Sustainable Urban Design Guidelines for Different Types of Urban Ponds: A Case Study of Sylhet, Bangladesh

Abstract

Urban ponds are one of the essential natural elements that have supported urban communities with ecological benefits as well as sociocultural and economic activities throughout the ages. These ponds are presently facing existential threats due to increased urbanisation and the lack of available space in the cities. Sylhet, one of the most prominent cities in Bangladesh, is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Migrants are making the city’s inner circle more populated, raising more pressure on building density, and ponds and open spaces are being filled up. As a result, urban dwellers’ living conditions are worsening due to the lack of natural areas and the growing number of environmental issues. People are losing access to ponds and open spaces and shifting away from their traditional lifestyles. Meanwhile, the municipality is working diligently to address these issues, but a collaborative effort between the community and the municipality is required to resolve the difficulties. This paper aims to analyze the importance and current status of the city’s existing ponds and establish development guidelines for the ponds, so they can be designed and protected sustainably. Some findings of a survey conducted among the local communities have been presented. Their opinions about these natural elements and reviews from previous research are discussed and analyzed, leading to the design implications for the sustainability of the urban ponds and a sustainable future city.