Bangal Sthapati: Police Cafe, an innovative cafe project idea, initiated by The Sirajganj District Police Cooperative Society aimed at strengthening positive relationships between the law enforcement agency and the community. Driven by the vision of the Sirajganj District Police Chief, the goal was to create an inviting space where families and friends could enjoy food amid greenery that evokes interaction with each other and builds community spirit.
Inspired by the beautiful old trees around the Karola site, the philosophy of the design had aimed at harmonizing the cafe with the existing landscape. Due to its proximity to a major road, careful consideration had to be made in maximizing visibility towards attracting pedestrians while still considering privacy and intimacy within the space. A rectilinear form was chosen to enhance exposure while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. The facade had big panes of glass that allowed full view inside, inviting every passerby into the space.
The interior layout included a large dining area and open kitchen at the front meant for transparency of operation and to improve flow; semi-private cabin-like areas allow privacy by putting people in close, intimate spaces away from the direct views of the road. These areas will allow visitors to enjoy their time while immersed in nature, and thereby offer a calm environment from the surrounding bustle. Applying principles of passive cooling techniques through large south-facing windows allowed ample daylight inside, natural ventilation, reducing artificial lighting and mechanical systems.
Cross ventilation was ensured through using operable windows to enable airflow for improving indoor air quality for environmental sustainability, as well as user comfort. The material palette was strongly governed by a sustainability emphasis with locally sourced materials including bamboo mats on the ceiling and corrugated industrial sheet roofing. It reflected a commitment not only to regional craftsmanship but also ecological responsibility, revealing a warm and textured environment.
The entrance courtyard was envisioned to extend the landscape outside, with green spaces interspersed with softened pavers subtly narrating the natural history of the site. Sensitive exterior lighting complemented the ambiance of the cafe; uplights softly illuminated the surrounding trees, enabling the landscape to an enchanting setting after dark. Footlights along the paths led visitors through while providing the least amount of light so as not to disturb the natural ambiance of the site.
Throughout the process, our vision was to thoughtfully highlight relationship between the built environment and nature with this café design, introducing a fresh perspective to Sirajganj's dining scene, where traditional designs have often missed ecological integration. It's our small effort to redefine the restaurant architecture here, keeping priority on community involvement, environmental concern for the creation of space, enabling people to get together, share their bonding, and finally care for the environment while building up a healthy relationship with the local law enforcement agency.
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