This project seeks to safeguard Bengal’s archaeological heritage by designing a museum that is both symbolic and functional, reflecting a deep sensitivity to context, memory, and place. It highlights the cultural and historical significance of Mainamati through thoughtful architectural storytelling.
With a rich heritage dating back to ancient times, Mainamati has played a significant role in shaping the region’s history. Reimagining the archaeological museum is essential, as this area’s architectural and cultural heritage struggles to endure in Bangladesh’s rapidly developing landscape. Since the proposed site is the hub of other excavated Viharas, the project will ensure the long-term preservation of artifacts through a museum complex with a preventive conservation approach, guided by Heritage Laws as a conceptual framework.
Architectural structures have historically preserved information and unfolded narratives, creating a sequence of experiences for visitors. Shalban Bihar, with its Buddhist architecture, embodies culture, regionalism, and tradition, connecting past stories with the present and future. These architectural storytellers link to broader cultural narratives, celebrated in the project’s spatial design. As a heritage site, it functions as a knowledge hub, and the museum is designed to offer a space for experiencing history and culture.
The Buddhist Bihar architecture is symbolized in the museum’s form. Le Corbusier’s Regulatory Line serves as a conceptual backbone, lending the project a refined sense of proportion, harmony, and order—complementing the site’s historical depth. The central void and the ramped circulation around the Buddha statue (a nod to the Pradakhshina Path) are especially evocative design elements—spatially symbolic and emotionally resonant. Like a monument that connects us to past cultures, this museum incorporates a public plaza to encourage openness, inviting visitors inside. This openness fosters gathering spaces, echoing the essence of Shalban Bihar. The design remains people-centric, ensuring ample space for visitors to pause and reflect on the architectural story conveyed through form and space.
By creating an engaging environment that educates visitors about the site’s rich history, the museum can boost tourism and raise awareness of Bangladesh’s cultural magnificence.
Growing up in Bangladesh, I was surrounded by lively, informal social spaces. Rooftops, courtyards, front steps, narrow alleys, the road outside the house, even neighborhood tea stalls, were all places where people naturally came together. These spaces weren’t designed with grand intentions but they became the backdrop of daily life, where neighbors would chat, celebrate, argue and laugh. It was an everyday interaction, effortless and organic.
When I moved to the United States, I immediately felt a shift. Even though the cities are densely populated, something felt missing that people seemed more isolated and the built environment didn’t invite the same kind of casual encounters. Shared spaces like corridors or courtyards often felt empty, disconnected or even avoided. I started to ask myself: what changed? How did architecture which once encouraged community, start to create distance instead?
Housing doesn’t just provide shelter, it shapes how people live together. It affects not only physical comfort but also emotional connection and community well-being. For this studio project, I chose to work with the East Harlem River Houses in Manhattan. Built in the early 20th century by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), this housing complex followed the “tower-in-the-park” model, influenced by Le Corbusier’s modernist planning ideals. While the buildings are surrounded by open green space, much of it feels unused and disconnected. These voids were meant to offer relief and access to nature but instead, they lack clear function and resident ownership. Over time, the development has suffered from social isolation, outdated infrastructure and underused public space. It became clear that this place needed to be reimagined, not just physically but socially.
The goal of my design is to reconnect the East Harlem River Houses with the Harlem River by introducing a more vibrant, connected urban realm. I focused on turning passive, unused areas into active, shared community spaces. One of the design intentions was to introduce extended balconies by retrofitting the existing residential blocks. These balconies serve as semi-private zones which is a kind of in-between space that encourage interaction between the inside and the outside. From there, the balconies connect visually and physically to a series of courtyards and public nodes across the site.
I also proposed a new housing block with units of varying sizes to meet different household needs. The layout is based on an open, walkable grid with internal pathways and pockets of shared spaces which are designed to naturally pull residents out of their homes and into the community. On the east side of the site, I introduced multi-level pocket spaces as part of the new housing, offering outdoor areas where people can gather, rest, play or simply spend time in the open air.
At the heart of the site, a raised urban platform which I named “Evolution Platform” links key spaces across the development. This platform isn’t just a physical connection, it’s a cultural one. It weaves together everyday and special uses: basketball courts, public plazas, performance spaces, sculpture gardens, libraries, art galleries and small retail kiosks selling food, books or handmade crafts. These are spaces where children can play after school, neighbors can gather for evening walks, families can celebrate festivals or strangers might strike up a conversation.
