The prize-giving ceremony of Parklet Design Competition 2018—organized jointly by Carfree Cities Alliance Bangladesh (CCAB), Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust (WBB Trust), and the Institute of Wellbeing (IWB)—was held on Monday.
The ceremony, followed by a discussion, was held in the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club, stated a press release issued by the NGOs.
For the first time in Bangladesh, this type of competition was initiated in 2018 in order to reduce traffic jams, prevent environmental pollution, and build a more livable city. The competition lasted from November 10 till December 20.
Moukuri Muhim, a student of Southeast University was awarded the first prize in this design competition.
Prottoy Roy and Krishti Roy Chowdhury, from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) won the first runner-up prize as a group.
The second runner-up prize was awarded to another group of the same Buet department, led by Towfiquzzaman Pranto and Saklain Mushtaq.
The event started at 11am and ended at 1:30 pm in the afternoon on January 21, 2019.
The concept of parklet is relatively new in Bangladesh.
A parklet is a small park, or a sidewalk extension, installed in parking lanes and spaces; to foster recreational spaces and provide amenities for people using the street. They can also be installed adjacent to household areas and marketplaces.
Upon the installation of parklets in the city, there will be fewer private cars in the streets as there will be fewer parking spaces available.
Parklets can also serve as helpful learning spaces for children.
