City Centre will be Dhaka’s icon

The 37-storey City Centre is now under construction in downtown Dhaka. The total floor area will be 4.795 lakh square feet. It will have 10 storeys of parking space which will help to mitigate the persistent traffic congestion in the Dhaka city. About 450 to 500 cars can be parked in the building. Besides the parking facility, the City Centre is set to become a landmark. The Tk 80-crore project will have office spaces, a convention centre, a business lounge, a gymnasium, refreshment and recreational areas. Keeping in consideration the natural hazards, the structure is being built with earthquake-resistant technology. Out of total 37 floors, 25 will be used for offices and lobbies while three floors will be kept for hospitality. The building has entry points from all sides. A helipad will be built on the roof of the centre. There will be four high-speed passenger lifts and two panoramic lifts with an independent air conditioning system on every floor. Besides, provisions for CCTV, PABX, announcing system and power sub-station with be kept in the building.

The Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) with the assistance from the Belhasa-Accom JV Developer Company is currently constructing City Centre.

http://tinypic.com/8vpxcp.jpg http://tinypic.com/8vpxfl.jpg http://tinypic.com/8vpxkg.jpg

photo of the building posted by mirzazeehan on March 3rd, 2007.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/citycentercons2.jpg

photos posted by dopekhor on June 12th, 2007.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cit2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik2/citycenter16.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cit1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik2/citycenter15.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik2/citycenter17.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/citycenter32.jpg

Thanks for starting this thread Tmac. This and Jamuna Future Park are the two buildings under construction in Dhaka which deserve their own thread IMO. Hopefully Mirza or someone else will go by and take some new photos...then we can see whether work is still progressing or not. Thankfully construction seemed to go on despite corruption allegations against Orion group...hope this is still the case.

What I find amazing is that they're attempting to build a 37 story building using RCC columns. I thought most everything above 30 floors was a steel column affair.

cant wait for this building to be completed.. motijheel skyline will look very nice when this one is completed

When do you guys expect it to top out?

When do you guys expect it to top out?

That depends on whether construction continues at current rate. We haven't seen any really clear pictures since Dopekhor's update a few months ago, so I don't know if construction is still going on or not. If construction progresses at a rate comparable to earlier in the year, the building should top out some time next year. If not, then no way of knowing.

StanChart Bank relocates its Dhaka main branch

Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) has recently relocated its Dhaka main branch to the City Centre in Motijheel C/A from Dilkusha.

SCB Bangladesh CEO Osman Morad formally inaugurated the relocated branch Thursday. Among others, the bank's Head of Shared Distribution and Service Quality Tanvir Haider Chaudhury, Head of IT Monitur Rahman and Country Chief Risk Officer Naser Ezaz Bijoy were also present on the occasion.

The new branch, named as City Centre branch, has a larger customer service area and also offers a pleasant banking hall for the customers. It also offers a comfortable lounge for the mortgage customers and two 24-hour banking booths with an ATM and a BillsPay machine in each booth.

The branch now reflects the bold and international image of SCB, the largest foreign bank in the country, and the customers can avail full range of banking services from the branch more conveniently, said a press release.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=10583

^^ Great to hear, but looks like they will have to wait a little while to move in. Unlike they decide to follow HSBC...who have had an office on the ground floor for some time.

I think an update is needed from mirza or dopekhor or tareq.

C:\Documents and Settings\Shams\Desktop\temp5\CityCentre.jpgWell here's your update T-Mac. I happened to be in the Motijheel area this morning and I took this quick snap from my cellphone. You can see construction going on the 22/23rd floor. I clearly remember construction till the 17/18th floor in April, when I used to work in the Motijheel area. So there's been some progress. I only pray to God that they can finish this building. I am even more optimistic about this building as three big multinational corporations in the country already have their operations there - Grameenphone, HSBC and Standard Chartered.

It promises to do wonders for our Motijheel skyline.

Well here's your update T-Mac. I happened to be in the Motijheel area this morning and I took this quick snap from my cellphone. You can see construction going on the 22/23rd floor. I clearly remember construction till the 17/18th floor in April, when I used to work in the Motijheel area. So there's been some progress. I only pray to God that they can finish this building. I am even more optimistic about this building as three big multinational corporations in the country already have their operations there - Grameenphone, HSBC and Standard Chartered.

It promises to do wonders for our Motijheel skyline.

Very nice ... thank you for the update.

btw ... the picture is not showing because you are refereng to the picture from your local drive. You need to upload the picture to a web locayion --- if you don't have your own, you can use photobucket.com.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc113/sas_5_2007/CityCentre.jpg?t=1189836988

C:\Documents and Settings\Shams\Desktop\temp5\CityCentre.jpg

Still you are refering to the Desktop of your computer

check your PM sas.

I count 24 floors in SAS' photo, which is an increase of 3 floors from Dopekhor's pictures in June. Plus, notice - some blue / green glass has been added to the first two floors which wasn't there previously. There may be more than 24 floors...but the top of the building is not visible. So, construction is still progressing...great news! It should soon surpass Westin to become Dhaka's second tallest building. Thanks for the update, SAS!

wow --- cellphone took that picture? you must have a very nice cellphone.... beautiful shot, sas.

If you think that the progress is adequate, you should post a picture every week or so.

yes I am liking the glass action. Thanks Sas. Feel free to contribute here and in other threads.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc113/sas_5_2007/CityCentre.jpg?t=1189836988

Hopefully this building creates impetus for further investment in Motijheel...so that the graceless mid-century structures are replaced by sleek blocks like this one. I hope this area doesn't languish with transfer of financial center to Nikunjo.

I agree Tan. Motijheel should always remain the main financial district of Dhaka.

sas, can you please update us on the other projects going on around Motijheel? There are few near Baitul Mukarram currently under construction. Also what about the Sadharan Bima parking cum commercial tower?

I agree Tan. Motijheel should always remain the main financial district of Dhaka.

I think its pretty certain that for the immediate future Nikunjo will become the main financial district. But I think this cut and run culture is not good...abandoning one place for another as becomes convenient. When you look at many great cities like New York and London the financial district has remained put for centuries even as populations have shifted around them. As a consequence the center of these cities have remained vital and and serve as meaninful focal points for their connurbations.

I work in the Gulshan area so getting updates in that area, along with developments in Banani and Mohakhali would be much easier for me. But T-Mac, I will try my best to get some still shots from the Baitul Mukarram the next time I hit that area.

Why do you think the financial district will be moving to Nikunjo Tanzirian? I feel if there really is a place, it would be the Gulshan area. Please elaborate on whatever information you have.

Gulshan should is a nice residential area with - it should be left that you.

Why do you think the financial district will be moving to Nikunjo Tanzirian? I feel if there really is a place, it would be the Gulshan area. Please elaborate on whatever information you have.

Well, I thought that was the whole point of Nikunjo...at least that's the idea I got from what others on this forum wrote a while back. The new stock exchage building is being built there as well as the Regency Hotel which I believe is meant to cater primarily to business travellers. Most banks still have their HQs in Motijheel but without significant investment in international standard facilities (aside from City Centre) plus lack of investment in upscale residential development within short distance they will likely move their main branches north.

Well Tanzirian, that move northwards has definitely started. A lot of financial services companies have moved their corporate headquarters to the Gulshan area already. We have multinational banks such as Citi and Standard Chartered, as well as IDLC, which is the one of the largest leasing companies in the country, that have all moved to the Gulshan area. Moreover, all the telecom companies have their headquarters in the Gulshan area. So in my opinion, it's more Gulshan than Nikunjo.

most prefer because of its hassle free environment i mean easy access, its easier to go to gulshan then motijheel. Nikunjo will pick up but not soon thats for sure

But I do strongly feel that the newly developed Gulshan/Banani/Mohakhali business district will move northward/eastward, as it is already towards areas such as Nikunjo and the western strip of Biswa Road, all the way towards.

is there any way they can make Motijheel rickshaw free? Is it possible?

is there any way they can make Motijheel rickshaw free? Is it possible?

Rickshaw free isn't always desirable in the absence of clean, modern public transport. When staying at my extended family's place near Motijheel I often go places on rickshaw with my father...they are best way to get from point A to B over short distances.

With regard to Motijheel I hope it is able to find a meaningful identity even with financial institutions moving north. Expansion of the city should not mean that old areas are left to stagnate in favor of newer ones...over time the list of such areas increases and creates an unhealthy urban environment. Take Old Dhaka...with some foresight it could have preserved as a historic center / tourist draw instead of being left to slowly decay.

- Number of rickshaws should be far less than what it is now.
- Rickshaws should be banned in many areas (maybe even in Motijheel).
- Bus service is much better now than before - so I hear.
- Sidewalks should be maintained - so people walk more.

Banning rickshaws in the Motijheel area would be a very bad idea, because a huge majority of the people who are employed in the financial services sector (mostly working for nationalized or local private commercial banks, leasing and insurance companies) in the Motijheel area do not have cars. Also as one of us already mentioned, Dhaka in general has a very poor public transport system. It isn't the least bit organized.

Banning rickshaws on Gulshan Avenue and Kemal Ataturk Avenue itself is causing enough troubles for people. The situation gets totally out of control when it's raining and/or when it is excessively hot.

As for meghnarmajhi's opinion about sidewalks being maintained - all I have to say is that nobody in the country is trained on how to be on the roads. A majority of pedestrians use the roads, even if they're not occupied by hawkers. A majority of pedestrians do not use footbridges, they will still take the riskier option. ALL THE LAWS ARE THERE IN THIS COUNTRY, BUT THEY ARE JUST NOT ENFORCED. THEREFORE, PEOPLE ON THE STREETS DO NOT HAVE THAT REALIZATION. THAT'S THE NEXT BIG STEP THIS GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE.

ALL THE LAWS ARE THERE IN THIS COUNTRY, BUT THEY ARE JUST NOT ENFORCED. THEREFORE, PEOPLE ON THE STREETS DO NOT HAVE THAT REALIZATION. THAT'S THE NEXT BIG STEP THIS GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE.

well said sas. I completely agree with you. For some reason the public in Bangladesh don't want to follow rules though. They just feel better breaking rules.

well said sas. I completely agree with you. For some reason the public in Bangladesh don't want to follow rules though. They just feel better breaking rules.

Laws and regulations without enforcement is the bane of all things Bangladesh. I was in Jakarta last year and was amazed to see how road traffic is so streamlined and law abiding. It is quite the opposite in other cities of Indonesia, say for example, Medan. When I asked my father-in-law (a resident there) the reason for the discrepancy, he said the Jakarta police enforce the taffic laws rather forcefully and consistently. I have never seen or heard about any concerted efforts to enforce traffic laws in Dhaka. It is also not in the best of interest of the people whose job is enforcement.

Perhaps the proposed elevated highway and a mrt/lrt shall bring some relief to Dhaka dwellers.

^^ Well first the police force itself needs to be reformed. Many policemen might stop someone for some ambiguous reason just to collect some bribe...I have seen it happen myself. So no wonder they don't get any respect from the citizenry.

Well, apart from law enforcement, or should I say the lack of it, a bigger problem is simply the existing the traffic situation and the poor infrastructure that exists in Dhaka. During rush hours, every major intersection starting from Mirpur Road, Kawran Bazar, Maghbazaar, Mohakhali, Gulshan Ave, Kemal Ataturk Ave to areas in Motijheel are absolutely clogged. This is usually early in the morning starting from 8:30. We have a situation where everyone is DESPERATE to get to work. I would say it more out of desperation rather than anything else. People experience a situation where they just want to get to work, or reach school on time, regardless of the cost. So desperation I would also say plays a huge role. I frankly do not see this major issue being addressed without the introduction of flyovers and other roads.