Ultimately, the project is about bringing people together across cultures, generations and backgrounds. I wanted to design spaces that feel warm, welcoming and familiar where community can grow naturally, the way I remember from my childhood.
In any context, homes are more than structures. They hold stories, traditions and relationships passed down through generations. Retrofitting older housing isn’t just about updating materials, it’s about preserving that shared spirit while adapting to contemporary needs. If done thoughtfully, this approach can serve as a model for other places facing similar challenges. It’s a way of honoring where we come from, while designing for where we’re going.
This project reimagines the traditional university campus through a vertical design approach, tailored for a Private University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on a constrained urban site of just 1.5 acres. The primary objective is to develop a student-focused academic environment that maximizes interactions, fosters collaboration, and integrates green design strategies—all within a compact urban footprint. By prioritizing vertical expansion, efficient space utilization, and eco-conscious architecture, the proposal challenges conventional campus planning while meeting the institution’s academic, social, and environmental needs.
Tertiary Education in Bangladesh is in transition, shifting from traditional, teacher-centered approaches to dynamic, student-focused environments emphasizing experiential learning. Urban challenges in Dhaka, such as land scarcity and pollution from rapid population growth, have spurred the development of high-rise campuses, especially among private universities. Activities like culture, literature, and leisure have become increasingly integrated into schooling, adding depth to the educational experience.
Limited land in urban areas has driven architects to embrace vertical campus designs, transforming the urban landscape. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for adaptable, health-conscious spaces in urban environments.
However, Dhaka’s move towards a dense, high-rise urban model also presents significant challenges. The city risks becoming a dystopian landscape, characterized by high pollution, limited green spaces, and a declining quality of life. If unchecked, the relentless pursuit of urban density could create an uninhabitable environment, where quality green and communal spaces are rare luxuries.
The concept of this project is to incorporate breathing spaces and shared spaces into the vertical campus to foster interactions, encourage peer learning as well as improve the environmental performance of the building. The functionality of the campus has been given top priority to ensure the efficient usage of limited areas. Breathing spaces are introduced in a manner so that students from different disciplines can collaborate and share knowledge. These breathing spaces will also reduce their daily stress about exams and classes and keep their mind sharp.
In this context, the vertical campus concept represents a radical reimagining of educational architecture, transforming the dense urban campus into an ‘oxygen hub’ within the city. By incorporating ample breathing spaces, natural ventilation, green walls, and sustainable infrastructure, the design aims to combat urban pollution and congestion. This vertical campus seeks not only to meet Bangladesh’s educational needs but also to address the environmental imperatives of the city’s future, serving as a prototype for sustainable development in Dhaka and beyond. It is more than a building—it is a self-sustaining community that fosters learning, well-being, and environmental stewardship.
The site for this campus is located in front of the new Purbachal expressway. The site has a 300ft front road and the height limitation of the site is under 500ft according to the rules of civil aviation. The 1.5-acre site is an irregular trapezoid with a 100ft wide proposed lake in front, acting as a divider from the 300ft front road. Government-designed bridges connect to 40ft wide service roads. The lake features a pedestrian walkway and green buffer, creating a scenic space for leisure and evening strolls.
This proposal for campus design prioritizes shared spaces for students and faculty, fostering knowledge exchange and contemplation. With land constraints in mind, the 37-story structure accommodates 10,000 students and integrates safety measures such as tall railings with green barriers and full-height corridor railings. The building features natural ventilation, shading devices, and hybrid cooling technology to reduce energy consumption, supplemented by a solar roof. Fire safety is ensured with carefully placed cores, fire stairs, and a refuge space on the 16th floor. Community spaces support student activities, including department-specific clubs. The vertical campus includes a 650-seat auditorium, a ground-floor plaza for gatherings, and a double-story cafeteria with semi-outdoor seating by a waterbody—creating spaces for students to unwind and engage.
“Shiitake” is an Oriental cuisine(Asian fusion restaurant) imprinted on the culture to make an impression on their dining experiential spaces and eating habits, focusing on Oriental art.
This appetizing environment is now designed and articulated for the young and family crowd on the macro-level of Dhaka city. The entry foyer is designed as a photo zone with nature embraced seating. A section of the decor space is enveloped with some popular Manga characters to portray Anime culture.
