Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Unknown mysteries, unknown countries and exciting unknown facts on the seabed!

The sea has been an integral part of human history and culture throughout history. The sea is home to an abundance of fish. Trade, travel, mineral extraction, power generation, and war routes – the sea has become important. This vast body of water holds many unknown secrets.

About the ocean


1. Pacific Ocean: It is the largest ocean in the world. It separates America from Asia and Australia. It has the largest area and depth. Area 16,62,66,877 square kilometers. Maximum depth 10,924 meters. Average depth 4,079 meters. 

2. Atlantic Ocean: It is the second largest ocean. It separates America from Eurasia and Africa. Area 8,65,05,603 square kilometers. Maximum depth 9,219 meters. Average depth 3,926 meters. 

3. Indian Ocean: It surrounds South Asia. It separates Africa and Australia. Area 7,35,55,662 square kilometers. Maximum depth 7,455 meters. Average depth 3,963 meters. 


Titanic behind the mystery


The luxury cruise ship Titanic set sail from the UK for New York on April 14, 1912. At 11:40 p.m., it hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic and began to sink. The huge ship took 2 hours and 40 minutes to sink. This is one of the most tragic events in history. More than 1,500 people lost their lives. No one imagined that the ship would sink on its first voyage. Divers have repeatedly seen the wreckage going deep into the sea. After 73 years, a group of scientists began a mechanical search in 1985. The wreckage of the Titanic was found 13,000 meters below the water where the Titanic sank. A French scientist named Robert Ballard had wanted to find the Titanic since he was a child. When he grew up, he set out on that mission. Although he found some information, he could not fully unravel its mystery. There is controversy about the Titanic and the Olympic ships. Which ship actually sank in the accident that day? In 1999, 64-year-old Oxford scholar Robin Gardner claimed in his book Titanic: The Ship That Never Sank that the Titanic never sank. His claim is largely consistent with the testimonies of alleged survivors of the Titanic. According to the survivors, the monogram on the sunken Titanic was different. It does not match the Titanic at all. However, there is no solid evidence to support these claims.

 


Thursday, April 10, 2025

The National Parliament House of Bangladesh! A wonderful creation of engineering and architecture!

 

The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh provides the legislature the name Jatiyo Shangsad in Bengali and House of the Nation in English. It is commonly known as Parliament. Now We are trying to know about the history of built, engineering and architecture of National Parliament of Bangladesh.  


Parliament of Bangladesh is a unicameral legislature consisting of 350 members of which 300 Members from 300 territorial constituencies that is one from each constituency, on the basis of adult Franchise. The remaining 50 seats are reserved for women who are elected by the aforesaid elected Members in accordance with law on the basis of procedure of proportional representation in the Parliament through Single Transferable Vote. This provision for 50 reserved women seats continue for 25 years from the beginning (January 30, 2019) of the 11th Parliament. 

As per provision of clause (3) of article 72 of the Constitution, the term of a Parliament is five years. It is ordinarily dissolved on completion of five years from the date of its first meeting after the general elections. The President has the authority to dissolve the Parliament earlier, if at any time he is satisfied that there is no Members of Parliament. The term of Parliament can be extended beyond 5 years by an Act of Parliament by not more than one year at a time when the Republic is engaged in war.

History of Creation

The Constituent Assembly of Bangladesh and the first Parliament held their sittings in the building that now houses the Prime Minister's Office and which is often referred as the old Shangshad Bhaban (old Parliament House). The second Parliament also held most of its sittings in that building, the last sitting being on 10 July 1981. It was during the tenure of the second Parliament that the present Parliament building, or Shangshad Bhaban, located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, became functional. Its eighth, and incidentally the last session, commenced on 15 February 1982 in the new building.


