Visit to Bangladesh Parliament Building

by Dilwar Ali, Jaldian, 6th batch Engr

Last month, I was in Bangladesh and had the opportunity to visit Sangshad Bhaban for the very first time.  The complex is built on 200 acres of land.  Construction started in 1961, and took 23 years to complete; almost same time as Taj Mahal.  I have visited numerous renowned buildings around the globe but I have never ever been subjected to such an impressive structure that is perfectly blended with high tech, ESD, our culture and landscape.

A chandelier hanging from a metallic web, spanning the entire Presidential Plaza should have been in Guinness Book of Records as the largest spectacular one of its kind. This massive structure built with composite material and marble, resists ageing and shall always appear “sinking” in pristine water for thousands of years.  I was baffled as to how this massive structure without any supporting beams was standing upright! Complex, interwoven geometrical walls that created a “venturi effect” ensured fresh air flow.  At certain positions of the sun, rays of light illuminated through holes and gaps of this structure created unique special effect. I was frozen, enthralled.  The wall panels glowed through the reflection of moon light.

This is not a normal architecture but an epitome of extreme engineering. Probably Luis Kahn, the architect himself did not imagine that his creation would have made such an impact.  He has departed with this legacy where it will be admired by many more generations to come.

When I was leaving, I looked back, again and again, emotional, tearful; thinking about the architect who conceptualized this master piece could not revere the end product.

Please see this video: