Architectural Adaptation as Cultural Transition: A Case Study of Railway Bungalows in Post-Colonial Bangladesh

Abstract

This study examines the architectural adaptations of railway bungalows in postcolonial Bangladesh, reflecting broader cultural changes. Focusing on Bungalow E61 in Chittagong’s C.R.B. neighborhood, this paper examines how modifications to these colonial structures reflect shifts in local lifestyles and values following independence. Using historical research, architectural analysis, and cultural interpretation, it tracked the evolution of the bungalow from its original colonial design to its current form. This study identifies three key findings, including major spatial reconfigurations after 1971, such as enclosing verandahs and converting service areas to support extended family living, which reflects a shift from colonial nuclear family layouts to traditional Bengali joint family systems. While some colonial climate-responsive features were altered through modernization, the fundamental structural elements continued to provide adequate environmental control. These changes demonstrate a complex negotiation between colonial heritage and modern requirements, where functional adaptations often take precedence over historic preservation. This research highlights the tension between heritage conservation and the need for functional evolution, providing insights into the challenges of managing colonial architectural heritage in a post-colonial setting. The findings will help to understand how built environments embody and facilitate cultural transitions, with implications for heritage management and architectural adaptation in postcolonial societies.