From Autocracy to Autonomy A Pa r a m e t r i c A p p r o a c h t o S l u m U p - g r a d a t i o n o f D h a k a Although slums are common phenomena in all the developing countries around the world, each slum has its own characteristics. Thus, no one solution can be put to solve all the generalized problems of the slums, as there is none, although, if analyzed deeply, some of the problems could be traced to a common problem. Therefore, a changable system has to be generated so that when faced with a unique situation, the system can adapt itself to that specific time and place, along wih the possibility of adding or subtracting bits of the solution in accordance to that situation, hence the parametric approach is selected, as “Parametric design is a process based on algorithmic thinking that enables the expression of parameters and rules that, together, define, encode and clarify the relationship between design intent and design response.�. Therefore, if the organic growth of slum can be related to the growth of a phylum, and each slum a different species, genetic algorithm can be used in order to optimize the relationship between the power of its own morphogenesis, and design rationales, in a symbiotic partnership for form finding process.
2600 Persons Bangladesh
5,31,000 Persons per sq miles A small portion of the photographs taken for the thesis from different slums , showing variety in nature although situated in a very close proximity. (in here, photographs contain Vashantek, Kamnrangir Char and Maniknagar Slum)
Slums of Bangladesh
Housing Delivery Systems in Bangladesh & The Areas This Thesis Covers Public Housing Subsystem
Private Housing Subsystem
Public SItes and Service Housing Subsystem
Private Formal Subsystem
Development AUthorities SIte and Service Scheme
Private Informal Subsystem
Co Operative Housing Subsystem
Slum Subsystem
Squatter Housing Subsystem Source: Addressing the Urban Poverty Agenda in Bangladesh: Critical Issues and the 1995 Survey Findings, Edited by Nazrul Islam, Nurul Huda, Francis B. Narayan, Pradumna B. Rana
Low Income
Regular
Purbachal Project (4.3%)
Low Income
Regular
Uttara 3rd Phase (7.5%)
Low Income
Regular
Jhilmil Project (1.2%)
The reason behind this project is quite obvious from the three diagrams above, as it seems that the supply and demand rate of informal settlements, or otherwise put, low income housing, is somewhat inversely related. But as it is a sensitive issue, one might wonder if low income housing should be promoted. The permanent answer to that question is decentralization may eradicate the need of marginal living. But the current economic condition of Bangladesh can not stop the migration to the capital. Therefore, slums can be thought as a kind of platform, that will give a person a shelter for a period while he may upgrade him/herself to the next economic level. Thus, the need of slum can not be nullified. Thus, the necessity of this project, where the challenge of the existings slums of Dhaka are to meet the population prediction for at least next fifty years, as well as providing with the autonomous life the dwellers deserve.