14
Jan

The Renaissance of Jobed Ali Auditorium: A Community’s Cultural Revival

The Jobed Ali Auditorium, located within the premises of the UNO office in Dumuria, Khulna, is a historic landmark named after the brave freedom fighter Shahid Jobaid Ali. Constructed in the 1980s, the building had fallen into disrepair over time, rendering it abandoned. Thanks to the initiative of UNO Sharif Asif Rahman, a comprehensive renovation project was launched in early 2023 to restore this important cultural space.

Our team was entrusted with this renovation. Upon evaluating the site, it became clear that extensive structural repairs were needed. The roof, walls, windows, doors, and electrical wiring were all severely damaged, and the auditorium’s interior had been overtaken by termites, particularly on the main stage. To begin, the space was completely cleared out and professionally treated for termite infestation, allowing us to create a suitable environment for the renovation.

The exterior design focused on preserving the original structure while enhancing its aesthetic appeal with a white and maroon color scheme and some landscaping to blend modernity with tradition. Internally, the top priority was to eliminate sound echo. We used white particle and acoustic boards with perforated designs, not only for soundproofing but to create a modern, sleek appearance. The wooden elements and diffused lighting arrangements further enriched the aesthetic, giving it a warm, welcoming feel.

We also installed a modern two-pair sound system and upgraded the electrical wiring to support high-voltage equipment, ensuring that the venue could handle various cultural programs. Despite challenges, we successfully completed the 4,000-square-foot renovation in about five months, delivering a state-of-the-art facility to the community.