^^ That will undoubtedly help, but biggest problem of all to me (besides no metro or central bus system) is disregard of traffic lanes, traffic lights, etc. This creates many of the traffic jams in Dhaka. People just don't seem to realize...or just don't care...that if they obeyed the signals and markings, everyone would get to their destination much faster.

^^we seem to forget that more chaos means we need more discipline. people need to be trained/informed by effective means. traffic jams can be reduced and we can all get to our destinations faster, if we all follow the rules instead making selfish moves to get ahead of everybody.

Same is true about dealing with hazardous situations. evacuation drills should be conducted in buildings, stadiums, and all other places of large gathering. Too costly? Think of other means - posters, tv announcements, documentaries in movie theaters... etc. Think of the scary scenes of how people travel by "launch", trains or buses during eid or other holidays. We all need training....

recent photos by mirzazeehan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02677.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02676.jpg

Why aren't they using a crane? it seems tall enough to have a crane on it
btw, the design is attractive.

Why aren't they using a crane? it seems tall enough to have a crane on it
btw, the design is attractive.

haha not sure. I have seen cranes used in other projects around Dhaka though.

lower portion of City Center already have many tenants.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/citycenter24.jpg

Getting there

eventually they'll have more tenants. after all it is the tallest building in dhaka.

lower portion of City Center already have many tenants.

You mean HSBC? They have been there for a while (or at least their sign has - I haven't seen inside) so that isn't new.

You mean HSBC? They have been there for a while (or at least their sign has - I haven't seen inside) so that isn't new.

Apart from HSBC, Standard Chartered's main branch has taken up the entire ground floor and there is also a Grameenphone Center there. So a lot of big names.

anyone have any update on this? I would love to see some latest photos of this project.

For the tallest building in Dhaka it sure has an unimpressive front (main)entrance. Perhaps that'll change when completed.

^^If you are talking about the messy wiring and electric poles, I am with you.

^^If you are talking about the messy wiring and electric poles, I am with you.

Yes, they should do something about that but, I was talking about the entrance as well. It looks rather plain. For such a touted building shouldn't it have an atrium or something?

Yes, they should do something about that but, I was talking about the entrance as well. It looks rather plain. For such a touted building shouldn't it have an atrium or something?

may be it would look better when it's completed.

a recent photo taken by DzzMcGzzz.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/citycenter17-1.jpg

^^ Thanks DMG! I spy two new floors compared to Mirza's photos...that makes 27! Things are going snail's pace, but definitely not halted. City Centre is probably taller than Westin now (certainly it is by floor count)...which makes it 2nd tallest. I think Dhaka will have a new tallest building by mid-year. :cheers:

Here is an update on city center progress. According to report construction upto 32 floor is almost done. But latest picture does not refelect that. In any case report describes various aspects of construction and facilities.

http://www.amardeshbd.com/detail_news_index.php?NewsID=161572&NewsType=bistarito&SectionID=home

Here is an update on city center progress. According to report construction upto 32 floor is almost done. But latest picture does not refelect that. In any case report describes various aspects of construction and facilities.

http://www.amardeshbd.com/detail_news_index.php?NewsID=161572&NewsType=bistarito&SectionID=home

great!! Thanks for the update Snoq. I hope they continue with the construction.

Multi-story City Centre gets ready by year end
FE Report

Construction of the multi-story City Centre, a project involving Tk 1.0 billion at Motijheel in the city, will be completed by the end of this year.

"Nearly 80 per cent construction work of the 37-story modern structure has already been completed. The building is expected to be ready by next December," said a project insider.

When constructed, the car parking cum commercial complex will help ease the prevailing car parking problem at the main commercial hub of Dhaka city to a large extent.

With three underground floors, the skyscraper will be an international standard structure of spectacular beauty offering all modern facilities including restaurants, international standard convention centre, conference facilities, business lounge, gymnasium, cyber café and helipad.

Other modern facilities of the Centre include a four-megawatt captive power unit to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

The Belhasa-Acm JV Limited, a joint venture between two companies of Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is constructing the tallest ever building in Bangladesh.

Located at the heart of the city's Dilkusha-Motijheel commercial area, the multi-storied complex will be able to accommodate 500 cars at a time and 1500 cars daily, Belhas representative KM Haq said.

Nine floors of the building will be entirely used for car parking, he added.

Apart from the car parking facility, the centre will also offer some other facilities, which will ultimately help boost trade and business activities of the capital. The total space of the City Centre will be 482,413 square feet.

The Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) took the initiative to build the City Centre with a view to helping reduce traffic congestions in the city's main commercial area.

Although former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia laid the foundation stone of the building on January 19, 2004, its construction work kicked off in 2005 after obtaining project clearance from 11 agencies, including Dhaka WASA, BTTB, DESA, Fire Service Department, Department of Environment, Civil Aviation, DCC and Titas Gas.

On implementation of this pilot project, similar projects will also be undertaken in and around Dhaka City, DCC sources said.

The Belhas representative, however, told the FE that more foreign investors should be encouraged to venture into the construction sector of Bangladesh.
http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=25410

Multi-story City Centre gets ready by year end

Awesome news Amar. I can't wait till Mirza or someone posting a photo of the completed building. Motijheel skyline will receive a big boost!

Awesome news Amar. I can't wait till Mirza or someone posting a photo of the completed building. Motijheel skyline will receive a big boost!

Your welcome Tmac. Let us know if any comparable project comes up in Motijheel Mirza.

this rendering of City Center looks slightly different than the actual building.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/city_centre_9.jpg

Motijheel to boast of country’s tallest building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik5/citycenter20.jpg

Soaring prices of building materials, which have slowed down construction activities both in public and private sectors, did not hold back the City Centre from growing upward.

Construction of 32 floors of the 37-floor skyscraper has been completed and that of the rest five floors are going on in full swing.

Grameenphone and two global rival banks — HSBC and Standard Chartered — are among the few businesses that have already started commercial operations in the down floors of the building.

Builders hope that the handover of spaces up to the 36th floor would be done by the end of 2008. Once completed, the City Centre, in the prime location of Motijheel, will be the country’s tallest building.

‘This is totally a corporate building. We ensure a total corporate environment under one roof,’ said a senior executive of Belhasa Accom JV Limited, the developer.

A helipad on the rooftop, ten floors — from fourth floor onwards — of parking space and independent 4MW power generator are among the key features that easily make City Centre different from other skyscrapers in the capital city.

Added to these are a convention centre with a capacity of 1,000 people, 10 symposium and business lounges, food lounge, a strong PABX system, CCTV, adequate fire fighting arrangements with easily accessible emergency exit from top to bottom and panic bars on doors.

Apart from a sprinkler, a 4-lakh litre water reservoir will be there to make fire fighting more flawless in a city where buildings, both in public and private sectors, often lack fire safety arrangements.

The building will be able to sustain earthquake up to 7 on the Richter scale and a 240kmp wind speed, the Belhasa executive said.

Ten high-speed German lifts will shuttle among floors and reduce floor-to-floor lead time to one-forth of the average time needed, he added saying that in short, all will be there what a secured and comfortable corporate climate requires.

City Centre is the country’s lone commercial building which will meet its full electricity needs from its own generator.

‘We won’t take any connection from the Dhaka Electric Supply Authority. We are trying to set an example that businesses can be done without putting pressure on over-stressed national grid,’ said the official, hoping that the installation would be free from load-shedding, a common feature in the city during summer.

‘We never compromised with the quality. Whatever costs may be, we looked for the best and procured those from the best available sources, be it at home or abroad,’ said engineer KM Nurul Islam, City Centre project director.

‘We maintained quality in every step. Unusual price hike of steel and other materials raised our project cost, but we never went slow or compromised with quality,’ another executive said.

The 21-katha land, owned by the Public Works Division, was given to the Dhaka City Corporation to construct a long-felt multi-floor parking arrangement to free Motijheel commercial hub from traffic congestion.

DCC in May 2003 invited tender for construction of the building with 10 floors for parking. Belhasa Accom JV won the bid and started physical work in January 2005.

‘Motijheel was losing attention as a prime commercial location over the years with people moving towards areas like Gulshan, Banani and Dhanmondi. We hope City Centre will help Motijheel regain its faded glory as commercial capital,’ said an executive of the construction company.

The developer pledges to keep the building exclusively for corporate businesses. ‘There are demands like the one from superstore Agora, but we regretted as we thought this will not be compatible with corporate climate,’ he said.

Each floor has a saleable space of 10,700 square feet and 70 per cent of the space has already been sold out to companies like banks, insurance, electronics, consumer goods and apparel industry for offices. As the land owner, DCC will get the 10 parking floors and two commercial floors.

http://www.newagebd.com/met.html

Motijheel skyscraper develops cracks before completion

http://www.thedailystar.net/photos/2008-03-30__front02.jpg
Onlookers crowd the closed-off street in Motijheel yesterday after the under-construction building City Centre developed large cracks.

The under construction 37-storey City Centre at Motijheel has developed cracks in its ground floor walls, prompting police yesterday to evacuate people who live or work in the building and the adjacent ones.

The cracks in a front sidewall were first noticed about one and a half months ago. Suddenly, they started widening yesterday afternoon, causing panic in the commercial hub. Besides, a side wall has curved in precariously, security guards and construction workers told The Daily Star.

Later in the afternoon, police marked the site with yellow tape and closed off the road between Shapla Chattar (roundabout) and Dainik Bangla Intersection as precautions.

The high-rise is being developed by Belhasa Accom JV Limited, a concern of Orion Group of Obaidul Karim, a businessman infamous for Oriental Bank scam.

It is designed to be an office block-cum-multi-storey car park. Construction work is scheduled to be completed by next month.

So far, 28 storeys have been built. Though top most storeys have yet to be completed, a couple of floors have been rented out to different companies including HSBC, Grameenphone and Standard Chartered Bank.

Contacted, top officials of Belhasa Accom claimed the cracks are 'ordinary ones' and 'not at all risky'.

"The cracks are in the temporary walls and they won't affect the main structure," said AKM Nurul Islam, project director from Belhasa.

The building is well known to people for its catchy commercial on television. A huge crowd of onlookers gathered at the site to see the cracks. The police and firemen struggled to make them move away. Earlier they evacuated offices housed in City Centre and neighbouring buildings.

In addition to office spaces, the high-rise is planned to have a convention centre, a restaurant, a business lounge and a gymnasium. Ten of its floors would be dedicated to car parking while a helipad built on the rooftop.

Asked, the Belhasa project director could not explain the reasons for the cracks. Locals alleged that he had directed the construction workers to hammer down the affected parts of the walls to cover up the cracks.

"Yes, I had given them the direction and it was not risky for the building," said Nurul Islam. "The building will be able to withstand even a tornado of speed up to 240 kilometres per hour and an earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter Scale," he observed.

Workers of the Belhasa were trying to create barrier so that newsmen could not enter the building and take picture.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nayeem Ahmed and Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) Chief Engineer Colonel Asfaqul Islam and some other engineers from the DCC visited the site.

"At this moment, I cannot say anything before construction and weight experts examine the cracks," said Colonel Ashfaq.

The DMP commissioner said the law enforcers have been directed to keep 280 feet-radius around the building sealed off.

People who have purchased space in the building for office and commercial use rushed to the spot. They were quite anxious about the developments. "We have paid Tk 44 lakh in advance for 1,700 square feet on the 26th floor," said Abul Hashem, an employee from Rajanigandha Shipping.

"I don't know what's awaiting us," he added.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=29873

City Centre develops cracks

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/citycenter25.jpg
A fire service man on Saturday asks people to move to safe places as the 37-storey City Centre building develops cracks.

The ground floor of the under-construction 37-storey City Centre in Motijheel commercial area on Saturday developed cracks at some places, especially in its north-western wall.

