Assessment of Station Areas of MRT Line 6 in Dhaka Using Place-making Concept

Abstract

Globally, cities are increasingly adopting placemaking approaches to enhance urban life around transit hubs. However, in Dhaka, this concept remains underexplored, with limited foundational knowledge for effective planning. This study evaluates the placemaking performance of three metro station areas along Dhaka’s MRT Line 6—Shewrapara, Karwan Bazar, and Dhaka University. Its objective is to establish a baseline understanding of the current condition of station areas for informed development. Guided by four placemaking dimensions—access and linkage, comfort and image, uses and activities, and sociability—the study employs a mixed-method approach, including key informant interviews, questionnaire surveys, and field observations. Findings reveal that Karwan Bazar and Dhaka University stations perform near the average, showing relative strengths in connectivity and integration, while Shewrapara lags slightly, particularly in accessibility and green space. The research contributes to the limited discourse on placemaking in Bangladesh and offers practical insights for planners, policymakers, and urban stakeholders.