Planning and Designing a Central Place by Integrating Multiple Uses: A Hybrid Model Approach for Developing a Sustainable Town Centre at Baze Silinda, Rajshahi

Abstract

Town Centre is the social hub of the town in which the central services of the highest order are found. Rajshahi is a divisional city and also known as educational city. Though Rajshahi is a divisional city, no significant development has yet been taken place. The master plan of Rajshahi has been taken for the year 2004-2024, in which several development proposals are suggested. Among of these development proposals, development of a new town Centre is an important one. Baze Silinda is one of the proposed town Centre. The objectives of the study are to develop a town centre by approaching hybrid model and integrating multiple uses and to provide some recommendations for sustainable development of the town centre. In order to develop this town Centre hybrid model has been used which is a combination of sector model, vertical city model and smart growth city model. The existing condition of the site is dominated by agricultural sectors. Site area is about 533 acres. The whole development of the site has been divided into five blocks. Block “A” is for high class residents with higher community facilities. Block “B” and Block “C” are for middle and low class residents, Block “D” for commercial purpose and Block “E” for mixed land use development. The commercial and industrial zone of the project has been developed based on the sector model and vertical city model. The residential area follows smart growth planning techniques. Physical and social surveys have been conducted to collect relevant data for developing sustainable town Centre. Arc GIS software has also been used to generate a number of maps to show the different land use zones and the proposed facilities. The study provides a clear portrait of the development of a town center. It also provides Safe and secure road networks with pedestrian walkways. The total development creates a sustainable, better and healthy environment.