The cracks had been spotted at about 10:00am and the news spread at around 1:00pm, hearing which the police made the thoroughfares adjoining the building off limits to vehicles since 4:00pm, locals said.

According to witnesses, a part of the western side of the ground floor has sunk a little causing the brickwork to cave in and the front walls of the building has also developed some cracks.

The mayor of Dhaka, Sadeque Hossain Khoka, who visited the building at 5:00pm, said, according to the primary observations of Dhaka City Corporation chief engineer Colonel Ashfaqul Islam, the cracks were developed in the false walls, not in the foundation or the main walls.

Khoka said experts from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and Army Engineering Corps would examine the building on Sunday and after getting the experts’ opinion they would be able to take corrective steps.

The DCC is the land owner of the building, Islam Trading Consortium Ltd its management contractor and Belhasa Accom JV its developer.

According to Belhasa Project Director KM Nurul Islam, a portion of the building’s brick walls has developed the cracks, which may have happened due to the recent earthquake, but there is absolutely no problem with its foundation. The building will be able to withstand an earthquake of intensity 7 on the Richter scale, he claimed.

Fire Service and Civil Defence Dhaka Division deputy director Tajul Islam said the cracks might have developed earlier, but were noticed by people on Saturday as they widened over time.

He also said, ‘I think some parts of the building may have sunken a little, but experts will be able to tell about that more accurately.’

Masudul Haque, who purchased three floors — 11th to 13th — of the high-rise three months back, said he visited the floors up to 11th level, but found everything alright, excepting the cracks at the ground floor.

The construction work of the 37-storey building including three basements started during the immediate past BNP-led alliance government and 31 of the storeys have so far been built, said Belhasa executive officer Rafiul Kader Siddiqui.

The construction of the skyscraper, including 10 storeys reserved for car parking, at 5-A Motijheel is slated for completion on December 31. When finished, City Centre will be the tallest building in the country.

Rafiul said they saw the cracks on a false wall at the ground floor. As they started dismantling the wall with the cracks, some journalists and other people forced them to stop the work, he added.

The City Centre is designed to have a total of 479,500 square foot floor space, including office floors, a convention centre, recreational areas and garage.

http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#3

as usually Ershad Ahmed was at the scene to capture these photos.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/citycenter36.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/citycenter37.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/citycenter38.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/citycenter39.jpg

Very concerning to hear, and disheartening. I would advise great caution. I saw a National Geographic channel program recently on a Singapore midrise that collapsed after developing cracks...the builders had miscalculated the amount of weight that the building could withstand. This and adjacent buildings should be evacuated and outsiders brought to assess structural integrity. I do not trust Orion's judgement.

I think this is as strong an argument as any to ban awarding of major contracts to friends of politicians.

I do not trust Orion's judgement.

I think this is as strong an argument as any to ban awarding of major contracts to friends of politicians.

Everything Orion is/was involved in is either flawed or corrupted. Sad the govt cant still find the owner of the group.

Apparently UAE Based Belhasa, Orion's partner in this project, built the 7 star Burj Al Arab Hotel. Wondering why they did such a crappy job with this project (in BD). :bash:

they used trainees for bd. at least the crack became visible before - better than collapsing and killing people.

The Orion Group has absolutely no credibility in my eyes, as far as I'm concerned. While I am disheartened by this, I am not at all shocked that this happened.

It makes all of us so unhappy. We were all so glad that this project, unlike so many others in recent months, was actually making good progress.

so now whats gonna happen to this building?

so now whats gonna happen to this building?

Well once there has been a thorough inspection they most likely will give an ok to restart construction otherwise they may just stall the construction project as they are with other highrises around dhaka such as Doreen tower. hoperfully the entire project wont be shut down and if it does then i personally see it as being another rangs bhaban where they might have to tear down the upper floors. My concern is of the example that this sets to other developers. obviosly it will invoke fear to any future developers who r willing to challenge city centre as the next major icon for dhaka since the risks involved are cleary evident.

City Centre Cracks
DCC finds no risk, but prefers to stay alert
Staff Correspondent

Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) authorities yesterday said the cracks in the under-construction 37-storey City Centre at Motijheel do not pose any risk, but still they would stay alert.

The same day, they formed a five-member committee to probe what caused the structure to develop cracks, and decided the construction work would remain suspended till the committee comes up with a report.

Speaking at a press conference at Nagar Bhaban in the afternoon, Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka said, “In primary observation we found those cracks are not part of the main structure. We will take necessary measures regarding the high-rise on the basis of the inquiry report."

The probe body comprises two teachers from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), and three engineers--one each from DCC, Housing and Public Works department and the engineering corps of Bangladesh army.

Headed by Prof Sheikh Sekander Ali of Buet, it will start working today and submit report within the next two weeks. In the interim, the mayor said, two engineers including DCC Chief Engineer Colonel Ashfaqul Islam will visit the site twice a day to monitor the cracks.

Earlier on Saturday, the cracks in a side wall on the ground floor of City Centre designed to be an office block-cum-multi-storey car park widened and set off panic in the commercial neighborhood. They prompted police to evacuate those who live or work in the area.

The mayor yesterday said companies having office in the building have been asked to continue business as usual since “doing so does not involve any risk”.

Asked what he thinks had led to the cracks, the DCC chief engineer said, “Something definitely happened, and the probe committee will find that out."

DCC Chief Executive Officer Alauddin Ahmed and some other high officials were present at the press conference.

Meanwhile, the road in front of the building that was closed off as a precaution has been opened again.

STATEMENT OF BELHASA ACCOM
Belhasa Accom JV, the firm constructing City Centre, in a statement yesterday maintained the cracks are in the temporary brick wall and there is nothing to panic.

The chinks would not do any harm to the main structure, they added.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=30085

My concern is of the example that this sets to other developers. obviosly it will invoke fear to any future developers who r willing to challenge city centre as the next major icon for dhaka since the risks involved are cleary evident.

Well, I'm all for "invoking fear". It would be better not to attempt to build highrise structures if the builders aren't capable of doing so! Would you rather have a boastful highrise with all the glitter that is ultimately destined to collapse with tremendous damage and huge loss of life?

Building construction is an exact science where if everything is done by the book, a structure should endure for hundreds of years. Problem in Bangladesh is corruption and incompetence. Granted that Orion was awarded the contract with a nod and a wink but if, there was proper oversight at every step, every milestone of the construction process, I'm sure the cracks would not have appeared.

But I wonder why on earth a company (or a group) embark upon such large and prestigious undertaking without enforcing the motto of "measure twice cut once"? While Belhasa may carry the glory of having built the Burj Al Burq, the crash of City Centre (God forbid if it does happen) shall place a permanent black mark on them.

Safety first....

Hope they do the right thing. Not too long ago we have lost some lives from Rangs collapse. We don't want another disaster.

Apparently UAE Based Belhasa, Orion's partner in this project, built the 7 star Burj Al Arab Hotel. Wondering why they did such a crappy job with this project (in BD). :bash:
wtf serious?

Well once there has been a thorough inspection they most likely will give an ok to restart construction otherwise they may just stall the construction project as they are with other highrises around dhaka such as Doreen tower. hoperfully the entire project wont be shut down and if it does then i personally see it as being another rangs bhaban where they might have to tear down the upper floors. My concern is of the example that this sets to other developers. obviosly it will invoke fear to any future developers who r willing to challenge city centre as the next major icon for dhaka since the risks involved are cleary evident.
well its simple if the developers aint got them balls to build one they shouldnt

98% of the developers in the country are shit, without the exception of Eastern Housing and Concord I DO NOT see any builder/developer whos even in a league

Apparently UAE Based Belhasa, Orion's partner in this project, built the 7 star Burj Al Arab Hotel. Wondering why they did such a crappy job with this project (in BD). :bash:
The architect and engineering consultant for the Burj Al Arab was Atkins, the UK's largest multidisciplinary consultancy. The hotel was built by South African construction contractor Murray & Roberts.

Well, I'm all for "invoking fear". It would be better not to attempt to build highrise structures if the builders aren't capable of doing so! Would you rather have a boastful highrise with all the glitter that is ultimately destined to collapse with tremendous damage and huge loss of life?

Building construction is an exact science where if everything is done by the book, a structure should endure for hundreds of years. Problem in Bangladesh is corruption and incompetence. Granted that Orion was awarded the contract with a nod and a wink but if, there was proper oversight at every step, every milestone of the construction process, I'm sure the cracks would not have appeared.

But I wonder why on earth a company (or a group) embark upon such large and prestigious undertaking without enforcing the motto of "measure twice cut once"? While Belhasa may carry the glory of having built the Burj Al Burq, the crash of City Centre (God forbid if it does happen) shall place a permanent black mark on them.


I do not agree with you as far as building construction being an exact science is concerned. Yes it is quite possible to minimise risk mainly because this field involves the engineering field where calculations can be done pretty precisely. But there are always the uncontrollables. Everything from soil condition to other environmental factors might affect how a project might work out in the future. While a lot of issues may be simulated, it is not always bulletproof. So as I said, things are done to ensure that risk is minimised.

However, I do agree with Orion's lack of track record. They seem to have made a mess of various facets of their business, including the power sector as well the flyover construction. It is quite disturbing indeed.

^^ Admittedly engineering like any science is never 100% precise, however people have been building 37 storey buildings for more than a hundred years now. Nothing about this building's design was particularly complicated or unique. That they messed up somewhere along the way IMO can only be blamed on incompetence / carelessness.

What's the current position of the crack? Did they get expert's opinion from any recognised firm or company involved in the field of construction? Can anybody pl provide the current status of the building.

What's the current position of the crack? Did they get expert's opinion from any recognised firm or company involved in the field of construction? Can anybody pl provide the current status of the building.

Ongoing probe by multiple organizations including BUET.

Ongoing probe by multiple organizations including BUET.
if the political parties cant trust local authorities why should we?

if the political parties cant trust local authorities why should we?

Don't know about other organizations but I have the utmost respect for BUET.

Don't know about other organizations but I have the utmost respect for BUET.
lol even the locals dont, these citycenter people got these bueters to speak for em but none buys it

What is the current status of the Dhaka City Centre? Is the construction stopped now? :nuts:

What is the current status of the Dhaka City Centre? Is the construction stopped now? :nuts:

The building almost topped out, there is no going back. The Builders said that there no problem and they only have to fix the ground floor. Officially, Its still under Govt probe.

The builders should be made to submit to a building structure test. They should immediately install laser emitters and sensors (matched pairs) between all faulty columns which will immediately report any undue flex beyond a certain limit (due to vibration etc.)

Typically you can inject very strong construction grade epoxy into the cracks but that doesn't solve the problem of low grade construction material (cement) used to form the columns (which can be verified by taking a small core sample) which I'm sure BUET people hopefully are verifying. If they find any evidence of wrongdoing -- they should immediately uncover who went for cheap cement and

a. put the responsible people in Jail
b. demolish the thing because it is a safety risk

This is why I'm a proponent of steel I-beam construction.

See this (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V2G-4DJBRT3-2&_user=10&_coverDate=02%2F28%2F2005&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=669bb566d51ae8cb1b9095e12c4d5f49).

The builders should be made to submit to a building structure test. They should immediately install laser emitters and sensors (matched pairs) between all faulty columns which will immediately report any undue flex beyond a certain limit (due to vibration etc.)

Typically you can inject very strong construction grade epoxy into the cracks but that doesn't solve the problem of low grade construction material (cement) used to form the columns (which can be verified by taking a small core sample) which I'm sure BUET people hopefully are verifying. If they find any evidence of wrongdoing -- they should immediately uncover who went for cheap cement and

a. put the responsible people in Jail
b. demolish the thing because it is a safety risk

This is why I'm a proponent of steel I-beam construction.