The legislative enclave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar is among the largest legislative complexes in the world and is bound by Rokeya Sarani to the east, Mirpur Road to the west, Lake Road to the north and Manik Mian Avenue to the south. Its total area is approximately 200 acres. Situated in the enclave are the impressive structure of the Parliament Building, a Members hostel, residences for parliamentary functionaries, two large lush green lawns and a lake. Residences of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, which were included in the master plan for this enclave has also been constructed.

The design of the Parliament Building, made by the famous architect Professor Louis I. Kahn, evolved from the basic human requirement of protection from the glare and fury of nature. The primary architect of the Bangladesh National Parliament Building (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban) was Louis I. Kahn. While the structural design was finalized with the assistance of Engr. Harry Palmbaum, a structural engineer, after Kahn's death. This has been achieved through the overall arrangement of the complex in different groups of buildings in which normal external lines are deeply recessed by porticoes with huge geometric openings on its outer facade, forming the visual characteristics of the building. Thus conventional methods of protecting external windows have been effectively substituted, resulting in the compositional effect of these huge openings, befitting the scale of the building. The use of exposed concrete walls to contrast the surrounding buildings with exposed brick exteriors, merges with the land and its culture. The lake on three sides of the main building, extending up to the Members hostel not only creates visual relief for the beholder but also echoes the riverine beauty of Bangladesh. The entire complex has a floor area of 8,23,000 sq. ft. in the main building, 2,23,000 sq. ft. in the South Plaza and 65,000 sq. ft. in the Presidential Plaza.

The Parliament Building consists of three major components: the South Plaza, the Presidential Plaza and the main Building. The South Plaza, gradually rising to 20' height, serves as the visual base as well as the formal entrance to the Parliament Building. It contains:

controlling gates;

a driveway;

a main mechanical plant room;

a large car parking space;

a telephone exchange;

offices of maintenance engineers;

equipment stores; and

an open plaza with steps and ramps leading directly to the main building.

The Presidential Plaza to the north, serves as an intimate plaza for MPs and other dignitaries. It contains marble steps, a gallery and an open pavement. Its ground floor is partly open and partly occupied by stores. The Parliament Building itself consists of nine individual blocks of which, eight peripheral blocks rise to a height of 110' while the octagonal block rises to a height of 155'. All of these nine blocks surrounding the ambulatory contain different groups of functional spaces and have an interplay of different levels, inter-linked horizontally and vertically with corridors, lifts, stairs, light courts and circular areas. All have blended into a harmonious whole.

The total seating capacity in the Parliament Chamber is 354 plus the podium and two V.I.P. galleries. The Chamber has a maximum height of 117' with a parabolic shell roof at its top. There is here a splendid feature: a clear story above the parabolic shell that lets in daylight, which reflects from the surrounding walls and octagonal drum filters into the Parliament Chamber, demonstrating the ability of Louis Khan to combine architecture with light. The artificial lighting system of the Parliament Chamber has been devised in such a manner that it does not obstruct the infiltration of daylight. A composite chandelier, consisting of a metallic web, supports the individual light fixtures and is itself suspended from the parabolic shell.

At the upper levels of this block are the visitors and press galleries as well as communication booths, which overlook the Parliament Chamber. Among others, it also contains at level one, a library, MPs lounges at level three, and Party rooms at the upper level. The main committee rooms are located in one of the peripheral blocks at level two. All parliamentary functionaries, including Ministers and chairpersons of some of the Standing Committees, have offices in this building, as does the Parliament Secretariat.

Parliament House Location

The Parliament House is located in the capital city of Dhaka, Bangladesh in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area. 

The building is set within a sprawling 200-acre complex that includes manicured gardens, artificial lakes, and residential buildings.

The site is easily accessible from all parts of Dhaka and serves as a focal point of urban planning in the city.


Design and Architecture of Parliament House

Louis Kahn’s design for the Parliament House combines modernist principles with traditional Bengali elements. But while the structural design was finalized with the assistance of Engr. Harry Palmbaum, a structural engineer, after Kahn's death.


 

His vision was to create a structure that symbolised democracy, unity, and openness.

