• Transcending Transience: Reimagining Architecture For The Char Dwelling Communities Of Jamuna-Brahmaputra Of Bengal Delta

TRANSCENDING TRANSIENCE: REIMAGINING ARCHITECTURE FOR THE CHAR DWELLING COMMUNITIES OF JAMUNA-BRAHMAPUTRA OF BENGAL DELTA

Background

The mighty Brahmaputra, ranking as the ninth largest river globally in terms of discharge and the 15th longest, embarks on its journey as the Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibetan region before meandering into India and eventually flowing southwest into Bangladesh, where it assumes the name Jamuna. Among the major rivers within the Bengal delta, the Jamuna-Brahmaputra stands out as the most dynamic, boasting an impressive stream power. Despite possessing a smaller drainage basin compared to the Ganges, this majestic river showcases a steeper slope, a greater volume of flow, enhanced sediment transport, and a higher sediment composition. Consequently, it teems with a multitude of ever-shifting free and fixed bars, a testament to its braided nature.

The geographical and climatic factors that shape the Jamuna-Brahmaputra river system contribute to the perpetual boundary shifts, accentuating its inherently braided characteristics. However, this natural phenomenon exacts a heavy toll on the impoverished char dwellers who reside precariously along its ever-changing course. Each time the river surges and engulfs the char, these dwellers are forcibly uprooted, losing their homes and lands, or frantically attempting to salvage fragments of their existence as they journey toward new destinations. Their lives become entangled in an unending cycle of displacement, forever in motion from one char to another. Although their existence has perpetually been marked by transience, haunted by floods, river erosion, and other calamities, the architectural solutions in place have failed to resonate with their plight. The regular and frequent internal migrations within the char regions of this river system pose profound questions regarding the efficacy and adaptability of the current practices in addressing their needs.

• What should be the architecture for the inhabitants of these ever-shifting riverine char islands with various climatic stressors and how to develop a deployable structure as an ideal unit considering the contextual scenario?
• How can we rethink the cluster pattern by studying their inherent adaptabilities and necessary needs which can mitigate the effects of climatic catastrophes?

The study aims to address the disparity between existing architecture and the transient nature of the char regions. Through qualitative research on the region's morphology and architectural practices, the goal is to reimagine cluster patterns and interventions that align with the transient lifestyle of the community. The study's outcome will be the creation of a comprehensive manual, empowering the community to construct structures utilizing locally available materials, ensuring ease of dismantling, shifting, and reassembling as per their exigencies. Additionally, the manual will encompass guidelines for the community to employ natural interventions, facilitating adaptability and mitigation of the perils associated with natural calamities.

Site Selection & Analysis: 

Based on the persistence map of the charlands of Jamuna-Brahmaputra, chars which age more than 10 years old were marked. Based on existing literature and the persistence map Shushua char, Bhuapur, Tangail was chosen. Its boundary has been changing from the very beginning as the course of the river does the same. Shushuar Char was analysed in three segments:

• The Moving Island (The char): 

As a part of the complex braided river system the boundary of this char is constantly shifting. Most area of the char is agricultural land with scattered elevated linear clusters. During monsoon the agriculture lands are flooded for months.

• Islands Within the Island (The clusters): 

The moving island is characterized by linear clusters that align with the land plots and the direction of the river flow. During the monsoon season, these clusters resemble floating islands within the Jamuna-Brahmaputra river. The inhabitants rely on boats for transportation between clusters when the wet season inundates the area. Access to households is primarily facilitated through a single road known as Bahirbari. Ponds are rare within the clusters as they often become filled with sand after the monsoon. The presence of Eucalyptus plantations, despite their impact on water levels and exacerbating dry season droughts, is driven by the need for wood in house construction. In addition to households, the clusters also incorporate public spaces such as schools and shops.

• The Last Hope (The Household):

In the unfortunate event where the inhabitants lose everything, their sole remaining source of hope lies within the confines of their resilient dwelling. The households within the char regions consist of multiple structures surrounding a central courtyard, reminiscent of traditional Bengali houses. These structures serve various functions, including living spaces, storage areas, cattle sheds, baths, and toilets. For the components that need to be transported during migration, such as storage units and living spaces, materials like wood and CI sheet are utilized. The remaining structures are constructed using bamboo, jute sticks, CI sheet, and other suitable materials. Due to the nomadic lifestyle and no specific technique, patchworks are prevalent in these structures. Regrettably, the building techniques employed generally lack a reflection of the need for mobility, rendering the process of relocation time-consuming, arduous, and inefficient. The migration process involves three essential steps: dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the structures in a new location.

