This thesis project is about the design of Shah Makhdum International Airport, which is the most cherished one for the development of the economic strata of Rajshahi division in Bangladesh. The concept is to mimic the natural element into a technological form which will contain the aura of nature transmutated into a more functional space by creating a comfort zone and a memorable experience for the passengers.

The project story draws a metaphorical connection  with travel experience at ancient time when people used to move from one place to another on foots. The shaded space under the trees was their resting place—a comfort zone, a part of their experience. The penetration of light as rain through the leafs and interplay of that light and shadow made it a place of spirituality, a place for meditation, a place the coolness of mind.

An airport terminal is a place where a journey begins, a journey ends and a place for taking short break for further destination. An airport occupies a considerable part of a total journey experience; it provides a transition towards another new experience, sometimes a longer one. Hence, the airport is conceived as an element of experience with an aim to offer a pleasant memory to the travelers.

The airport is meant for the city. It is often designed to reflect the image of the city. Rajshahi is a city of spirituality, a city of silk; its legacy provides the inspiration for this airport project. The design has emerged from the articulated juxtaposition between local culture and global technology.  The microscopic image of the silk cocoon has inspired the designer to create a cocoon like structure which is light in weight and penetrates light in a such a way a tree does through its leafs. It is a transmutation of nature into technology, referring here as a Bionic Transmutation.

It is also expected that the building intelligence will keep the interior space of the terminal structure cooler than the outside summer heat, hence will reduce the energy need.

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