dray
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Aachha thik hai - let me solve this issue once and for all.
Dhaka architecture has its unique quality in that everything is locally designed by very talented, internationally renowned, award-winning architects. I personally like Dhaka Architecture better only for the simple reason that I've personally known many of the teachers and students personally and am aware about the quality of their artistry and their work. I am not aware of any commercial building in the subcontinent that has Bengali, Hindi or Urdu poetry inscribed all over it's sides. But Dhaka has one. Dhaka's architecture is an extension and a delicate reflection of its cultural aura and scene as well as practical considerations given its tropical location and seasons. Ten years ago Dhaka as a modern architectural showcase was probably ahead of Kolkata - but now, I'm not so sure.
On the other hand - Kolkata has had lots of real estate investments very recently made by (among others) larger Indian commercial groups like DLF. So its face is recently more modern in some cases. The town-planning and investments have been done professionally (especially in Rajarhat and Salt Lake Sector 5 near the airport) and the infrastructure is quite nice. This is a result of IT BPO and call-center business moving into town because of higher salaries in the rest of India. As a result the IT parks have seen huge investments by Indian companies in new buildings and road infrastructure. Lots of work by the renowned Charles Correa and Hafeez Contractor among others.
However Dhaka's architecture is well ahead in modernity even compared to the rest of the subcontinent. There is no reason why Dhaka should not boast of its modernity - even as some uninformed people in the subcontinent may see Dhaka as a 'provincial' place. Dhaka's movement of modernity in architecture goes back to the mid-1800's and has a record of urbanity no less glorious than Kolkata.
This being said - you cannot feel the architectural vibe of either city if you are not actually in town and in person to see the buildings. Just a few images on the internet does not give a proper contextual feel. And Kolkata maybe far ahead today - but Dhaka is just getting started building its new planned suburbs and exurbia, with both residential and commercial areas. New areas like Purbachal, Nikunjo etc. are just coming up and this is only a start. I hope the new neighborhoods concentrate on what is clearly lacking at this time - civic facilities, open air breathing space, green areas, trailways and bike-ways. Scores of complete planned towns like Rajarhat have been in planning for the last couple of years. I will divulge details as I find them.
Also - @extra terrestrial is right - there is a growing number of 40 story buildings in Dhaka - although I suspect the piling costs are in the crores - keeping a check on that activity. Dhaka's commercial building activity however isn't waning anytime soon though.
And nobody is saying we cannot visit Kolkata and enjoy the scenery while we take in shopping and dining pleasures. The more nice neighborhoods - the merrier it is.
Thanks for the detailed post!!
Have you visited Kolkata?? Many Bangladeshis come here for shopping, business or tours. Btw, though off-topic but can you tell me if Bangladesh has PIN code (Postal) system?Using Bengali poetry & fonts on structures is a trend here also, as @Bombaywalla mentioned about the ceiling of new airport terminal at Kolkata, I can remember "Nazrul Tirtha" also has Bengali texts on it, check the black square structure below:
nazrul tirtha kolkata - Google Search
new terminal of kolkata airport - Google Search
Bhai mo-ney hoi tomar energy channelize kora dorkar. Internet -e maramari koira faida ki ? Ekta girlfriend jogar koro - energy balance hoia jabey.
Ha ha, bhalo buddhi diyaso, ami to bibahito, ebar ekta girlfriend hoile besh jompesh ekkhan maramari lage!!
Btw, check this thread of @Bombaywalla , nice photos, the forum is boring though, nobody seems to fight there!!
Bombay - Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) - Bombay - 240378
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