The Parliament House is widely regarded as one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century. It has inspired architects and students worldwide and is frequently featured in discussions on modernist architecture.


  • Geometric Simplicity: The design incorporates circles, squares, and triangles.
  • Concrete and Marble: Primary materials used, emphasising durability and simplicity.
  • Light and Shadow: Innovative use of openings and corridors to create interplay.
  • Symbolism: Reflects openness and transparency, core tenets of democracy.
Main Building

The main building is an eight-story structure with a height of 155 feet (176m).

Key components include:

  • The Assembly Hall: A large circular space at the centre, topped with a dome, seating up to 354 members.
  • Light Courts: Allowing natural light to flood interior spaces.
  • Water Features: Surrounding the structure to provide cooling and aesthetic appeal.
Other Buildings

The complex also includes:

  • Offices: For parliamentary committees and administrative functions.
  • Library: Housing legal and legislative archives.
  • Residences: For the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other officials.

Parliament House History and Construction

The project was initiated in 1959 during Pakistan’s rule over East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). 

Louis Kahn was commissioned to design the building, and he envisioned a timeless structure that celebrated democracy and cultural identity.

Construction Timeline

  • 1961
Construction begins under the supervision of Kahn and local engineers.
  • 1971
Work halts during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
  • 1982
The building is finally completed and inaugurated.

Today, the Parliament House serves as the seat of the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament).

Here, laws are debated and passed, committees convene, and national ceremonies are hosted. 


Visiting Parliament House

The National Parliament House is a popular attraction in Dhaka, though access to the complex is restricted for security reasons.

Guided tours are sometimes available, offering a chance to see more of this iconic building.

However, after the 2024 summer riots, interior tours have been paused due to damage. Visitors can still view the impressive exterior and explore the surrounding area.

Structural Features

The National Parliament House in Dhaka, Bangladesh is a masterpiece of architecture. This iconic building boasts unique structural features that make it stand out. Its design beautifully combines modern and traditional elements.

Material Choices

The building uses a mix of concrete, marble, and glass. These materials provide both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Material Purpose
Concrete Provides structural strength
Marble Adds elegance and beauty
Glass Allows natural light

The use of these materials creates a striking visual contrast. The concrete walls are rugged and robust. The marble surfaces are smooth and refined. The glass windows bring in ample sunlight.

Geometric Patterns

The building features intricate geometric patterns. These patterns are inspired by traditional Bengali art.

  • Circular windows
  • Triangular balconies
  • Rectangular columns

These shapes are not just for decoration. They also serve functional purposes. For example, the circular windows help with ventilation. The triangular balconies provide shade.

The geometric patterns create a sense of harmony. They blend modern architecture with cultural heritage. This makes the National Parliament House a true architectural gem.

Interior Design


The National Parliament House in Dhaka, Bangladesh stands as a marvel of architecture. Its interior design beautifully complements its grand exterior. The blend of modern and traditional elements creates a unique atmosphere. This section explores the captivating interior design of the Parliament House.

Chambers And Halls

The chambers and halls are the heart of the Parliament House. The Main Assembly Hall is the most significant space. It features a circular seating arrangement. This design promotes equality and open dialogue. The hall can accommodate a large number of members comfortably. The Speaker’s Chair is centrally placed for clear visibility.

Other important chambers include the Prime Minister’s Office and Committee Rooms. These rooms are designed for both functionality and aesthetics. The committee rooms have state-of-the-art facilities. This makes them perfect for meetings and discussions.

Art And Decor

Art and decor play a vital role in the Parliament House. The building showcases an impressive collection of artworks. These include paintings, sculptures, and murals. Each piece reflects the rich culture of Bangladesh.

The walls are adorned with traditional Bengali motifs. These add a touch of cultural heritage. The use of natural light enhances the beauty of the interiors. Large windows and skylights allow sunlight to flood in. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The decor also includes handcrafted furniture. Each piece is meticulously designed and crafted. The use of local materials adds to the building’s authenticity. The combination of art and decor creates a harmonious environment.

