“নব ধারা” Bangladesh Survey and Settlement Academy is a thesis project by Nafisa Naher Ishe developed at BRAC University, under the guidance of studio facilitators Dr. Mohammad Habib Reza, Mohammad Zillur Rahman, Jalal Ahmed, and Naim A Kibria. The project is located in Kabirpur, Savar, covering 7.6 acres. It proposes a dedicated institutional facility for land surveying and settlement training, responding to the growing shift toward digital land record management and the need for structured, practical learning environments in Bangladesh.
The idea behind the project comes from the country’s ongoing transition toward digitalization in land surveying and record-keeping. As systems become more advanced and technology-driven, the need for skilled training environments becomes essential. This academy is designed to support trainees, instructors, and related academic functions within one integrated campus, creating a focused environment for learning, practice, and development in the field of land management.
The site at Kabirpur, Savar holds a strong ecological character that has shaped the design approach. Over the years, the area was defined by dense vegetation and distinct wetland patterns, many of which have gradually disappeared due to urban pressure and environmental change. The project responds to this loss by attempting to reestablish the ecological framework that existed around 2004, reconnecting fragmented wetland systems and restoring the natural flow of the landscape wherever possible.
Existing mature Akashmoni and Koroi trees are preserved as important ecological assets of the site. At the same time, construction is carefully limited in areas with younger vegetation to minimize disruption to the natural environment. This balance between preservation and intervention allows the project to grow within the landscape rather than replacing it.
The design also respects the social life of the site. An existing playground, which functions as a community space for nearby residents and hosts local events, is retained as an important public element. The site is divided by a main road, creating two functional zones, while a pedestrian route along the southern edge is introduced to improve movement and accessibility, especially toward the eastern part of the site.
Overall, “নব ধারা” presents a thoughtful integration of ecology, education, and community, showing how architecture can restore natural systems while supporting meaningful learning environments.