See this (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V2G-4DJBRT3-2&_user=10&_coverDate=02%2F28%2F2005&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=669bb566d51ae8cb1b9095e12c4d5f49).

The greed factor must be inordinately high otherwise isn't stupid to take such risks with prestige edifice such as this?

I have visited the site and the building yesterday. Here are the details

1. Distance of the cracked wall is at lest 10 feet away from the main structure.

2. I walked from ground floor to 12th floor have not found any crack on the beam or Pillar. Then I talked with the site engineer and he told that this structure is one of the strongest structure in Bangladesh. They used only stone, cement and rod for the Pillar, beam, and floor.

3. I have to admire that I have not seen such a solid structure before. I took some picture which i will post later including the cracks. They have done a nice job on it.

4. Also found a long crack on the stair of the main entrance which is connected with all other cracks on the both brick walls. I am not sure why Belhasha built such a crapy wall which can not tolerate small earthquake or pressure.

:)

Only problem here is nobody was able to explain the cause of the crack on the brick wall and floor of the entrance. I think the crack cause by a super pressure from the top. However, this is not possible since the building is build to take the load of 300 cars + people + furniture and nothing was loaded.


Overall this building is safer than other building in the town.

Thanks for the post Rana..and Welcome to SSC.

I have visited the site and the building yesterday. Here are the details

1. Distance of the cracked wall is at lest 10 feet away from the main structure.

2. I walked from ground floor to 12th floor have not found any crack on the beam or Pillar. Then I talked with the site engineer and he told that this structure is one of the strongest structure in Bangladesh. They used only stone, cement and rod for the Pillar, beam, and floor.

3. I have to admire that I have not seen such a solid structure before. I took some picture which i will post later including the cracks. They have done a nice job on it.

4. Also found a long crack on the stair of the main entrance which is connected with all other cracks on the both brick walls. I am not sure why Belhasha built such a crapy wall which can not tolerate small earthquake or pressure.

:)

Only problem here is nobody was able to explain the cause of the crack on the brick wall and floor of the entrance. I think the crack cause by a super pressure from the top. However, this is not possible since the building is build to take the load of 300 cars + people + furniture and nothing was loaded.


Overall this building is safer than other building in the town.


Welcome rana to the forum. So is the tower structurally sound? And is the work suspended or still going?

This is good news and I welcome Rana to the forum as well.

However -- inquiring minds want to see pictures --soon :)

Hey Rana, thanks again for the updates. Have HSBC, Standard Chartered and Grameenphone started business there again? Or is everything simply halted?

City Centre safe for use: Probe body

FE Report

An enquiry committee has declared the under-construction 37-storey City Centre in Motijheel safe for use and recommended restart in construction of the high-rise that had developed several cracks on its brick walls.

The 5-member committee led by Zoynul Abedin, a professor of the civil engineering department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), submitted Wednesday its report to the Dhaka City Corporation that owns the building.

"It should be noted that the cracked brick walls are not part of the main structure and hence can be removed or replaced any time. Cracks in these brick walls also do not indicate any distress slabs, are clearly explained and also do not indicate any distress to the main structure," the enquiry committee said in its report.

"We observed that there are cracks at six locations in total as indicated in the plan. The cracks have been found on temporary and hollow brick walls," it said.

It suggested removal or replacement of the cracked brick walls as they were not the part of the main structure. The cracks in the brick walls also did not indicate any distress in the main structure, the committee added.

March 29 last, the City Centre developed several cracks in two of its boundary walls creating panic and forcing the inmates to vacate their offices located in the building.

The building houses offices of banks and private companies, including Standard Chartered, HSBC banks and Grameenphone.

DCC mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka constituted the 5-member enquiry committee on the same day for investigation.

In its report the enquiry committee accused the DCC of not assisting it properly during the investigation and suggested recruitment of a DCC engineer to oversee the construction.

Construction of the multi-storey City Centre, a project involving Tk 1.0 billion, was scheduled to be complete by the end of this year.

Nearly 80 per cent construction work of the 37-storey modern structure has already been completed.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.info/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=37826

http://www.newagebd.com/2008/jun/26/met2-b.jpg

A view of the under-construction City Centre. — New Age photo

This is fantastic news

Thanks for the image Amar :)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/nayeem007/5829.jpg

photo: Ershad Ahmed

What a shame! Seems like it heading towards becoming another Doreen Tower - only that it'll hurt more because of all the publicity this project has received over the years.

What a shame! Seems like it heading towards becoming another Doreen Tower - only that it'll hurt more because of all the publicity this project has received over the years.

Sorry, could you please explain?

Sorry, could you please explain?

Construction is stuck at 28 storeys. Prior to the cracks, things were progressing...admittedly at snail's pace, but progressing nonetheless. Construction does not appear to have resumed after the crack commotion. What sas is saying...if I understand him correctly...is that since this was a higher profile project than Doreen, therefore its current situation is even more embarassing.

Construction is stuck at 28 storeys. Prior to the cracks, things were progressing...admittedly at snail's pace, but progressing nonetheless. Construction does not appear to have resumed after the crack commotion. What sas is saying...if I understand him correctly...is that since this was a higher profile project than Doreen, therefore its current situation is even more embarassing.

Thanks for the clarification tanzirian. That is exactly what I was saying.

HSBC to resume operations in the City Centre branch. Hope that also is an indication that construction will re-start. Anyone got any updates?

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.info/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=40906

Thanks for the clarification tanzirian. That is exactly what I was saying.

They can at least finish the grouting, window panels and cladding on the outside and start the tenant leases. People will psychologically feel safer if they kept it at 28 stories. Nothing wrong with that at all.

No updates? I really like this building

I really like this building

Me as well.

A nice render:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/d1.jpg

That looks like a decent addition to any Asian skyline!

^^ Don't you like the palm trees and street lights reflecting off the 15th floor :)

^^ I have a feeling this will be completed after a political Govt returns to power.

^^ I have a feeling this will be completed after a political Govt returns to power.

Hope so...as it stands now it is our very own Ryugyong Hotel.

:lol:

Problem is we have quite a lot of Ryugyong Hotels right now (remember Doreen Tower). However, I too am pretty sure work will resume after the old gang is back.

:lol:

Problem is we have quite a lot of Ryugyong Hotels right now (remember Doreen Tower). However, I too am pretty sure work will resume after the old gang is back.

The construction started about 3 months ago.. As per as I know, Lifts arrived from Germany to Bangladesh! I saw labours working on there...

Have u guys noticed the Ottara Bank bhovon right by this tower.. It’s really amazing how they changed their front side design.

Also found very massive construction going on right by Notredrem College… It’s amazing how this tower is influencing the area around it.



:cheers:

The construction started about 3 months ago.. As per as I know, Lifts arrived from Germany to Bangladesh! I saw labours working on there...

Have u guys noticed the Ottara Bank bhovon right by this tower.. It’s really amazing how they changed their front side design.

Also found very massive construction going on right by Notredrem College… It’s amazing how this tower is influencing the area around it.



:cheers:

Some pics of the building and the Uttara Bank Bhavan would be great!

The construction started about 3 months ago.. As per as I know, Lifts arrived from Germany to Bangladesh! I saw labours working on there...

Have u guys noticed the Ottara Bank bhovon right by this tower.. It’s really amazing how they changed their front side design.

Also found very massive construction going on right by Notredrem College… It’s amazing how this tower is influencing the area around it.

:cheers:

So is it Doreen Tower or City Center that the work has restarted on?

So is it Doreen Tower or City Center that the work has restarted on?

I am guessing the latter since Rana mentions Notre Dame College. Would be fabulous news if that were the case.

No updates on any of these? Doreen seems absolutely dead as I drive by it quite often. Don't know about City Centre. Does anyone live around the Motijheel area?

that picture breaks my heart

Country's tallest building opens in December after 'minor jolts'

Mushir Ahmed

The country's tallest building opens in December this year after a minor earthquake last year almost robbed its glory and tore apart its original opening plan, an official said Thursday.

At a height of 350 feet and 37 floors, the City Center at Motijheel will be the largest commercial building in the country, surpassing 32-floor Bangladesh Bank Building, but its owners are counting the cost of a minor tremor in March 2008.

The quake measured around four degree in the Richter scale left cracks in the sidewalls of the building --- which is not part of the structure --- but it created panic among its tenants and was overplayed by an army of satellite televisions.

Although the first tenants, StanChart, HSBC and the Grameenphone, hired their own experts to check the damages, with one of them even flying in structural engineer from Mumbai, they took months to re-open their offices.

Project chief K.M Nurul Islam said they have now overcome "all the difficulties" and the building would now open up in December this year, some 18 months after its original opening date and five years after the start of construction.

"We are now giving final touches to the building. Some 35 floors have already been completed. We have also started interior works to make the building ready by end of this year," he said.

Islam admitted that the quake caused "unnecessary panic" among the people and is largely to blame for initial poor response from the floor buyers.

"Our building can resist a quake measuring eight degree in the Richter scale. But some televisions ignored the facts and deliberately overplayed the cracks in the sidewalls," he said.

Belhasa Accom, a Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates joint venture, is constructing the building on a 21-katha land leased by Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) in exchange for 10 floors to the city authorities.

The owners have so far sold out 90 per cent of its floor space, but initially the company had to settle for Tk4000 for per square feet, as the buyers took their time to make long-term investment.

"At the moment the response is very good. We are selling space at more than Tk10,000 per square feet, which should have been the natural floor price at Motijheel. We have set aside three floors for an asking price of Tk12,000," he said.

Banks, insurance companies and Dhaka Stock Exchange brokerage firms bought the bulk of the floors, he said, adding three other floors have been kept aside for conference room, meeting halls and cafeteria.

Officials said total cost of the building would cross Tk1.40 billion, making it the costliest in Bangladesh, and the company expects to make about Tk1.80 billion by selling all its floors.

Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) will use seven of its floors for car parking, aimed at lessening jams in the busiest commercial center of the country. It would use three other floors for office and rents.

http://thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2009/04/04/62963.html

Great news! Islam thanks for sharing... If things go well in the next year or so, Dhaka will have 2 new landmarks. City Center and Jamuna Future Park!

We are selling space at more than Tk10,000 per square feet, which should have been the natural floor price at Motijheel. We have set aside three floors for an asking price of Tk12,000," he said.

Isn't this more expansive than most US cities'? How does our corporates afford this?

^^ Also at these high price isn't it viable to construct supertalls?

sure supertalls. we don't have a choice

sure supertalls. we don't have a choice

For Supertalls the cost will be very prohibitive for Bangladesh -- i.e. transporting high-tensile steel beams etc. Much more so than the Middle East or South East Asian markets (where local fabrication facilities exist). Is it worth it?

For now in Dhaka for mid-rise or up to say 24 stories -- the verdict for construction at least for the next couple of decades points overwhelmingly to RCC constructions meaning beams and slabs made of pre-cast or in-situ concrete.

I know I'll be asked why I'm contradicting my previous predictions -- so here's why (number of factors)....

1. Concrete is cheaper and more 'green' to construct with (steel takes more energy to fabricate or produce therefore costs more).

2. Concrete is more fireproof and prevents 'additive floor collapse' (9/11 WTC tower situation)

3. The experience to build with concrete is already available locally making it even cheaper.

4. Ultra High performance Concrete (UHPC) mixtures (with plasticizers and fiber added) such as DUCTAL (http://www.imagineductal.com/imagineductal/home.asp) from Lafarge for making pre-cast concrete beams can obviate the need for re-bars, be shaped into complex forms, have many times the compressibility and tensile strength and weigh one-third less.

Here are some recent US examples (http://www.cement.org/buildings/buildings_office_bld.asp) of RCC mid-rises.

