Re-adaptaion of a Functional Hospital Heritage from Sociological Perspective: Case Study of Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh

Abstract

Historic buildings provide tangible reminders of the illustrious history of Bangladesh. These have significant emotional worth in addition to their architectural, artistic, historic, and iconic significance. They are a part of country’s tradition and serve as emblems of its cultural identity. In order to maintain cultural history for a civic society that cherishes its past and cares for future generations, architectural heritage preservation is crucial in any urban context. Located in the heart of Bangladesh, the old Dhaka region is home to the Dhaka Medical College (DMC), a priceless piece of cultural history. The historical core of the city is a prime option for architectural and urban area conservation due to the exceptional quality of the spaces and the concentration of numerous historic buildings. This research looks for a way to revitalise the hospital without changing its original purpose or architectural design. Since the authority recently threatened to demolish the heritage building due to the so-called development of multi-storey solutions, which ultimately led to the haphazard trend of rapid urbanisation, the conservation plan or policy may be developed for adaptive reuse of the structure. In Bangladesh’s challenging circumstances, the research’s potential findings could help the relevant authorities adopt fair and appropriate practices for successful conservation, drawing inspiration from successful case studies overseas for coordinating various efforts to achieve the desired goal. The study may attempt to offer some recommendations and suggestions for combining the resources available for longterm, sustainable cultural heritage management.