very site specific recommendation for the Bay Street community. Location and Current Use: Tappen Park is located in Stapleton, one block west from the Stapleton SIR station. It is bordered by Canal Street on the west and south side and by Water Street and Bay Street on the north and east side. There are two entrances on each corner of the park from Bay Street. The park is in close proximity to Urby, the recent large real estate development, as well as the historic Stapleton Library. Tappen Park is an underutilized park that has the potential to be a gathering place for the Bay Street Corridor’s diverse community. Design changes to the park could allow it to be utilized as a resiliency tool to combat the local flooding issue. The park, with the aid of The Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership (HTCP), hosts several events per year. These events are organized in partnership with local community groups include the Stapleton Soap Box Derby, International Music & Dance Festival and Oktoberfest/Fall Festival. In September 2016, the park hosted annual celebration of the Staten Island Black Heritage Parade. This vibrant parade was a great example of the diverse community surrounding Tappen Park, a community that would benefit from the recommendations to follow.
Significance:
Tappen Park is the second-oldest public park on Staten Island, purchased by the government in 1867 and later acquired by the City of New York in 1898 during the consolidation of the greater New York City. Edgewater Village Hall is a heritage building in the western portion of the park that dates back to 1889. The distinctive, red-brick building served as a space to house public offices and courts. It is 1.5 stories high, with a square tower and slate-covered roof in the Romanesque Revival style. It was designated a City landmark in 1968. Most of the building is unused, but part of it serves as a health clinic. A ring of ornate, but chipped red brick pavement surrounds the park. This brick gives Tappen Park a unique architectural identity. Because of its central location, Tappen Park was historically a place where people gathered as a community. We believe it is important to restore this characteristic.
Issues: 1. Susceptibility to Flooding
The topography of Staten Island’s North Shore lends itself to a series of hills and valleys along Bay Street. Tappen Park is located at the base of one such valley and lies only a foot above sea level. The result is a critical bottleneck for storm surge and pooling that can quickly inundate the area after heavy rain. The park currently is home to many trees and an open grass space that help absorb water; however, there is much room for additional water absorption.
2. Connections to Bay Street
Entry to park from Bay Street
There is a lack of fluid connectivity to Bay Street. The middle entry gate seems to remain closed for most of the year. The ornamented metal fences surrounding the park are attractive, provide a boundary, and add character to the park. However, they act as a barrier to the street, subtly discouraging people to enter the park.
3. Sidewalk Conditions
The sidewalks surrounding the park are in poor condition. Additionally, their unique brick pattern does not continue eastward, toward the Stapleton SIR station. This creates a visual disconnect between the park and SIR station. Furthermore, the width and number of street trees that surround the Tappen Park do not continue beyond the park’s borders.
Recommendations: 1. Create a depressed lawn
Section AA’: Cross section of Tappen Park and Bay Street looking from South to North tree branch radius = tree guard radius
Depress Tappen Park’s lawn by two feet so that it acts as a water retention basin that collects stormwater runoff during heavy rain and flooding and delays stormwater discharge to the existing Combined Sewer System at a controlled rate. The CSS of this portion of Staten Island is treated and maintained by the ‘Port Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant’. In terms of communal activity, the depressed area of the park can play the role of a vibrant festival space in the summer or an ice skating rink in the winter. It can also be utilized as a recreational pond after heavy rainfalls. In addition, careful considerations should be made to preserve the existing historical trees that are located in the site. These trees can be preserved by designing customized tree guards. Example of a similar project is the redevelopment of ‘Enghave Park’ in Vesterbro, Copenhagen designed by Danish architectural firm ‘Tredje Natur’.
TREE GUARD DETAILS: Where applicable, SIDA should install tree guards to protect existing trees. A one foot six inch (1’-6”) brick boundary would protect the trees’ roots. The tree guards could also accommodate casual seating arrangements. 3D rendering of Enghave Park before and after heavy rain
2. Improve sidewalk conditions and connectivity to Bay Street as well as make it resilient to flooding.
Section AA’: AA’: Close Magnified cross section Tappen Park and Bay Street looking from South North Section up cross section of of Tappen Park and Bay Street looking from South to to North
Illustration of a proposed vision for Tappen Park which includes Bioswales and a depressed lawn
a) Encourage the City to redesign the Bay Street entrances to the park. Doing so would make the park more accessible and inviting. It also creates a space where local street vendors could set up shop and encourage more festivals. This increased active use would create a more vibrant, livable streetscape. b) Extend the pedestrian red bricks. They should continue the red brick pavement eastward along Canal and Water Streets, past the SIR tracks, to Front Street- This would create a visible connection between the Stapleton SIR and Tappen Park, drawing people from one to the other. c) Implement Bioswales by expanding width of pedestrian street surrounding Tappen Park. Bioswales are a type of green infrastructure that Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) builds on City-owned sidewalks. We recommend that SIDA follow the NYC DEP ‘Standard Design Guidelines for Green Infrastructure Practices’ when implementing Bioswales. Also, the visual Section BB’: Magnified cross section of Tappen Park and Water Street viewed from East to West aesthetic of these planted areas should complement the Tappen Park landscape.
3. Renew Use of Edgewater Village Hall
Side view of Edgewater Village Hall
We propose the conversion of part of Edgewater Village Hall into a multi-purpose community center to be used for public meetings, community events, and various programming, in addition to the current health center. We recommend SIDA work with the NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation and HTCP to accomplish this. This plan would restore the building’s historic role as a gathering place for the community.
Digital Watercolor + Photo Realistic Renders
Elements: Adobe Photoshop +Indigo Renderer +AutoCad + Sketchup
The work samples were stitched together from projects I did as a student, intern, apprentice and a freelancer. Although, not necessarily in that order. They vary in nature and scope. However, hopefully they convey a common theme of designing spaces that are socially and climatically conscious as they respond to the requirements of people, places and the local ‘context’. For example, the aim of the Tappen Park project is to reestablish the park into a vibrant and active public space while at the same time equip it to be resilient to flooding and other climate challenges that have affected the shores of Staten Island. Similarly, repurposing Crown Street which is located in Crown height, Brooklyn into an organic fluid landscape is an exercise in ‘place-making’. This portfolio also highlights my design and illustration skills with Adobe products, Sketchup and AutoCAD. I have been developing methods to merge traditional forms of illustration such sketches and watercolor with modern methods such as digital art. For illustration samples visit: http://www.coroflot.com/RHD/Render-Experiments-Water-Marked In the end the objective is to design inclusive and climatically conscious public spaces. It remains a work in progress.
Rashedul Hasan Deepon
GRADUATE | HUNTER COLLEGE Urban Policy & Planning
For more examples of my work, please visit: URBAN DESIGN PROJECTS : www.coroflot.com/RHD/Urban-Projects 3D RENDERING : www.coroflot.com/RHD/Render-Experiments-Water-Marked WORK SAMPLES (ONLINE) : www.rhdportfolio.blogspot.com/
www.rhdportfolio.blogspot.com/
d33p0n@gmail.com
919-903-6706