Morphological study of mixed-use functions in an unplanned area of Dhaka

Abstract

Mixed functions have been an urban design principle for ensuring vitality and land-use efficiency. Dhaka exhibits a mix of planned-unplanned areas where unplanned areas offer an understanding of spontaneous mix of uses. Historically, Dhaka’s land use was primarily mixed which existed within the old fabric and later expanded in different areas. By the end of 20th Century, Dhaka’s land use was identified as ‘predominantly mixed-use functions. Presently, the extent and functional complexities of mixed functions have created a composite land use where mixed functions work in connection with their associated morphologies. These interconnections are fundamental for comprehending cities’ operations. Urban design theories assert that morphological element and their attributes guide land-use patterns. Conversely, in unplanned areas, mixes develop spontaneously within organic morphologies. Hence, complex integrations of mixed functions require investigation to explore the logic – how unplanned morphologies sustain mixed functions.

This study thus employs an empirical approach to explore interconnections between mixed functions and associated morphologies in unplanned areas which have remained underexplored in previous studies. The Study area, Moghbazar (wards-19,34,35) is an old unplanned area where mixes have evolved for decades within organic morphologies. The area’s proximity to the urban center and business district influences it’s functional diversity. Hence, Moghbazar is an appropriate context to understand processes of spontaneous mix of uses by investigating alliances of different uses and their interconnections with urban morphology.

The findings depict spontaneously developed extensive mixed functions are evident throughout the study area, ranging from primary to secondary and tertiary roads. In the study area, these mixes have been found to be developed in different spatial layers –both horizontally (at street level within buildings and as informal street traders) and vertically (stacked through vertical extension of non-residential functions). These mix of uses work in connection with the associated morphologies – streets, plots, and densities. Mostly the mixed functions seek better accessibility for their business and prevail along the primary nodes, well-accessible roads connected to primary roads. Non-residential mixes are mostly seen on larger plots and residential mixed functions commonly develop on small plots. The mix of functions occurs more in the mid-high density (FAR) plots. These plots mostly have high coverage and more floors of these buildings hold diverse mixes.