SEARCH OF PATTERNS OF EARLY COLONIAL SCHOOLS: CASE STUDIES IN DHAKA

Abstract

Education involves traditions and heritages of a society. A school presents and develops not merely the functional requirements of a society but also gives shape to the moral structure and the aesthetic doctrines of its members. In the process of westernization our society experienced a major thrust in the educational sector during the middle of the 19^th century resulting in the establishment of a number of schools in Dhaka City. These schools were started in colonial buildings constructed earlier for different purposes. As time passes by the Image of these schools got attached with the Images of those buildings and has perished a deep impression in the minds of the educated class. But, now it seems that these buildings are becoming extinct to meet the present demands of the 20^th century society. Improper and unsympathetic additions and alterations are destroying the environment and Images that has been developed through years. This study attempts to find out the existing conditions of the described schools in relation to the functions they perform and Forms they establish. Moreover, the growing patterns of the building blocks and facilities are studied also to develop some guidelines for future extensions and additions without hampering the long lasting Image and symbolic coding that the society has already accepted as Ideals.