SHIKOR - The Presence of Absence (Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose Center for Scientific Research)

Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, a famous Bengali scientist who was born in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. He made outstanding contributions to Physics and Botany. He invented Electromagnetic Radiation which results in today's 5G internet, he was the first man who proved that plants have life. His ancestor's house in Munshiganj has been neglected for many years. He was not being honored in his birthplace. The project aims to revive Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose House for the global community through plant science museum and plant research center. 

In addition, it is known from the Global Innovation Index that the position of Bangladesh is far behind in terms of research, which may be due to the lack of proper facilities for laboratories. The purpose of this project also questioned what 21st century laboratory architecture should be. Bangladesh cannot fall behind in this age of technology if Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, who came from a rural background at that time, was able to make a stir in the world. Thus, the birthplace of Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose can be a place of inspiration for future scientists.

Therefore, the project begins at Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose's birthplace, where his roots are traced. Through all of this, the Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose Museum and Laboratory will inspire future generations, laboratory infrastructure in Bangladesh can be developed, and Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose will receive the respect he is entitled to.

Site Analysis

The site is located in a place called Rarikhal in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. Site area is 13.5 acres. The Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose School and College building located on the site is being newly constructed on the adjoining land. There is also an old building on the site known as Suruzabala Saha Bhavan which Suruzabala Saha herself donated to the Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose Committee and relocated. It is currently being used as teachers' accommodation. The site is surrounded by 7 ponds and has numerous old trees. Identifying the existing trees are there because tree presence is essential for plant research. Since the location is inside the Arial Beel Zone, the water level has been taken into consideration during design.

Concept

There are two considerations to approach the concept. The first comes from Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose's philosophy, and the second is from site analysis.

·        As per the literature authored by Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, the coexistence of living and non-living entities embodies his principles, which he unveiled throughout his life through his diverse explorations. 

·        Since the site is a flood-prone area, the museum has been conceived as a green backdrop to highlight Sir J.C Bose's house rather than submerging it underground.

·        By studying the local houses of Munshiganj, it is known that the houses being elevated preserve the biodiversity of the place. On the other hand, the Bose house facade can be proportionately divided into solid voids to create a new style of architecture.

·        The project may also include lab experimental plant exhibition where people can listen to plant's voice, plant’s waves through a device in different tones. One can feel the pulse of the tree and gain more knowledge about the tree.

The eastern part of the project is the researchers' zone, where they can conduct indoor and outdoor research. The western area is the public zone where one can learn about the flora-fauna which will make them realize the importance of trees in the present time. Efforts have been made to minimize reshaping the natural elements present on the site. An attempt has been made to enrich the existing flora-fauna which will be reflected as Sir J.C Bose’s philosophy and also memorable to the general public and researchers.