Here is an article describing UHPC (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/1282226.html). One more (http://www.cement.org/bridges/br_QA_reactive.asp).

For now I'll be happy with midrises. But the way the population of Dhaka is increasing, very soon we will have around 2 crore people. If we want to keep preserve and increase space in our city, we really won't have a choice other than supertalls. Land prices are skyrocketing, so around 2020 supertalls should be very viable for Dhaka IMO.

For Supertalls the cost will be very prohibitive for Bangladesh -- i.e. transporting high-tensile steel beams etc. Much more so than the Middle East or South East Asian markets (where local fabrication facilities exist). Is it worth it?

For now in Dhaka for mid-rise or up to say 24 stories -- the verdict for construction at least for the next couple of decades points overwhelmingly to RCC constructions meaning beams and slabs made of pre-cast or in-situ concrete.

I know I'll be asked why I'm contradicting my previous predictions -- so here's why (number of factors)....

1. Concrete is cheaper and more 'green' to construct with (steel takes more energy to fabricate or produce therefore costs more).

2. Concrete is more fireproof and prevents 'additive floor collapse' (9/11 WTC tower situation)

3. The experience to build with concrete is already available locally making it even cheaper.

4. Ultra High performance Concrete (UHPC) mixtures (with plasticizers and fiber added) such as DUCTAL (http://www.imagineductal.com/imagineductal/home.asp) from Lafarge for making pre-cast concrete beams can obviate the need for re-bars, be shaped into complex forms, have many times the compressibility and tensile strength and weigh one-third less.

Here are some recent US examples (http://www.cement.org/buildings/buildings_office_bld.asp) of RCC mid-rises.

Here is an article describing UHPC (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/1282226.html). One more (http://www.cement.org/bridges/br_QA_reactive.asp).

Quite informative manbil. What's RCC? And without getting too technical, could you please explain why the threshold you pointed out is 24 stories?

This is excellent news....we were all waiting for this for a long long time.:cheers:

For Supertalls the cost will be very prohibitive for Bangladesh -- i.e. transporting high-tensile steel beams etc. Much more so than the Middle East or South East Asian markets (where local fabrication facilities exist). Is it worth it?

For now in Dhaka for mid-rise or up to say 24 stories -- the verdict for construction at least for the next couple of decades points overwhelmingly to RCC constructions meaning beams and slabs made of pre-cast or in-situ concrete.

I know I'll be asked why I'm contradicting my previous predictions -- so here's why (number of factors)....

1. Concrete is cheaper and more 'green' to construct with (steel takes more energy to fabricate or produce therefore costs more).

2. Concrete is more fireproof and prevents 'additive floor collapse' (9/11 WTC tower situation)

3. The experience to build with concrete is already available locally making it even cheaper.

4. Ultra High performance Concrete (UHPC) mixtures (with plasticizers and fiber added) such as DUCTAL (http://www.imagineductal.com/imagineductal/home.asp) from Lafarge for making pre-cast concrete beams can obviate the need for re-bars, be shaped into complex forms, have many times the compressibility and tensile strength and weigh one-third less.

Here are some recent US examples (http://www.cement.org/buildings/buildings_office_bld.asp) of RCC mid-rises.

Here is an article describing UHPC (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/1282226.html). One more (http://www.cement.org/bridges/br_QA_reactive.asp).

Thanks for the links. These RCC building looks very good.

W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences
http://www.cement.org/buildings/images/hotel_W_dallas_night.jpg

505 5th Avenue
http://www.cement.org/buildings/images/505_5th.jpg

Quite informative manbil. What's RCC? And without getting too technical, could you please explain why the threshold you pointed out is 24 stories?

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC). The world's tallest concrete-reinforced building is the 92 stories Trump Tower @ Chicago.
http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1238958498-clip-59kb.jpg

So is 24 stories the most cost efficient?

Quite informative manbil. What's RCC? And without getting too technical, could you please explain why the threshold you pointed out is 24 stories?

RCC is short for 'Reinforced Cement Concrete'. The Highrise and Midrise definitions keep changing --as per location and per realtor's or architect's opinions. Profit can become a motive for realtors to fudge the definition a bit :)

But calling a 6 story building a midrise in US cities is okay. Calling the same thing a midrise in HongKong, Dubai or Singapore would be a joke. It depends on a number of factors such as...

1. how common highrises are in the immediate environment esp. residential highrises
2. population density
3. local building regulations
4. Cost of land etc.

Re: point number one -- it is very common in Canadian cities to house apartments in highrises (even middle class govt. housing -- Toronto is a good example). In the US -- less so, other than NYC or Chicago.

One good standard to go by is how lift manufacturers define it. In our case --we would define it with say a lift manufacturer from Malaysia. Going by the OTIS Malaysia site (http://www.otis.com/site/my/Pages/Elevators.aspx?menuId=2), a mid-rise is 7-25 stories which is what makes perfect sense for Dhaka. In Dhaka the number of garden variety 24 story midrise boxes is ubiquitous to the extent that any developer can get the expertise to build them easily. The time has come now to have developers build midrises in shapes other than boxes to differentiate them in the market place. The new trend post-2005 (as we have seen) is to use glass and aluminum exteriors for commercial and to use post-modernistic accents (paint differentiation, stucco accents) for residential.

In Dhaka, the 37 story City Center would then be a highrise. How many above 25 stories would we have?

Coming back to the crux of the issue -- in Bangladesh 24~25 stories is a good threshold beyond which costly foundation work (extensive deep piling) is usually needed. As we all know, Bedrock in Dhaka is very deep (because of the river flood-plain / delta alluvial soil situation), except of course up north in Tongi near the Madhupur tract having shallow paleolithic bedrock (http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/06/16/d606161902162.htm) and red clay soil. So the only economical and practical way to form a good foundation in Dhaka is to put in a slab foundation (called concrete 'mat' in the US) as deep as most budgets and technology allows, which about four to seven stories deep for a 24 story building depending on basement parking etc. I have followed most of the construction of the towers in the 'great wall of Banani' near NSU in this manner. Under the slabs you also have to put in some columns so the slab doesn't move due to soil liquefaction during an earthquake. See the following for this technique in Long Beach (LA area) building (http://www.cement.org/buildings/buildings_luxury_ocean.asp), which is situated right by the beach with very unstable loose sandy soil.

"The foundation system for each tower is a 5-ft-thick concrete mat, which is 110 ft wide by 230 ft long. Conventional spread footings are used under the columns supporting the three plaza levels and parking levels outside the footprint of the towers. To support the unbalanced soil pressure and to minimize lateral forces resisted by the tower walls, buttresses were added every 25 ft on center along the north basement wall. "

RCC is short for 'Reinforced Cement Concrete'. The Highrise and Midrise definitions keep changing --as per location and per realtor's or architect's opinions. Profit can become a motive for realtors to fudge the definition a bit :)

But calling a 6 story building a midrise in US cities is okay. Calling the same thing a midrise in HongKong, Dubai or Singapore would be a joke. It depends on a number of factors such as...

1. how common highrises are in the immediate environment esp. residential highrises
2. population density
3. local building regulations
4. Cost of land etc.

Re: point number one -- it is very common in Canadian cities to house apartments in highrises (even middle class govt. housing -- Toronto is a good example). In the US -- less so, other than NYC or Chicago.

One good standard to go by is how lift manufacturers define it. In our case --we would define it with say a lift manufacturer from Malaysia. Going by the OTIS Malaysia site (http://www.otis.com/site/my/Pages/Elevators.aspx?menuId=2), a mid-rise is 7-25 stories which is what makes perfect sense for Dhaka. In Dhaka the number of garden variety 24 story midrise boxes is ubiquitous to the extent that any developer can get the expertise to build them easily. The time has come now to have developers build midrises in shapes other than boxes to differentiate them in the market place. The new trend post-2005 (as we have seen) is to use glass and aluminum exteriors for commercial and to use post-modernistic accents (paint differentiation, stucco accents) for residential.

In Dhaka, the 37 story City Center would then be a highrise. How many above 25 stories would we have?

Coming back to the crux of the issue -- in Bangladesh 24~25 stories is a good threshold beyond which costly foundation work (extensive deep piling) is usually needed. As we all know, Bedrock in Dhaka is very deep (because of the river flood-plain / delta alluvial soil situation), except of course up north in Tongi near the Madhupur tract having shallow paleolithic bedrock (http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/06/16/d606161902162.htm) and red clay soil. So the only economical and practical way to form a good foundation in Dhaka is to put in a slab foundation (called concrete 'mat' in the US) as deep as most budgets and technology allows, which about four to seven stories deep for a 24 story building depending on basement parking etc. I have followed most of the construction of the towers in the 'great wall of Banani' near NSU in this manner. Under the slabs you also have to put in some columns so the slab doesn't move due to soil liquefaction during an earthquake. See the following for this technique in Long Beach (LA area) building (http://www.cement.org/buildings/buildings_luxury_ocean.asp), which is situated right by the beach with very unstable loose sandy soil.

"The foundation system for each tower is a 5-ft-thick concrete mat, which is 110 ft wide by 230 ft long. Conventional spread footings are used under the columns supporting the three plaza levels and parking levels outside the footprint of the towers. To support the unbalanced soil pressure and to minimize lateral forces resisted by the tower walls, buttresses were adder ex every 25 ft on center along the north basement wall. "

Thanks for all the info manbil. Your explanation clears my queries. Do you expect there to be more highrises like the Westin and Doreen Tower in Gulshan in the coming months?

Congrats to Dhaka, for these great projects!
From Pakistan! :)

Thanks for all the info manbil. Your explanation clears my queries. Do you expect there to be more highrises like the Westin and Doreen Tower in Gulshan in the coming months?

It will follow the same historical pattern as in Singapore or KL or Bangkok -- which is that the 1940's to 1970's lowrise buildings have been torn down to make room for the 1980's to 2000's midrises (10-25 flrs). They in turn will be torn down to make room for high-density space-planned highrise complexes in the range of 25-50 flrs. within 2020. I don't see a reason for building anything taller within the next twenty years but it could happen of course. I've been known to eat my own words :)

Newer Highrises will be located in high rent areas (Motijheel, Uttara or Gulshan, more likely the latter two) where they can command good 'upscale' space-rental rates. Motijheel is still the financial hub so the rate there will always be good. More highrises are also likely to be located near busy intersections like Gulshan no. 1 and 2 so I think the tawdry kitchen markets serving the Badda people and locals will be demolished in no time -- like within five years (rent too low).

Congrats to Dhaka, for these great projects!
From Pakistan! :)

Thanks Menec:cheers:

It will follow the same historical pattern as in Singapore or KL or Bangkok -- which is that the 1940's to 1970's lowrise buildings have been torn down to make room for the 1980's to 2000's midrises (10-25 flrs). They in turn will be torn down to make room for high-density space-planned highrise complexes in the range of 25-50 flrs. within 2020. I don't see a reason for building anything taller within the next twenty years but it could happen of course. I've been known to eat my own words :)

Newer Highrises will be located in high rent areas (Motijheel, Uttara or Gulshan, more likely the latter two) where they can command good 'upscale' space-rental rates. Motijheel is still the financial hub so the rate there will always be good. More highrises are also likely to be located near busy intersections like Gulshan no. 1 and 2 so I think the tawdry kitchen markets serving the Badda people and locals will be demolished in no time -- like within five years (rent too low).

Hmm that's an interesting observation I must say. But we must question the significance of Motijheel (in 5 years time) as practically everything is moving northwards towards Gulshan, Banani, Mohakhali and Nikunjo. A considerable number of banks have moved and are moving to the Gulshan area. Latest in that list are The City Bank, United Commercial Bank and Jamuna Bank.

