Life within Reach: Visionary Ten-Minute Neighborhoods along Padma, Mahananda, and Chandrima Site: Padma, Mahananda, Chandrima & Surrounding Residential Areas of Rajshahi

Abstract

Rajshahi is one of the fastest growing urban centres of Bangladesh facing mounting pressure on housing, mobility, public services and environmental sustainability. The project aims to convert the Padma, Chandrima and Mahananda residential areas into a sustainable 10-minute city, where all essential facilities like healthcare, education, commerce, recreation and green spaces are accessible within a ten-minute walk or bicycle ride. With a population of about 65,000, the site presently lacks sufficient urban infrastructure and integrated community facilities. The proposal identifies gaps in accessibility and mobility through urban analysis, population projection and service distribution studies. It has mixed-use zoning, pedestrian and cyclist friendly streets, electric mini-van transportation, and shared community spaces for social interaction and everyday convenience. The design integrates green-blue infrastructure and climate responsive planning approaches to improve ecological resilience and inclusivity, and to create a sustainable, community-focused, and future-ready urban neighborhood rooted in the local character of Rajshahi.