It is not only the flyovers that are a recent addition. Around mid-90 when glass wall shopping malls appeared in the city such as Rapa Plaza in Dhanmondi and so on, people wondered how on earth had this become possible! What if somebody broke the glass? Such was the mindset then. From then on, many other shopping malls and commercial buildings emerged whose walls were made of glass. On August 6, 2004, one of the largest shopping malls in South Asia named Bashundhara City Shopping Complex was inaugurated. It was an incredible sight for the eyes! With roof and walls made of glass as well as steel - moreover with an underground gymnasium, multiplex cinema, theme park, ice skating rink, etc - the existence of the 19-floor building complex covering an area of 1,91,200 square feet was almost miraculous. In 2019, Dhaka boasts of many modern structures that are surely a delight for the eyes.
Modern architecture not only saves space but appears very artistic and lavish. The breathtaking view of Grameen Phone centre at Bashundhara R/A, created all the way with glass walls that glimmer with lights during the evening and reflect the light of the sun during the day, is sure to stop every art connoisseur passing by. Take the building of East West Media Group Ltd, located in Bashundhara R/A, as another example. The creative, asymmetrical shape in which sunlight plays with the tinted glasses during the day is both intriguing and engaging. This media house is a classic example of how enriched an entire neighborhood looks in the presence of a modern building.
People in Dhaka are now embracing the modern approach not just for commercial buildings but for residential constructions as well. Certain areas in the city (Nikunja, Gulshan, etc) consist of futuristic buildings that really mesmerize all those who pass that specific road. In Nikunja for example, large windows, flat roofs and atypical shapes such as cubic or cylindrical glorify the entire vicinity. It is not just the houses and corporate spaces that offer the serenity of modern era. Many recreational sites and cafes are also now donning the look. In fact, it is next to impossible to find a well-known café or restaurant with old designs (without sliding glass/glass walls, minimalist design and other modern amenities).
There is simplicity in modern interior design that has given it everlasting relevance. This is perhaps the main reason behind its growing popularity. Modern homes and workspaces have clean lines and are without fuss, yet they can be comfortable and cozy. The global modernists moved to the stillness of neutral walls after murals and wallpapers seemed too ‘messy’ for them. In our own country, though we always advocated white walls, there had always been something too complicated or congested in our designing which is why we have surrendered to this modern movement without any hesitation.
A modernist aesthetic is not limited to a specific style and this means you can experiment with a plethora of ideas. It does not limit shapes, sizes or anything. On the contrary, the more creatively shaped a building is, the more luxurious it appears. Play with light- different shades of light, keeping the entire design uncomplicated as the best moments in life come from simple things.
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