An individually chosen project, its rational builds on the River Halda being theonly tidal river of Bangladesh from where naturally produced fertilized eggs of four major carps, Rohu, CatlaCatla, Mrigal and Kalibaush, are collected and hatched in the mud made scoop on the river bank. River Halda awakening works to bring together functions of awareness and research, through methods that will empower the local community. Aimed to address the deteriorating condition along the river perimeter, the project focuses on approaching the site with an intention to conserve the natural heritage, promote knowledge on an asset of this country, increase a depleting economy through community involvement.

The site has been chosen to be relatively away from the main biological activity zone, and more near to the Karnuphuli River, where the scale of public activity is already high. This also ensures that no environmental harm affects the breeding grounds, that is only accessible through local guidance. The chosen area includes hatcheries, a proposed ecological park and some fishermen habitats within a short periphery.

River Halda research awareness and training center involves interactive functions, such workshops by the locals, which work together with a research unit and exhibition spaces relative to this river.  Perspectives of awareness are addressed through introduction of environmentally favorable tourist activity and learning through interactive methods of engagement with nature. The prime element holding the river edge soil compact are tree roots. Taking each existing tree trunk to be a seed or source point, a Voronoi diagram of the site is developed to ensure sensitive location of built volumes within the present nature, keeping all trees intact. The project aspires to bring back the method of learning through apprenticeship under the locals during the workshops and training programs. This helps encourage the use of native methods and allows a sense of belonging and responsibility to develop within. Intending to inspire further development along the river and increase cultural impact, the project adapts to using locally available materials, such as bamboo and earth.  Recycled wood shingles and metal are to be sourced from the ship breaking yards of Chittagong. A modern interpretation of the construction methods used by the residents along the river edge structures the project into having a floating roof and elevated platform held by vertical elements, realizing the concept of “touch the ground lightly.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-12AMyUB77E