Bartlett Research Conversations: Tanjina Khan and Selda Banci

Reimagining Urban Living: Functional Adaptation and Sustainability in Dhaka’s Residential Architecture

Speaker: Tanjina Khan
Supervisors: Professor Peter Bishop and Professor Eva Branscome 

Abstract

The densely populated city of Dhaka is experiencing rapid change, and the conversion of existing building uses through both formal and informal processes. This phenomenon is particularly evident in urban residential and commercial building blocks. These buildings operate as complex adaptive systems where diverse functions radically transition into one another. In the context of a developing nation, embracing flexibility and urban functional adaptation not only fosters resilience but also promotes efficient resource utilisation and cost effectiveness, thereby mitigating environmental impact. In contrast, the spontaneous nature of this flexible reuse of buildings gives rise to complex urban challenges, including fire safety, biohazards, transportation congestion, and security concerns for the local population. Nevertheless, it continues to be a widely adopted practice among owners, users, developers, and designers. This study primarily aims to investigate these adaptation processes, with particular emphasis on residential structures, to evaluate their capacity to address diverse functional changes. By understanding the complex distribution and demand for various functions, this study will provide a valuable contribution to the existing discourse on the planning and design of socio-urban infrastructure that will facilitate sustainable living communities, not only in Dhaka but also in global cities with similar complexities.

#Building Connections - British Culture on the move in Postwar Türkiye 

Speaker: Selda Banci 
Supervisor: Professor Sophia Psarra 

Abstract

Turco-British cultural relations entered a formal phase with the establishment of the British Council in 1934 and the opening of its Ankara office in 1940. The Council’s mission was to promote British culture internationally, fostering deeper connections and enhancing global appreciation for Great Britain. In Türkiye, particularly during and after World War II, the British Council actively worked to shape a positive image of Britain through English language teaching, exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, broadcasts, and publications. This period also saw the movement of people, artistic objects and exchanging knowledge and ideas. This research examines the architectural dimension of these cultural encounters, drawing on archival research and primary sources. It explores how architecture mediated cultural encounters, held dialogue between the two nations, and served as a medium for transmitting culture.

About The Bartlett Research Conversations

The Bartlett School of Architecture’s Research Conversations seminars comprise work-in-progress and upgrade presentations by students undertaking the Architectural Design MPhil/PhD and Architectural and Urban History and Theory MPhil/PhD. All current UCL staff and students are welcome to attend.

Held regularly throughout the academic year, the seminars are attended by the Programme Directors, Professor Sophia Psarra and Dr Nina Vollenbröker; PhD Coordinators, Dr Stamatis Zografos and Dr Stelios Giamarelos; and other PhD supervisors.

Image: Functional mixing, adaptation, fluidit, Map: www.openstreetmap.org, Tanjina Khan