Feature Description
Main Assembly Hall Circular seating, central Speaker’s Chair
Prime Minister’s Office Functional and aesthetic design
Committee Rooms State-of-the-art facilities
Art Collection Paintings, sculptures, murals
Decor Traditional motifs, handcrafted furniture

Environmental Considerations

The National Parliament House in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is not just an architectural marvel. It is also a beacon of environmental sustainability. Designed by Louis I. Kahn, the building showcases various eco-friendly features. These features ensure minimal environmental impact while providing a comfortable and efficient space for governance.

Natural Lighting

The use of natural lighting is a key feature of the National Parliament House. The building’s design includes large windows and strategically placed openings. These allow ample sunlight to flood the interiors, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The natural light also creates a pleasant atmosphere for the occupants.

Here’s a quick overview of how natural lighting is incorporated:

  • Large windows positioned to capture sunlight
  • Skylights for even distribution of natural light
  • Reflective surfaces to enhance light penetration

Water Features

The National Parliament House also includes several water features. These are not just for aesthetic appeal. They also play a significant role in the building’s environmental strategy. The water bodies help in temperature regulation, making the interiors cooler and more comfortable.

Important aspects of the water features include:

Feature Benefit
Reflecting Pools Enhance aesthetic beauty and cool the surroundings
Water Channels Help in irrigation and maintaining greenery
Rainwater Harvesting Conserves water and reduces dependency on external sources

These features collectively contribute to the building’s sustainability. They make the National Parliament House a model of eco-friendly architecture.



 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

The City With The Tallest Buildings in the world! The Creation of wonder of Modern Science and Engineering!

Surprisingly, as a result of engineering, technological and social developments in the world, tall buildings developed in the late 18th century. In 1857, America built such a building and amazed the whole world. Later, these tall buildings not only improved the economy, met the needs of people, but also gave the cities they were built in a unique identity. 

Tallest buildings in the world | List, Chart, Ranked, Comparison, & Facts |  Britannica

The world's population is increasing. As a result of increasing urbanization, growing economy, and modern urbanization, tall buildings are being built to accommodate more people. Some buildings or structures are so tall that it seems as if they are competing to touch the sky. And those cities are getting a different name for these tall buildings. Urban planners in American cities started building tall buildings in the 1870s. At that time, they saw massive economic growth immediately after the Civil War. Skyscrapers make even more sense for countries like China. Because there is limited land and significant population pressure. Basically, in the early 19th century, amazing tall building construction styles were seen in developed countries. 'Chicago' in America is called the 'birthplace of skyscrapers'. In 1885, the world saw the construction of the 'Home Insurance Building' for the first time in America. At that time, the era of tall engineering and architecture began and a massive revolution was seen in construction techniques using steel frames.
 
These skyscrapers were not just individual buildings; they were the tallest and largest structures. Although tall buildings are now found in much more densely populated urban areas, they are of course limited. Where the offices they are built provide employment for thousands of people. Nowadays, skyscrapers and the surrounding areas have become an aesthetic canvas. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Gehry have made places completely different with their artistic vision. For example, the Guggenheim Museum designed by architect Gehry in Bilbao, Spain is considered a unique masterpiece. However, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, designed by Adrian Smith, is a symbol of modernity and innovation. Most of the major industrialized cities in the world today have their own unique tall buildings, which are quite similar to the vast buildings, infrastructure, and of course, the sprawling skyscrapers. But some metropolises or urban areas boast more skyscrapers; unlike any other structures. From office buildings, residential towers to luxury hotels, today's tall buildings have given each city a unique identity.
 
