Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban

Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban
Type	National Assembly Building
Architectural style	Modern
Structural system	Reinforced concrete
Location	Dhaka, Bangladesh
Started	1961
Completed	1982
Cost	Tk 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000)
Architect	Louis Kahn

Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (Bengali: জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন Jatio Shôngshod Bhôbon) is the National Assembly Building of Bangladesh, located in the capital Dhaka. It was created by architect Louis I. Kahn and is one of the largest legislative complexes in the world. It houses all parliamentary activities of Bangladesh.

Historical information

There have been nine national elections in Bangladesh. The first and second Parliaments used the Old Shangshad Bhaban, which currently serves as the Prime Minister's Office.
Construction of the Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban began in 1961 by the Government of Pakistan as a permanent building for the federal legislature of both West and East Pakistan. However, it was the eighth (and last) session of the second parliament of Bangladesh that first used it on 15 February 1982 after its construction was completed on 28 January of the same year. The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban has been in operation and has acted as the sole complex used as the National Assembly ever since.
Jatiya Shangshad was designed by Louis Kahn. First, Mazharul Islam was given to design Jatiya Shangshad Bhaban by the government. But, Islam brought his teacher Louis Kahn into the project to do a signifant work for future generation.

Data

The parliament building at night

• Beginning of construction: 1961
• Cost of construction and design: Tk. 129 crore or 1.29 billion (=1,290,000,000)
• Inauguration: 28 January 1982
• Architect: Louis I. Kahn
• Total area: 200 acres (800,000 m²)
• Location: Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Number of Parliaments: 7 (seven)
• GIS coordinates: 23.762465°,90.378545°

History of use by Parliament

Seven Parliaments, including the current one led by Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister, have used the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban as the assembly building:

1. Second Parliament: 2 years 11 months (2 April 1979 - 24 March 1982)
2. Third Parliament: 1 year 5 months (10 July 1986 - 6 December 1987)
3. Fourth Parliament: 2 years 7 months (15 April 1988 - 6 December 1990)
4. Fifth Parliament: 4 years 8 months (5 April 1991 - 24 November 1995)
5. Sixth Parliament: 12 days (19 March 1996 - 30 March 1996)
6. Seventh Parliament: 5 years (14 July 1996 - 13 July 2001)
7. Eighth Parliament: 5 years (28 October 2001 - 27 October 2006)

Architecture and design

Close view of the building

Louis Kahn designed the entire Jatiyo Sangsad complex, which includes lawns, lake and residences for the Members of the Parliament (MPs).Location and basic layout
The enclave, situated in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, is bounded by four major streets:

• Lake Road to the North;
• Rokeya Sarani to the East;
• Manik Mia Avenue to the South; and
• Mirpur Road to the West.

The main building (the Bhaban) is divided into three parts:

1. The Main Plaza: 823,000 square feet (76,000 m²)
2. South Plaza: 223,000 square feet (21,000 m²)
3. Presidential Plaza: 65,000 square feet (6,000 m²)

The main building is at the center of the complex. The outer parts of the complex include the MP hostel. An intricately designed lake surrounds the main building.

Design philosophy

Kahn's key design philosophy optimizes the use of space while representing Bangladeshi heritage and culture. External lines are deeply recessed by porticoes