Design Approach: 

Keeping the questions in mind the design approach has been done in two sectors- 

• The Last Hope: 

The primary objective is to formulate a comprehensive procedure that would alleviate the challenges faced by the ever-shifting lifestyle of the inhabitants of the char regions. Through a meticulous assessment of households, materials, and techniques, an approach involving a dismantlable structural technique is proposed as a solution. The central focus of this structural framework lies in its joineries, which serve as pivotal components. To facilitate convenient assembly and disassembly, fixed joineries and components are recommended. These components can be constructed using locally available bamboo, while the joineries themselves can be crafted from durable materials such as metal or PVC pipes, thus obviating the need for extensive repairs during the reassembly process, avoiding patchworks. The structure can be easily disassembled by following a few specific steps, allowing for swift relocation during migration. The joineries, be they fabricated from metal or PVC pipes, can be industrialized to meet the needs of the numerous char dwellers residing in this riverine delta. Furthermore, this technique extends beyond individual households, as it can be applied to construct communal structures such as schools and healthcare centres, allowing for a larger scale of implementation. The architectural form is characterized by its simplicity, with a focus on a cohesive and integrated structure rather than complex roofing systems that rely heavily on the underlying elements. The houses can be expanded by incorporating additional modules to accommodate a greater number of functions, depending on the size of the family. Each unit can be tailored to fulfil specific functional requirements, with the inclusion of partition walls. Both stories of the house can serve as living spaces or storage areas. Furthermore, the modular units can integrate other practices commonly observed among char dwellers, such as poultry farming and pigeon coops, thus enhancing the self-sufficiency and livelihood opportunities of the inhabitants. And as part of the migration process, the storage units can be transformed into floating structures capable of transporting the dismantled housing units to new destinations, ensuring a seamless transition. The utilization of bamboo as the principal structural element presents several advantages, including its rapid growth, affordability, ease of transportation, and its contribution to soil erosion control. Embracing a sustainable approach, the planting of bamboo within the household (along the periphery of the cluster) and its integration as a fundamental component ensures the well-being of the dwellers, eschewing the use of costly and burdensome Eucalyptus, which also adversely affects groundwater levels.

• Islands within Island:

To enhance adaptability in the face of uncertain circumstances, a comprehensive redesign of the linear cluster is proposed, incorporating strategic planting initiatives, private-shared ponds, and communal areas. It is imperative to ensure that the height of the cluster remains above the 50-year flood level, thus safeguarding its resilience against flooding events. A reimagined cluster layout entails situating ponds amidst the households, thereby offering alternative livelihood opportunities during the wet season when arable lands become inundated. A deliberate plantation scheme along the cluster's periphery is indispensable, effectively addressing both erosion concerns and the declining water levels. The integration of bamboo as a key planting choice assumes paramount significance, as it replaces the need for eucalyptus while simultaneously assisting in soil erosion prevention. Moreover, a communal space is proposed at the heart of the cluster, taking into consideration the optimal proximity between clusters. This communal area would serve as a hub for weekly markets, workshops on innovative construction techniques, and the exploration of alternative livelihood options. Additionally, during the wet season, it would function as a docking point for boats. Recognizing the inevitability of cyclic movement, the communal space could also serve as a temporary shelter for individuals who have recently lost their lands, providing solace and support during times of calamity. 

The distribution of prefabricated joineries among the char dwellers, coupled with the promotion of using local materials, greatly facilitates the swift shifting of the structures alongside helps the community to move forward toward sustainability. During migration the dwellers need to dismantle the structure (joineries, bamboo, wall and roof panels).. In order to brace for the swift and profound alterations in erosion and accretion patterns, as well as cater to the needs of a transient landless population affected by such changes, a proposal is put forth for a modular mobile unit which boasts qualities of affordability, sturdiness, and swift assembly and disassembly, requiring minimal labor. The design of the modular mobile housing unit embraces a novel vernacular approach, utilizing locally available materials and incorporating robust joineries. This architectural framework draws inspiration from the time-honoured vernacular language of the Bengal Delta, which has ingrained itself deeply in the collective consciousness of the local population. By embracing this design philosophy, the proposed housing unit becomes culturally appropriate and resonates with the regional identity.