Hmm that's an interesting observation I must say. But we must question the significance of Motijheel (in 5 years time) as practically everything is moving northwards towards Gulshan, Banani, Mohakhali and Nikunjo. A considerable number of banks have moved and are moving to the Gulshan area. Latest in that list are The City Bank, United Commercial Bank and Jamuna Bank.

There are a few reasons why Motijheel keeps on being the hub.

1. One still needs to be in the vicinity of the 'wall street' or 'dalal street' area to communicate with dealers, bankers and strategize about, conduct the days financial transactions.

2. Bangladesh Bank and the major regulatory govt. offices (including secretariat) is still there.

However this will change gradually as everything starts being done online.

We can't discount the fact that Bangladesh like the rest of the subcontinent is still 'license Raj' territory.

You need to run after bureaucrats to put up anything from latrines to five crore taka capital investments :nuts:.

Business in Bangladesh (at least at the upper levels) is done very, very socially after 90% time wasted in chitchats. With the exception of people in companies like AMEX and Stanchart.

As long that pattern of business keeps going and the bureaucrats all keep hanging around Motijheel -- the businesses will as well.

I would actually like to see Motijheel continue to be the business hub of the city. They can tear down some old buildings and create new highrises, ban rickshaws in certain streets etc. Developing the place along the line of Kemal Ataturk and Gulshan avenue will confine the business to the city center. Currently businesses are spreading haphazardly throughout the city. Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi has all become commercial places...

I have special attachment to Banani since I spent a good part of my life in Road 23. Now even that road is seeing rapid commercialization with schools, clinics and banks opening up. Miss those days when everybody had houses with sprawling lawns. We need to stop making every residential neighborhood in the city as a mini Business center. So if redeveloping Mothijheel helps then be it..

I would actually like to see Motijheel continue to be the business hub of the city. They can tear down some old buildings and create new highrises, ban rickshaws in certain streets etc. Developing the place along the line of Kemal Ataturk and Gulshan avenue will confine the business to the city center. Currently businesses are spreading haphazardly throughout the city. Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi has all become commercial places...

I have special attachment to Banani since I spent a good part of my life in Road 23. Now even that road is seeing rapid commercialization with schools, clinics and banks opening up. Miss those days when everybody had houses with sprawling lawns. We need to stop making every residential neighborhood in the city as a mini Business center. So if redeveloping Mothijheel helps then be it..

The impetus for developing satellite commercial hubs in Banani, Dhanmondi, Gulshan and Uttara was because travel to Motijheel takes up more than a couple of hours from places like Banani and Gulshan. So if public transport can ease the travel problem then that goes away.

In fact in most modern cities there is no one single downtown anymore. The time for that has come and gone.

However this would all be moot in a few years once business starts to be being online rather than in person.

Even a couple of years ago Dhaka dwellers could not imagine paying their utility bills via cellphone. Now it's become very common. Eventually technology 'leaps' like these will facilitate online business in Bangladesh as well.

The impetus for developing satellite commercial hubs in Banani, Dhanmondi, Gulshan and Uttara was because travel to Motijheel takes up more than a couple of hours from places like Banani and Gulshan. So if public transport can ease the travel problem then that goes away.

In fact in most modern cities there is no one single downtown anymore. The time for that has come and gone.

However this would all be moot in a few years once business starts to be being online rather than in person.

Even a couple of years ago Dhaka dwellers could not imagine paying their utility bills via cellphone. Now it's become very common. Eventually technology 'leaps' like these will facilitate online business in Bangladesh as well.

If I'm not mistaken, Nayeem bemoaned the fact that the traditional "residential" areas in Dhaka are all but gone, Banani, Gulshan, Dhanmondi or any other locality. In a way, Dhaka "city" has become something like Gotham City .... if a single family home with yardage is your thing, then you better move to the suburbs of Connecticut or New Jersey. Yet, I don't see that happening in Dhaka since most prefer to live in the city, like Londoners.

Regarding the bill payment via mobile phone, I see quite a few GP ads on TV but fail to grasp how it works. What is the mechanism since the majority of the mobile users in Bangladesh are the prepaid types? How does the actual funds get exchanged/transferred? I can understand that in the case of a postpaid account, you could charge the bill payment to your account because of the credit/debit card or ACH that is associated with your account. But how does that work with a prepaid account?

The impetus for developing satellite commercial hubs in Banani, Dhanmondi, Gulshan and Uttara was because travel to Motijheel takes up more than a couple of hours from places like Banani and Gulshan. So if public transport can ease the travel problem then that goes away.

In fact in most modern cities there is no one single downtown anymore. The time for that has come and gone.

However this would all be moot in a few years once business starts to be being online rather than in person.

Even a couple of years ago Dhaka dwellers could not imagine paying their utility bills via cellphone. Now it's become very common. Eventually technology 'leaps' like these will facilitate online business in Bangladesh as well.

It's true that other cities don't have one downtown, but you would also not find any proper city where there are no areas/zones confined for residential purpose only.

In Dhaka it's not that certain section (for example Kemal Ataturk and Gulshan avenue) are getting comercialized, the whole areas are having random schools, clinics and banks. Even Road- 21, 23 or 1, which are supposed to be only residential have numerous business institutes now. I haven't seen this in of the cities I have stayed in Europe or USA.

It would be okay, if the government allowed certain roads in Gulshan, Banani and Dhanmondi to be commercialized to ease pressure on Motijheel. But making the whole city into a haphazard combination of highrises, schools, clinics and homes is making it a very chaotic place and unsuitable for living.

Hey manbil, what construction technique is this? Is it RCC?

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/torontovibe/FEB9-09046.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/torontovibe/FEB9-09038.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/torontovibe/FEB9-09060.jpg

Hey manbil, what construction technique is this? Is it RCC?

Without having a closer look -- it does look like it with the one to the left of the CN tower in the first image. The smaller one to the right looks like a steel beam tower.

Put simply -- RCC will have a concrete column skeleton with poured (dhalai) concrete floors. In downtown Toronto -- there are a lot of RCC towers like this coming up near CN tower.

'Normal' highrises in North America -- on the other hand, typically have steel beams and concrete floors (poured concrete or pre-fabricated flooring lifted and bolted into the side of the beams).

They can build a lot taller than Dhaka because the bedrock is very close to the surface. So the pilings and footings can be sunk into the bedrock.

^^ Thanks for the info, but when can we expect to see these glass condominiums in Dhaka?

^^ Thanks for the info, but when can we expect to see these glass condominiums in Dhaka?

When property price hits about 25-30,000 Tk. per square feet.

Making these kind of towers will be much more expensive in Dhaka because the bedrock is much deeper and you have to implement deep-piling which will be expensive.

When property price hits about 25-30,000 Tk. per square feet.

Making these kind of towers will be much more expensive in Dhaka because the bedrock is much deeper and you have to implement deep-piling which will be expensive.
no they can do it now they can offset the excess cost by volume

Actually cost is reduced by work being sped-up. There are several ways to do this.

You can use sliding vertical shuttering (concrete forms) which is the latest technology. This can reduce the construction time by a tenth compared to brick walls :).

The sliding formwork is actually continually moving up by a couple of centimeters a minute (using a crane) and concrete is being continuously poured and is hardening. This is not (of course) regular concrete -- it is HPC (High performance concrete) which hardens very fast. See here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKoj-N0-YyA) for the video of the sliding formwork.

Or in the case of Bangladesh -- we can reduce the setup, time and weight of brickwork by using traditional static metal form-work (which is a little more advanced than what we use now in Bangladesh). This system uses modular clips and joiners. I think Bangladesh's construction crew are probably not ready for the continuous sliding shuttering that I mentioned first. So medium fast technology like static shuttering (formwork) is fine. this still takes one third of the time required for brickwork. See here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3SfltCFOlY) for a video of the modular concrete formwork.

Those with a faster connection can change to a High Quality video for a clearer picture.

Actually cost is reduced by work being sped-up. There are several ways to do this.

You can use sliding vertical shuttering (concrete forms) which is the latest technology. This can reduce the construction time by a tenth compared to brick walls :).

The sliding formwork is actually continually moving up by a couple of centimeters a minute (using a crane) and concrete is being continuously poured and is hardening. This is not (of course) regular concrete -- it is HPC (High performance concrete) which hardens very fast. See here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKoj-N0-YyA) for the video of the sliding formwork.

Or in the case of Bangladesh -- we can reduce the setup, time and weight of brickwork by using traditional static metal form-work (which is a little more advanced than what we use now in Bangladesh). This system uses modular clips and joiners. I think Bangladesh's construction crew are probably not ready for the continuous sliding shuttering that I mentioned first. So medium fast technology like static shuttering (formwork) is fine. this still takes one third of the time required for brickwork. See here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3SfltCFOlY) for a video of the modular concrete formwork.

Those with a faster connection can change to a High Quality video for a clearer picture.
thanks for the insight

Actually cost is reduced by work being sped-up. There are several ways to do this.

You can use sliding vertical shuttering (concrete forms) which is the latest technology. This can reduce the construction time by a tenth compared to brick walls :).

The sliding formwork is actually continually moving up by a couple of centimeters a minute (using a crane) and concrete is being continuously poured and is hardening. This is not (of course) regular concrete -- it is HPC (High performance concrete) which hardens very fast. See here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKoj-N0-YyA) for the video of the sliding formwork.

Or in the case of Bangladesh -- we can reduce the setup, time and weight of brickwork by using traditional static metal form-work (which is a little more advanced than what we use now in Bangladesh). This system uses modular clips and joiners. I think Bangladesh's construction crew are probably not ready for the continuous sliding shuttering that I mentioned first. So medium fast technology like static shuttering (formwork) is fine. this still takes one third of the time required for brickwork. See here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3SfltCFOlY) for a video of the modular concrete formwork.

Those with a faster connection can change to a High Quality video for a clearer picture.

Sorry for asking too many question but whats the method used in this office building? http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1240065535-clip-33kb.jpg

Seems like they are just cladding the exteriors with glass without laying any bricks. This would be cheaper but what about the rigidity of the building?

Sorry for asking too many question but whats the method used in this office building?

Seems like they are just cladding the exteriors with glass without laying any bricks. This would be cheaper but what about the rigidity of the building?

This does look like a steel frame structure and the floors are most probably poured concrete on galvanized steel sheet. Like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_19l1fO9sU).

The rigidity of the building doesn't depend on the skin (shell). It depends on the steel (or RCC) Frame. How (or what) you clad it with (Aluminum panels or glass) doesn't really matter because they aren't taking any load or stress.

Brick is a very old way to add an exterior which is slowly being replaced by other lighter materials with quick-to-finish methods.

This does look like a steel frame structure and the floors are most probably poured concrete on galvanized steel sheet. Like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_19l1fO9sU).

The rigidity of the building doesn't depend on the skin (shell). It depends on the steel (or RCC) Frame. How (or what) you clad it with (Aluminum panels or glass) doesn't really matter because they aren't taking any load or stress.

Brick is a very old way to add an exterior which is slowly being replaced by other lighter materials with quick-to-finish methods.

Thanks for the insight. :cheers:

I'm reposting the pic that Amar posted today in the Dhaka Projects thread, by Ershad Ahmed I believe.

Unless I am mistaken, when compared to the last pics we have in this thread (posted by Amar and Nayeem in July 2008), the building seems to have grown another 5 storeys or so this past year. And there also appears to be new vertical beams (or whatever they are) on the lower floors. So, despite growing at the rate one storey every two-and-a-half months, this project appears still to be alive! I had thought it was in limbo after those cracks appeared but I guess is still some forward movement...

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/7221.jpg

I'm reposting the pic that Amar posted today in the Dhaka Projects thread, by Ershad Ahmed I believe.

