Surrounded by the calm and greenery of Chattogram Cantonment lies a small yet remarkable structure that transforms the simple act of waiting into an experience. The Parental Shed at Chattogram Cantonment Public College is not just a waiting space, it is a thoughtfully designed environment where parents can relax, enjoy the surroundings, and feel connected to the college’s serene landscape. Established in 1978 and administered by the Bangladesh Army, the college grounds are already known for their quiet charm, and this shed adds a touch of architectural elegance that complements the setting.
Completed in 2020 by Vector Plinth, the project was brought to life by the design team of Muhammad Jabed Iqbal Rupam, Mohammad Faisal Sabri, and Akramul Hossien Bappy. With construction by IBeam Construction Limited and technical support from engineers, supervisors, and illustrators, the shed emerged as a seamless combination of functionality, comfort, and artistic vision.
The structure’s pentagonal shape immediately draws attention, breaking away from the conventional boxy forms often seen in small waiting areas.
This geometric form creates a sense of movement and flow, guiding visitors through the space naturally. The architects amplified this effect with full-height, inclined curtain glass walls that let the surrounding greenery spill into the interior. These angled glass panels not only protect the space from direct sunlight and heat but also frame views of the landscape in a way that feels deliberate and artistic.
Though the shed occupies a modest 1100 square feet within a 2000 square foot site, the design makes it feel far larger. By avoiding internal columns, the architects ensured a free, open environment where circulation is effortless. Visitors can move comfortably around the seating areas without feeling confined, and sunlight pours in through roof-high glass dividers, creating a luminous, airy interior. Ceramic roof tiles were chosen to reduce heat and make the shed a cool refuge even on warm days, while the thoughtful layout of seating encourages conversation, reflection, or simply enjoying the quiet outdoors from within a comfortable shelter.
Transparency plays a key role in the shed’s appeal. With walls that connect the interior and exterior, the structure becomes a place where nature and man-made design coexist in harmony. Light and shadow shift throughout the day, highlighting the textures of the materials and the changing greenery outside. Height variations in the landscape, paired with resting areas, invite visitors to pause, relax, and experience the space in multiple ways.
The Parental Shed is proof that even small spaces can be transformed with creativity and care.
It is a place where parents can wait comfortably, yet it also stands as a subtle celebration of architecture, light, and nature. By blending openness, functionality, and a dialogue with the surroundings, Vector Plinth has created a space that is not only practical but also inviting, serene, and visually inspiring. In every angle, every glass panel, and every sunlit corner, the shed communicates a simple idea: waiting can be an experience, not a chore, and even the smallest structure can leave a lasting impression.
