Gulshan Park is one of Dhaka’s most prominent public parks, spread across both banks of Gulshan Lake. The original bridge connecting the two halves of the park was only 5 feet wide — a narrow and inadequate link for the volume of visitors the park attracts. MDM Architects undertook a full renovation of the bridge in 2012, introducing a new structural system and a bold architectural character as part of the practice’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
The renovated bridge is now 9 feet wide at the centre and widens to 15 feet at the edges, significantly improving pedestrian flow and accessibility. The overall form takes its inspiration from reptilian anatomy: the bridge’s silhouette follows the curvature of a reptile in motion, and the exposed rib beams serving as primary structural elements reference the creature’s bone structure directly.
Reinforced concrete is the principal structural material throughout. A central arch provides additional structural strength along the 90-foot span. The railings were designed to balance aesthetic expression with functional safety requirements. The bridge aligns with the children’s corner and the main entry point of the park, creating a natural and welcoming threshold between the two park areas.