Unless I am mistaken, when compared to the last pics we have in this thread (posted by Amar and Nayeem in July 2008), the building seems to have grown another 5 storeys or so this past year. And there also appears to be new vertical beams (or whatever they are) on the lower floors. So, despite growing at the rate one storey every two-and-a-half months, this project appears still to be alive! I had thought it was in limbo after those cracks appeared but I guess is still some forward movement...

The vertical beams may be framework for aluminum framed or frameless glass covering (cladding). My eyes aren't as good as I think they are. But that's what it seems to be.

Plus if the render posted earlier is any clue -- it may be closed to topping out because the top circular section with helipad roof has maybe five floors in it.

Plus if the render posted earlier is any clue -- it may be closed to topping out because the top circular section with helipad roof has maybe five floors in it.

Yes, if my count is right, it is now at 33 storeys - just four more to go!

This also means, very likely...(insert drum roll sound effect here)...that Dhaka has a new tallest building! Cracks, and all!

City Center has overtaken Bangladesh Bank (31 storeys) in terms of floors and quite possibly actual height as well. Bangladesh Bank had a long reign...I forget when it was built, around 1990 I think? Emporis said 1985 but I think it wasn't that early...

Yes, if my count is right, it is now at 33 storeys - just four more to go!

This also means, very likely...(insert drum roll sound effect here)...that Dhaka has a new tallest building! Cracks, and all!

City Center has overtaken Bangladesh Bank (31 storeys) in terms of floors and quite possibly actual height as well. Bangladesh Bank had a long reign...I forget when it was built, around 1990 I think? Emporis said 1985 but I think it wasn't that early...

It was early -- trust me. 1985 sounds about right.

I don't want to jinx anything but yes -- cheers...:cheers::cheers2::applause:

It was early -- trust me. 1985 sounds about right.

I returned to BD from USA in 1986 and don't remember it from that time (back then there was clear sight of the area from my grandfather's house)...but then again I was a just a kid so my memory on the matter isn't allways accurate. Some of what Emporis lists is just wrong - for instance stating we had a 27 storey building back in the 1970s. I wrote them about this many years ago (I think they were called "skyscrapers.com" or something like that back then) but they obviously paid it no attention.

I returned to BD from USA in 1986 and don't remember it from that time (back then there was clear sight of the area from my grandfather's house)...but then again I was a just a kid so my memory on the matter isn't allways accurate. Some of what Emporis lists is just wrong - for instance stating we had a 27 storey building back in the 1970s. I wrote them about this many years ago (I think they were called "skyscrapers.com" or something like that back then) but they obviously paid it no attention.

I was in back in Dhaka from the UK in 1980~81 and had heard strong rumors about ground breaking and construction commencing for the Bangladesh Bank project. The older State Bank of Pakistan building next to it (glass and wraparound corniches) was very modern and luxurious for its time and was built in the late sixties. It was the 'belle of the ball' for the Motijheel and Dilkusha Commercial areas. The ugly buildings then existing were the various five story 'mansions' housing jutemill HQ's and also the WAPDA building. Is that thing (WAPDA) still standing?

The older State Bank of Pakistan building next to it (glass and wraparound corniches) was very modern and luxurious for its time and was built in the late sixties. It was the 'belle of the ball' for the Motijheel and Dilkusha Commercial areas.

Definitely, I've always thought it an excellent example mid-20th century international style. Looks good even today.

The ugly buildings then existing were the various five story 'mansions' housing jutemill HQ's and also the WAPDA building. Is that thing (WAPDA) still standing?

Dunno exactly which one that is...but many of those buildings are (unfortunately) still there.

The City Center is still not completed? wow, it has been forever since they started the construction..

^^ i saw the TV commercials in 2004 man!

Yes, if my count is right, it is now at 33 storeys - just four more to go!

This also means, very likely...(insert drum roll sound effect here)...that Dhaka has a new tallest building! Cracks, and all!

City Center has overtaken Bangladesh Bank (31 storeys) in terms of floors and quite possibly actual height as well. Bangladesh Bank had a long reign...I forget when it was built, around 1990 I think? Emporis said 1985 but I think it wasn't that early...

Well was at the heart of Motijheel a couple of days ago. Tried counting very carefully and the count came down to 32. However, must emphasize that this has been significant progress since I last visited. Hoping this project will be over by year-end at the very latest.

On a different, someone (mirza or amar) had told me a couple of months ago that construction at Doreen had resumed. I still haven't noticed any developments in the past two years.

As Of August 2009

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1253663907-clip-60kb.jpg

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1253664041-clip-123kb.jpg

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1253664072-clip-180kb.jpg

Great find Amar....good to see the building being prepared for the glass facade.

Btw:just last week,orion group advertised "city center" on Bangladesh monitor.So I am hopeful that it will turn out exactly the way it was planned.

^^

Hard to determine from this angle whether there has been any progress on construction compared to the last photos taken in June...they were working on the 32nd floor back then, and still seem to be on the same floor now, though the roof of that storey seems possibly more complete now. The prep for the glass cladding seems unchanged as far as can be seen, although we can't see the lower floors in these latest shots.

^^

Hard to determine from this angle whether there has been any progress on construction compared to the last photos taken in June...they were working on the 32nd floor back then, and still seem to be on the same floor now, though the roof of that storey seems possibly more complete now. The prep for the glass cladding seems unchanged as far as can be seen, although we can't see the lower floors in these latest shots.

I bet they're working on the inside utility stuff and indoor prep.

1. Electrical distribution stuff
2. Sanitary pipes and HVAC
3. General 'astor' (wallboard, gypsum-board or brick partitioning prep)
4. Floor prep (white cement and marble-chip aggregate or simply tile)

All these above takes up a long time.

^^
yup I guess they are busy with interiors, same with JFP, they are busy doing the interiors now.

Check out the progress on City Center!! I can feel good about this project after a long time. Photo courtesy Ershad Ahmed :

link: http://dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/ea.jpg

Looking good!

Structure is complete and finally started to put on the glass facade. :okay:

City center is looking good already---Motijheel needs more buildings like this to replace the older ones.

wow thts a good one :)

By Ershad Ahmed
City Center - Nearing Completion

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/7735.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/7736.jpg

^^ Thanks amar. A couple of weeks ago I asked Mr. Ahmed for a City Center update when he got a chance. Not sure if that had anything to do with the current post, but am glad to see the progress!

To be honest, I think the cladding might have looked nicer with some more detail, perhaps with horizontal rows in two shades of green(examples of cladding I like include Uday Tower in Gulshan and Unique Trade Center on Panthapath). Nonetheless, am very glad this project is moving towards completion. Will literally be a step "up" for Dhaka.

By Ershad Ahmed
City Center - Nearing Completion

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/7735.jpg


Notice the tall building being constructed on the left....its the Red Crescent Tower in Motijheel and seems like its coming up nicely

^^
thts an awesome shot really, hopefully it will be operational soon :)

Notice the tall building being constructed on the left....its the Red Crescent Tower in Motijheel and seems like its coming up nicely

Do you know the number of floors?

^^
i guess somewhere between 20 - 30

Do you know the number of floors?

I dont remember exactly..but I think it was around 14-18 storied

I dont remember exactly..but I think it was around 14-18 storied

As long as its contemporary, I'm all for it. Motijheel needs to get rid of those hideous, moldy mid-20th-century buildings if its going to be credible commercial center looking to the future. Some international standard hotel and shopping center would help greatly as well.

For now, I'm glad City Center will be looking good (as opposed to incomplete eyesore) come WC2011.

As long as its contemporary, I'm all for it. Motijheel needs to get rid of those hideous, moldy mid-20th-century buildings if its going to be credible commercial center looking to the future. Some international standard hotel and shopping center would help greatly as well.

For now, I'm glad City Center will be looking good (as opposed to incomplete eyesore) come WC2011.
I agree. Somebody ought to redo Hotel Purbani and put up some new ones. Lack of adequate car park is a problem though.

Lack of adequate car park is a problem though.

True, but in case of City Center at least, the first 9 floors are parking. There should be some requirement that all new buildings in the area make provision for their own parking. A good case in point are the new midrises along Topkhana road...these I think are being built without any consideration of parking needs.

I agree. Somebody ought to redo Hotel Purbani and put up some new ones. Lack of adequate car park is a problem though.

Bhai ar hotel diye ki hobe Motijheel e?

Bhai ar hotel diye ki hobe Motijheel e?

I don't think additional hotels are necessary...especially with what I consider an unfortunate decision to move the stock exchange to Nikunjo. However, there are still many government offices in this area, and I think it warrants at least one recognised international brand. This does not necessarily have to be a full-service hotel...but I'm thinking something something along the lines of a Coutyard Mariott / Hilton Garden Inn / Hyatt Place ... which are smaller versions of their namesakes and with fewer services but still pretty decent quality nonetheless. Either converting Purbani to one of these, if possible to modernise the building, or replacing it with something of this nature, I think would really help an effort to revitalise the area.

What is its height?

^^
The City Center? 37 floors, dno the height in metres :P

What is its height?

Unfortunately there is no information made public about heights of buildings in Bangladesh. According to Wikipedia, the height of the current tallest in Dhaka, Bangladesh Bank, is 115 m or 377 ft. I don't know what the source for this information is, but since the floors of Bangladesh Bank are of fairly standard height, this figure should be about right. Assuming that City Center has floors of roughly similar height we get a figure of about 135 m / 444 ft, give or take.

^^ Thanks for the info :)

I think for developing countries like all South Asian countries, it is more important to make sure a majority of the population lives in proper, safe buildings rather than just a mad dash to build very tall buildings. Of course one would like to see glass/cladding on the newer buildings instead of just concrete commie blocks like we all have from the 70s/80s. I can't stand the sight of peeling paint/dilapidated facades.

First come high rises, then eventually real skyscrapers will follow for all of us.

Originally Posted by sas:
Bhai ar hotel diye ki hobe Motijheel e?

I don't think additional hotels are necessary...especially with what I consider an unfortunate decision to move the stock exchange to Nikunjo. However, there are still many government offices in this area, and I think it warrants at least one recognised international brand. This does not necessarily have to be a full-service hotel...but I'm thinking something something along the lines of a Coutyard Mariott / Hilton Garden Inn / Hyatt Place ... which are smaller versions of their namesakes and with fewer services but still pretty decent quality nonetheless. Either converting Purbani to one of these, if possible to modernise the building, or replacing it with something of this nature, I think would really help an effort to revitalise the area.
I agree. While distance between places (points) is insignificant, in Dhaka, the chronic traffic congestion appears to become a permanent event. As such, it would be beneficial in terms of (opportunity) cost and efficiency to have hotel (motel) accommodation in every locality.

^^ Thanks for the info :)

I think for developing countries like all South Asian countries, it is more important to make sure a majority of the population lives in proper, safe buildings rather than just a mad dash to build very tall buildings. Of course one would like to see glass/cladding on the newer buildings instead of just concrete commie blocks like we all have from the 70s/80s. I can't stand the sight of peeling paint/dilapidated facades.

First come high rises, then eventually real skyscrapers will follow for all of us.

Agreed with all you say. Most midrises in Dhaka are in the 20 storey range so the height is not excessive. The area where City Center is being built, Motijheel, is the old downtown. Most of the wealth in the city has migrated northward. Although many government offices still remain, the area has been left with a bunch of moldy old offices that are really too shabby for an aspiring 21st century commerical center. So projects like City Center are good both to fill a need for modern office space in the area, and also to get rid of these obsolete structures.

tanz, which is the new commercial area?

tanz, which is the new commercial area?
If I can answer that, it looks there is not just one area (locality). Where is an effort to make the Nikunja area to be the financial district, Guslhan-Banani appears to have bulk of the non banking business/commercial offices.

tanz, which is the new commercial area?

Were you referring to Nikunja?...it is located on a strip of land along the west side of airport road between the airport and Banani.

