BANGLADESH CHANCERY COMPLEX, BHUTAN | Shatotto

Bangladesh Chancery Complex and Ambassador’s Residence in Thimphu, Bhutan, is planned to be a low-storied building in a site two steps away from the Thimphu River, with a plot area of 1.5 acres, east, and west surrounded by the mountains belonging to the Himalayan range. A small-scaled humble project keeping socio-cultural context with every detail of Bhutan and Bangladesh combining, giving Bhutan her homage for the support during the war in 1971.

Bhutan gifted land to the Bangladesh government to construct its Embassy at Hejo in Thimphu. The total area of the site is 1.5 acres. The site is in a gorge in between mountains hence there is high-speed wind in summer and a blizzard (a severe snowstorm) in winter. The sun is always in the south and the rainfall count is 35-40mm approximately. Thimphu subtropical climate but very much influenced by Himalayas range and extraordinary bright sun. Thimphu Altitude is 2334m whereas Dhaka is 4m, Thimphu Latitude 27.4728oN, Longitude 89.6393oE.

Himalaya is a lifeline of Bhutan. Bangladeshi rivers are sourced from the Himalayas, where its last destination is at the Bay of Bengal; being a lifeline for both countries, the Himalayas is always cherished.

Creating togetherness:

• The land belongs to Bhutan but the building belongs to Bangladesh initially.
• Bangladesh is the largest delta on collecting the water to the “Bay of Bengal” created by the Himalayas.
• So, this land can be a land of water; philosophically a piece of “Bay of Bengal” touching the feet of Himalayas

 On the entrance, a six-inch-deep water sheet might be designed representing Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal touching the Himalayas and the frame itself embracing the image of Bhutan.

This is how Bangladesh will be giving her homage to Bhutan for this support during the war in 1971. Architectural philosophy was adapted from the landscape of both countries. The water and the mountain, the courtyard, and the rammed earth construction, all have an impact on the design decisions.

Bhutan being a highly earthquake-prone area, the reinforced rammed earth construction can be implied. Rammed earth building is tradition; as the thick wall is needed to trap the southern sun heat, to keep the building warm.  A courtyard gives a clear view of the Himalayas. The traditional roofing system is the pitch roof system, which is a story itself with the use of purling and detailing, emphasizing with lighting system at the night. Sustainability is one of the main concerns keeping the south open to let the heat in and the north closed to retain the wind. The incorporation of the pavilion is very appreciated in the land of dragons, with the walls being tapered.

Buddhism, the major religion in Bhutan was preached from Bangladesh. A sign of holiness is kept showing respect; water is a sign of holiness and purification, totally making everything tranquil. Colorful paint works on wood are very common in Bhutan tradition, thus the rickshaw art or "Nakshi Katha" can be fused with the tradition.