Analysis and identification of the spatial pattern in Rajshahi old town

Abstract

Cities and Settlement arc in a continuous process of change, readjustment and evolution. Rajshahi old town is no exception, which epitomizes a long history of urbanization. Local culture and the way of life had always been a unique modifier to absorb or adapt that is new, in its folds. It is through this process of change and adjustments that urban areas remain relevant and useful in a contemporary setting.Thoughchange and adaptability are fundamentalaspects of livelyand growing scttlementsyet when change is too fust or out of context, it creates problems of harmoniousdevelopment.The generictype that is unfolded through the studies shows clues to a hidden order that provides a distinctive pattern to an indigenous settlement. Due to the rapid pace of urbanization during the post-independence period it has witnessed fust morphologieal changes, sometimes disruptive to the community and spatial structure. It is a general belief that previously Rajshahi old town was more vibrant, dynamic and liveable, outdoor spaces were more responsive. The spaces including the streets, GOLl (lane) and GHATS (terrace along water body) contributed towards community interaction, while buildingsand courtyardswere well embedded-inthe cohesiveurban fubricproducinga suslainableenvironment.The older locality is still more preferred for living than the newer parts of the city. What arc the ingredients that make the old city or its outdoor spaces so vibrant? The research explores for the answer. Rajshahi old town in general was studied to understand the context and than a specific area was identified for detail observation. The Urban designers belonging to the urban form debate consider the city as the produet of the generative funetional systems of architecture and thus of urban space. However they don't rejeet the role of geo-climatie, politico-economic, socio-cultural and technological forces in shaping the liveability. Based on these premises, Spatial Pattern of Rajshahi Old Town is critically analysed, in order to identify the component contributing to its unique spatial pattern and to formulate (optional) a development guideline with in the contemporary context, the study encompasses on the analysis, identification and documentation of the spatial pattern in the old town milieu. The study also identifiesthe traditional spatial order in the Rajshahi Old Town and its relationship ,vith the street and the building including open space and the building. The objectiveof the study was to analyse and identifythe spatial pattern of Rajshahi Old Town- that has been carefully done and a way forward has becn included for the professionals."Identificationof a pattern is a discovery in the sense that, it is a discovery of a relationship betwecn context, forces and relationships in space, which holds absolutely".