A living threshold – where science meets society re-designing the national museum of science and technology, Agargaon, Dhaka

Abstract

The National Museum of Science and Technology in Agargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh has been redesigned with a vision of creating a vibrant urban interface ,a living civic threshold where society and science meet. The project reimagines the museum as an open, accessible, and socially engaging space that blends in perfectly with Dhaka's urban fabric, going beyond the notion of a contained institutional edifice. The museum endeavors to become a hub for education, social interaction, and community involvement in a place with public areas and cultural connections. The proposed architectural concept is envisioned as a dynamic journey of scientific exploration, guiding visitors through a series of interconnected zones dedicated to inquiry, experimentation, and innovation. The spatial layout, circulation patterns, and sensory transitions are intentionally crafted to reflect the stages of scientific investigation where curiosity initiates a process of discovery and insight. Prioritizing contextual sensitivity, ecological responsibility, and immersive design strategies, the project aims to create environments that are both instructive and engaging. This thesis investigates how architectural design can reconceptualize the conventional museum into a vibrant urban forum for exploration and exchange, fostering connections between scientific understanding and the rhythms of everyday life in Bangladesh