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Parliament Building in Dhaka

MESSBAUL

Tour Guide, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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One of the Best Works of Louis I. Kahn

Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban is the headquarters of the National Assembly of Bangladesh, located in the capital city of Dhaka. It was created by architect Louis I. Kahn and is one of the largest complexes of its kind in the world.

 

In 1961, work began on the building project Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban. Construction of the complex began in 1964. Its estimated cost was to be approximately $ 15 million. Construction works were completed in 1982 and their total cost was 32 million dollars. The solemn inauguration took place on 28 January 1982, the first meeting of Parliament held on 15 February 1982.

 

Jatiyo Sangsad complex occupies approximately 200 hectares of area. It includes the building of the National Assembly, hotels for members of parliament, ministers and secretaries. It is surrounded by attractive gardens with eucalyptus trees and lakes. The waters of one of the artificial lakes in direct contact with the walls of buildings.

 

National Assembly Building of Bangladesh is characterized by monumentality. The main part of the building (Bhaban) consists of nine blocks. Eight blocks of up to about 33 meters, surrounded by octagonal block in the center with a height of about 47 meters. Different blocks have different utility functions, but all are connected by a network of corridors, stairways and elevators. In order to ensure the free flow of air inside the building, on the external elevations have been made huge geometric-shaped holes in the triangles and rectangles, which are deeply recessed into the building. The building is 50 staircases, 340 toilets, 1,635 doors and 336 windows.