A New Thesis on An Agricultural Discovery Museum and Research Hub You Need to Know
A New Thesis on An Agricultural Discovery Museum and Research Hub You Need to Know
An Agricultural Discovery Museum and Research Hub serves as a vital institution that bridges the past, present, and future of agriculture. It offers an immersive experience into the evolution of farming practices, showcasing traditional methods alongside modern innovations. Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, visitors gain insights into sustainable agriculture, technological advancements, and the cultural significance of farming communities.
Such a museum not only preserves agricultural heritage but also functions as a research center, fostering collaboration among scientists, farmers, and policymakers. By facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting best practices, it contributes to food security and environmental sustainability. Moreover, it inspires future generations to engage with agriculture, ensuring the continued growth and adaptation of this essential sector.
In essence, an Agricultural Discovery Museum and Research Hub is more than a repository of artifacts; it is a dynamic platform for education, innovation, and community engagement, pivotal for advancing agricultural development and resilience.
Arch-Bangla Student Section presenting a Thesis project on this from American International University of Bangladesh- AIUB
Project Title: Echoes of the Earth: Preserving Bangladesh’s Agricultural Heritage: An Agricultural Discovery Museum and Research Hub
Location: Postogola, Dhaka
Student Name: Adrita Islam Sajuti
Studio: X(Thesis)
Studio Master: Ashik Vaskor Mannan, Irfat Alam
Year: 2024
University: American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)
PROJECT BRIEF:
Echoes of the Earth: Preserving Bangladesh’s Agricultural Heritage: An Agricultural Discovery Museum and Research Hub. Agriculture is the heartbeat of Bangladesh. It has shaped the land, society, and culture, yet the country lacks a dedicated space to preserve the rich farming heritage that formed the backbone of the nation. While private efforts like the Shah Agricultural Museum in Naogaon and Boalmari Agricultural Museum in Faridpur have attempted to preserve agricultural history, they remain small, underfunded, and neglected.
There is no national museum that fully captures the evolution of agriculture, celebrates the dignity of farmers, and preserves the tools and traditions that have shaped Bangladesh’s agricultural legacy. To address this gap, the Ministry of Agriculture, under a BISIC initiative, is leading the establishment of the Agricultural Discovery Museum & Research Hub on a 13-acre site in Postogola, Dhaka, by the Buriganga River.
This picturesque location not only offers a connection to the history of Bengal’s riverside cultivation but also symbolizes the importance of agriculture to Bangladesh’s identity. This museum aims to introduce a new concept: a hybrid of diachronic (historical) and synchronic (experiential) storytelling that encapsulates the evolution of agriculture while creating focused, immersive experiences that bring to life specific regions, practices, crops, and innovations.
The museum will be the first large-scale, government-supported facility in Bangladesh dedicated to preserving and interpreting the agricultural heritage of the country. It will showcase the tools, techniques, and traditions that have been passed down through generations, combining education, research, and cultural preservation.
Key features of the museum will include permanent and seasonal exhibitions that display thousand-year-old farming tools, reconstructed farmers’ homesteads, immersive storytelling spaces, live demonstration fields, and interactive learning centers for children. These spaces will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to engage directly with the legacy of agriculture. Additionally, research hubs will provide platforms for innovation and the study of modern agricultural practices, ensuring that the museum is not only a space for reflection but also for progress in the agricultural sector.
This initiative addresses critical needs at both the national and local levels. First, it aims to preserve farming tools and agricultural knowledge that are at risk of disappearing. It will also honor the dignity and contributions of farmers, whose voices have too often been overlooked. By strengthening education, research, and innovation, the museum will promote rural development, cultural pride, and economic growth. Moreover, it will serve as a hub for rural tourism, drawing attention to the deep cultural roots that agriculture has in Bangladesh.
Despite agriculture’s vital role in food security, employment, and climate resilience, the voices of farmers are often marginalized. Through this project, the agricultural community will finally receive the recognition and respect they deserve. The museum will help restore agriculture to its rightful place at the center of Bangladesh’s national story, ensuring future generations understand their roots and the profound role agriculture plays in their identity.
The construction of the Agricultural Discovery Museum & Research Hub reflects both modern engineering and traditional craftsmanship. The building will incorporate two primary structural systems: Type-1 and Type-2. Type-1 features a combination of light metal roofing, steel beams, and clay-covered columns, with wooden beams and rope patterns adding cultural richness.
The walls will be made from clay soil mixed with phosphorus for durability and color. Type-2 incorporates pitched and sloped roofs, iron truss joists, and MS bar columns for structural stability and resilience. The use of locally sourced materials like clay, bamboo, and wood, along with industrial materials like steel and concrete, ensures both sustainability and cultural relevance.
This hybrid approach to construction not only reduces the carbon footprint but also honors Bengal’s agricultural heritage, creating a space that is both functional and culturally resonant. The Agricultural Discovery Museum & Research Hub will stand as a lasting tribute to the farmers of Bangladesh, preserving their legacy and ensuring that their contributions are recognized for generations to come.
Jury Comments: An Agricultural Discovery Museum and Research Hub
The student handled scale beautifully the spaces feel human-centered and inviting. Excellent site integration The building feels like an effective extension of the landscape. Student’s diagrammatic sequence is exceptionally well-composed, offering a clear and intuitive narrative of your project’s evolution. Model is complete and has impressive craftsmanship and detail.
CONTACT DETAILS
Name: Adrita Islam Sajuti
Address : House-276, Summer, Block-F, Road-3a, Bashundhara R/A
Phone No. : 01707966398
E-mail : iadrita335@gmail.com
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/adritaislam.sajuti/