Shenzhen, China
 
Number of tall buildings: 120
 
Shenzhen is the economic city of China with a huge population. It is home to more than 170 million people. However, it is surprising that there are 120 buildings over 200 meters in Shenzhen, China. In fact, the determination of the Chinese has seen great progress in Shenzhen. Surprisingly, every corner of this city is full of tall buildings. Which is a unique wonder. Between 1979 and 1989, 300 tall buildings were built. This once small fishing village is now one of the main cultural, financial and technological cities in southern China. The tallest building in Shenzhen is the Ping An Finance Center. It is about 610 meters high. It seems like a group of clouds are running under it. The building near this tallest building in Shenzhen is the KK Tower, which is 100 floors tall and more than 441 meters high. Other notable skyscrapers include the China Resources Headquarters (about 374 meters) and the Hankook Center (about 358 meters).
 
  
 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Number of tall buildings: 107

Home to over 3.5 million people, Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. The modern Mecca of the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates and its surrounding cities are a wonder of the modern world. From the sweltering heat of the desert environment to the futuristic oasis of magnificent architectural wonders, Dubai is a unique example. The city of billionaires, Dubai, is home to around 107 unique skyscrapers that are over 200 meters tall. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is undoubtedly the tallest building in the world. Completed in 2009, the tallest building stands at an astonishing 828 meters. From where you stand, it seems as if the massive building is touching the Dubai skyline. In fact, the second tallest building in Dubai is Marina 101, which is only 424 meters tall! Since the construction of tall buildings began in the 1970s, Dubai has been steadily building more skyscrapers. Today, it is one of the most unique desert cities in the world.
 
Hong Kong, China 
Number of tall buildings: 94
 
Since 1994, Hong Kong has built more than 200-meter-tall buildings, making it the third-highest city in the world. Moreover, in a city of more than 7 million people, there are an astonishing 9,000 buildings, which locals consider to be tall because each building is at least 150 meters tall. Hong Kong is a former British colony, where high-rise buildings and industrial development have been taking place since the 1980s. Today, it is a true wonder. Nestled on the hillsides of the stunning Victoria Harbour; Hong Kong's numerous skyscrapers are located. They are very densely packed. At night, Hong Kong's 42 buildings are illuminated in a show called 'The Symphony of Lights'; the dazzling colors and illuminations are beautifully reflected in the waters of the harbor. The city's most notable skyscrapers include the International Commerce Center (484 meters), the Bank of China Tower (367 meters), and the 78-story Central Plaza Building.
 
 

New York, USA 

Number of tall buildings: 92

More than eight million people live in New York City and its surrounding areas, making the 'Big Apple' the most populous metropolis in America. New York City (especially Manhattan), the true concrete edifice of America, has a large number of tall buildings, skyscrapers, and high-rises on almost every corner. These buildings were built over several decades, in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. In fact, New York is one of the most famous cities in the world for its skyscrapers. Some of the most important buildings in New York include the 381-meter Empire State Building (1931), the 318-meter Chrysler Building (1930), and the 541-meter One World Trade Center (2014), which is the Twin Towers. Which collapsed in a terrible terrorist attack in 2001. With at least 302 separate buildings classified as skyscrapers, New York has over 7,000 tall structures or buildings, which give visitors a real sense of wonder. 

Shanghai, China 

Number of tall buildings: 60
 
Shanghai is one of the fastest-growing cities in China. As a result, the world has turned it into a truly global economic hub. Shanghai is a beautiful port city, whose modernization began in the 1920s. This famous city in China has continued to develop steadily for almost 100 years. Today's Shanghai is filled with at least 60 unique skyscrapers over 200 meters tall, including the monumental Shanghai Tower (2014), which stands at 631 meters! In fact, this tower alone is the tallest in China and the second tallest building in the world. Other notable skyscrapers in the city include the Jin Mao Tower, at 420 meters tall, and the 101-story Shanghai World Financial Center, which is 492 meters tall. With over 24 million inhabitants, Shanghai is the most populous city in China. Its attractions combine history, culture, and modernity.
 


Last update post

The strangest cities in the world!

  -The centuries-old village of Hallstatt, located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, is named after an ancient salt mine. The word ...