If I can answer that, it looks there is not just one area (locality). Where is an effort to make the Nikunja area to be the financial district, Guslhan-Banani appears to have bulk of the non banking business/commercial offices.

Well I'd have to disagree with you. Nothing really has moved to Nikunjo as yet and only the stock exchange building will go there eventually. A significant number of the major banks have moved to Gulshan already.

Well I'd have to disagree with you. Nothing really has moved to Nikunjo as yet and only the stock exchange building will go there eventually. A significant number of the major banks have moved to Gulshan already.
I stand corrected then. Some people want to make the Nikunja area the financial district though, isn't it?

I stand corrected then. Some people want to make the Nikunja area the financial district though, isn't it?

As I said, only the DSE building is scheduled to move there, but I have no idea as to how far that particular project has progressed. Haven't heard anything else really.

As I said, only the DSE building is scheduled to move there, but I have no idea as to how far that particular project has progressed. Haven't heard anything else really.

Mirza occasionally posted some construction pics while he was in BD. I always thought Nikunja was kind of oddly shaped and sited - being a narrow strip of land along Airport Rd - to be a proper financial hub. I also don't like the way that neighborhoods are abandoned...as Old Dhaka was and as Motijheel now is. I prefer revitalisation. That is hard to do if, in the case of Motijheel for example, it loses its identity as the main financial center, with the stock exchange going somewhere else and corporate wealth already centered in Gulshan.

I see Gulshan and Banani as the main business districts of Dhaka.But I think we can expect to see Nikunjo as a prominent business district in the future.The high rises currently under-construction or proposed in Nikunjo are:

1.Dhaka Stock Exchange Tower
2.Empori Finance Square
3.Sabco Complex
4.Unknown Hospital Tower
5.Palli Bidyut Tower

and the high rises currently in place in Nikunjo are:

1.Lotus Kamal Tower
2.Dhaka Regency
3.Nitol Niloy Tower

However,in the business districts of Gulshan and Banani,there are currently more than 60 commercial towers under-construction/proposed-meaning Nikunjo will still be insignificant compared to these areas in the coming years.

BTW, how is the fire safety system in this City Center building?

and Mirza, when we say City Center, doesnt it remind u of those ones in Dubai with Carrefour? :lol:

^^
Sabco Complex? :nuts:

Theres already one in Oman :lol:

^^
Sabco Complex? :nuts:

Theres already one in Oman :lol:

Think he meant to type in SABINCO as opposed to SABCO.

SABINCO - Saudi Bangladesh Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company Limited, which is essentially a non-banking financial institution.

^^
I see, well there is something called SABCO in oman hehe

^^
I see, well there is something called SABCO in oman hehe

and Mirza, when we say City Center, doesnt it remind u of those ones in Dubai with Carrefour? :lol:

Yeah it does actually.....the popular mall of "Deira City Center" is commonly referred to as "City Center" over here.Wonder how you know about it though:nuts:

^^
dude, there are two freaking City Centers in Oman :lol: one is called Muscat City Center (the largest mall in oman tht one) and other one Qurum City Center (which is kinda smaller but right opposite our skool ;) )

Guys

Thanks for your reply on the financial areas. So it looks like Nikunja is the next financial centre given that it will be home to DSE.

Glass has now reached the top! Recent side view by Shameem Bakhshi ... starting to look good now :)

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/sb.jpg

Thanks for the pic Tan...City Center is sure to look great once complete!But i still feel there are too many ugly buildings in the area that need to go or be renovated if Motijheel is to look like the newer business districts of Dhaka.

But i still feel there are too many ugly buildings in the area that need to go or be renovated if Motijheel is to look like the newer business districts of Dhaka.

Of course, but the wealth has moved northward, so that's ulikely to happen soon. What I would like in the meantime is for Bangladesh Bank and Janata Bank to get a good cleaning, with a new coat for Janata Bank. Both those buildings used to look quite nice and shiny back in the day, but exterior maintenance has been pretty much neglected.

Glass has now reached the top! Recent side view by Shameem Bakhshi ... starting to look good now :)

Shubho Noboborsho!

Thanks for the update Tan. The interiors should be going on full swing as well. I presume the building should be ready by year end?

Shubho Noboborsho!

I presume the building should be ready by year end?

Who knows? It's taken well over three years from when construction stalled to this point, but let's hope.

Some great new pics by soheildhaka

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/s1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/s4.jpg

Also by soheildhaka

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/s3.jpg

^^ Wow! The exterior is almost done!

^^
wow, almost done :)

^^ I really like the pattern of setbacks...these were not apparent to me in the concept drawings posted a few years ago, but really enhance the appearance of the building.

Photo uploaded by Soheildhaka about 11 days ago.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/sdo.jpg

^^ Awesome, almost done!

^^ I hope they don't leave out the trelis at the top (as seen on the renders)...it really is beneficial to the design.

Here's something I've been thinking about for some time now. Is City Center actually the tallest building in Dhaka? City Center is supposed to be 37 floors (I counted 36, but I could easily be off by one floor) whereas Bangladesh Bank is 31 floors. Based on this I assumed that City Center would be significantly taller, possibly by about 50 - 75 ft. However, recent skyline shots I have been looking at don't seem to suggest this. Take the one below which I posted some weeks back. City Center is in the middle and Bangladesh Bank on the left. In this view, City Center is actually closer to the photographer by perhaps 1000 - 2000 ft. Given this proximity plus the additional floors, one would expect City Center to appear convincingly taller than Bangladesh Bank, but it doesn't really. I recently came across another similar shot shot from further afield, which seems to suggest the same thing (I will resize and reupload that pic if I get a chance sometime). So my conclusion is that, even if City Center is taller than Bangladesh Bank, then the difference between the two is very minimal. Certainly, City Center is a much bulkier structure than Bangladesh Bank...and is a nice building regardless of how tall it is. Nonetheless, some food for thought...

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/338934121.jpg

Here's something I've been thinking about for some time now. Is City Center actually the tallest building in Dhaka? City Center is supposed to be 37 floors (I counted 36, but I could easily be off by one floor) whereas Bangladesh Bank is 31 floors. Based on this I assumed that City Center would be significantly taller, possibly by about 50 - 75 ft. However, recent skyline shots I have been looking at don't seem to suggest this. Take the one below which I posted some weeks back. City Center is in the middle and Bangladesh Bank on the left. In this view, City Center is actually closer to the photographer by perhaps 1000 - 2000 ft. Given this proximity plus the additional floors, one would expect City Center to appear convincingly taller than Bangladesh Bank, but it doesn't really. I recently came across another similar shot shot from further afield, which seems to suggest the same thing (I will resize and reupload that pic if I get a chance sometime). So my conclusion is that, even if City Center is taller than Bangladesh Bank, then the difference between the two is very minimal. Certainly, City Center is a much bulkier structure than Bangladesh Bank...and is a nice building regardless of how tall it is. Nonetheless, some food for thought...



That's quite a nice observation Tan. Thanks.

Here's something I've been thinking about for some time now. Is City Center actually the tallest building in Dhaka? City Center is supposed to be 37 floors (I counted 36, but I could easily be off by one floor) whereas Bangladesh Bank is 31 floors. Based on this I assumed that City Center would be significantly taller, possibly by about 50 - 75 ft. However, recent skyline shots I have been looking at don't seem to suggest this. Take the one below which I posted some weeks back. City Center is in the middle and Bangladesh Bank on the left. In this view, City Center is actually closer to the photographer by perhaps 1000 - 2000 ft. Given this proximity plus the additional floors, one would expect City Center to appear convincingly taller than Bangladesh Bank, but it doesn't really. I recently came across another similar shot shot from further afield, which seems to suggest the same thing (I will resize and reupload that pic if I get a chance sometime). So my conclusion is that, even if City Center is taller than Bangladesh Bank, then the difference between the two is very minimal. Certainly, City Center is a much bulkier structure than Bangladesh Bank...and is a nice building regardless of how tall it is. Nonetheless, some food for thought...

Get out the tape measure!

haha we have to observe it upfront :P

Get out the tape measure!

We must be one of few countries where heights of important buildings are not available to the public...

Uploaded a day or two ago by Shameem Bakhshi

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/35783336.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/35783305.jpg

^^
at the front side, i have no idea why do they leave out some pieces of glass

^^ Plus some crappy looking buildings in this area, somewhat takes away the modern look of City Center.

^^ Plus some crappy looking buildings in this area, somewhat takes away the modern look of City Center.

Can't change it all at once...City Center replaced one of those crappy buildings.

Impressive.. I agree some of the other buildings need to be sorted out - a lick of fresh paint and new windows would do them good!

any one know about the buildings resistance to natural disasters?

any one know about the buildings resistance to natural disasters?
Such as? I don't expect most buildings in Bangladesh to be earthquake resistant. But then that's the case in most countries.

Approaching completion....in the rear of the photo

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2010/2010_06_28/content_zoom/2010_06_28_3_0_b.jpg

Source: The Daily Star

^^ Thank you...but the pictures posted above are more recent (taken second half of May, I believe). I have found no pics from June thus far.

That picture is from the hartal from a couple of days ago.

That picture is from the hartal from a couple of days ago.

You are right, the picture is showing the back of the building - I thought it was showing the front...which is what confused me. The glass on the front is more or less complete, but I guess the glass on the back is not.

Photos: Ershad Ahmed

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPf1HUBNpK4/TEsTqaIV8WI/AAAAAAAATWw/OoV92LkE9WY/s1600/7908.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPf1HUBNpK4/TEsT7Z0ID7I/AAAAAAAATXA/_9YINdlEJUA/s1600/7907.jpg

Looks like the balakas got a facelift!

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/images/news_image_2010-07-26_13981.jpg

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/images/news_image_2010-07-26_13981.jpg

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much progress in the exterior since that last update during the second half of May, unless they're working on the inside now, which I'm not aware of.

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much progress in the exterior since that last update during the second half of May, unless they're working on the inside now, which I'm not aware of.

They might be working on the inside...besides which, as this other pic by Ershad Ahmed shows ... there is still a lot of cladding remaining to be added to the rear of the building. Without air conditioning the workers probably really need the open spaces, especially at this time of year.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPf1HUBNpK4/TEsTddH47II/AAAAAAAATWo/ZU-kt_HlYgI/s1600/7909.jpg

The facade on the south side is now complete...photo by Minarul999. The pattern of setbacks is rather nice, even if the building itself may not have turned out to be Dhaka's tallest...

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cc1.jpg

^^
but looks awesome though :)

The facade on the south side is now complete...photo by Minarul999. The pattern of setbacks is rather nice, even if the building itself may not have turned out to be Dhaka's tallest...

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cc1.jpg

Not Dhaka's tallest? What do you mean?

Good to see this project completed...the tower is looking nice

^^ Yes, it definitely looks nice, and hopefully the rest of Motijheel can gradually follow its lead. I'll try to take some pictures when I visit in December.

Not Dhaka's tallest? What do you mean?

We discussed this in the forum a while back...by looking at shots of the general area, I feel reasonably confident that Bangladesh Bank is the taller building of the two. That despite the fact that BB has 6 fewer floors.

Photo by soheildhaka:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/soheildhaka.jpg

^^ That looks neat!

^^
A rather incongruous sight. A shiny modern building in the midst of slums.

^^
thats what i was thinking right now hehe

^^
A rather incongruous sight. A shiny modern building in the midst of slums.

But that's only natural. One step at a time. Can't just sweep away poverty in one fell swoop, unless you're dripping in oil, or something like that.

But that's only natural. One step at a time. Can't just sweep away poverty in one fell swoop, unless you're dripping in oil, or something like that.

True, but the Motijheel area did look like a slum area at all, when I was growing up in Dhaka.