The overall interior space is designed innovatively to recall and relate the East Asian Contemporary cuisine style according to their art, culture & customs for the end-users, accentuating the actual dining environment in the simplest but lucrative way. After all, it is an endeavour to be embedded in oriental traditional art in a contemporary framework.
In a not-so-distant future, humanity stands atop the relics of its own ambition. The cities we build today—proud towers of glass and concrete—have become silent monuments of a world that once was. Instead of demolishing the past, we build over it, layer after layer, as if trying to bury the ghosts of our own decisions. The ground we once walked on is no longer the beginning but the end—our zero has shifted upwards.
In this imagined dystopia, the present becomes a graveyard, a decaying scaffold for a fragile hope. Above the ruins, a new world rises—not necessarily better, but born from necessity. The architectural landscape tells this tale: a detailed sectional cut through time, revealing past decay, present confusion, and future struggle. Three figures stand at three heights—each isolated in their time, yet connected through the fabric of memory, loss, and evolution.
This drawing isn’t merely a representation—it is an excavation. A search for meaning in ruins, a quiet questioning of progress. The lines, textures, and shadows don’t just tell a story; they haunt it. Because in this future, we don’t move on—we build over. And in doing so, we inherit the burden of everything beneath.
This proposal envisions the development of the Sonadia Island Eco-Tourism Park, a project aimed at harmonizing ecological preservation with sustainable tourism. At its heart is the Oceanarium Complex, a facility dedicated to marine conservation, research, and education, highlighting the diverse ecosystems of the Bay of Bengal. This project aims to transform Sonadia into a model for eco-tourism by combining environmental protection, education, and community development while attracting visitors from around the world.
Sonadia Island, located near Cox’s Bazar, is an ecologically sensitive area facing threats such as pollution, habitat loss, and declining marine species. The project seeks to address these challenges by creating a space where conservation and tourism coexist. By leveraging the island’s natural beauty and proximity to the ocean, the initiative will protect endangered wildlife, educate the public, and provide sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
The Oceanarium Complex will feature a multi-zone aquarium, taking visitors on an immersive journey through different marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea coral reefs. A marine biology research center will support scientific studies, while interactive exhibits in the museum and dolphinarium will engage and educate visitors. Additional amenities, such as nature trails, observation towers, eco-resorts, and camping areas, will enhance the visitor experience while maintaining minimal environmental impact.
Sustainability is a core principle of the project. The design incorporates energy-efficient technologies, natural ventilation, and advanced water filtration systems to reduce ecological disruption. The site was carefully selected for its access to seawater, ensuring a sustainable supply for the aquarium while considering factors like tides, climate, and existing biodiversity. Infrastructure will be built using eco-friendly materials and methods to preserve the island’s natural balance.
The park will be accessible from Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, and Jila Road, ensuring convenience for tourists while protecting the island’s fragile ecosystems. Beyond environmental benefits, the project is expected to boost Bangladesh’s tourism industry, create jobs for local residents, and raise global awareness about marine conservation.
In conclusion, the Sonadia Eco-Tourism Park and Oceanarium Complex represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development. By merging conservation, education, and responsible tourism, it will safeguard marine life, support local communities, and establish Sonadia Island as a leading destination for eco-conscious travelers.
The Rose Garden Palace, a historic landmark in Tikatuli, Dhaka, has suffered neglect over time. Once a symbol of the socio-cultural aspirations of Zamindar Hrishikesh Das, it now stands as a relic overshadowed by the city’s urban chaos. This project aims to restore the palace and transform its 4.4-acre site into a vibrant museum and cultural center, preserving its legacy while fostering public engagement.
The proposed Rose Garden Museum will integrate traditional and modern architecture, creating a space where visitors can immerse themselves in Dhaka’s historical and cultural narratives. It will feature interactive displays, educational workshops, curated exhibitions, and traditional Bengali restaurants, offering an immersive cultural experience. The goal is to establish the site as a hub for history, education, and community interaction.
The museum follows an experience economy approach (Pine and Gilmore,1998), making visits engaging and memorable. Rather than being passive observers, visitors will actively interact with exhibits, participate in educational programs, and explore immersive environments that bring history to life. The focus is on fostering a deeper connection with the heritage, ensuring that people leave with a sense of appreciation and a desire to return.
The design incorporates elements of colonial and traditional Bengali architecture, reflecting the palace’s layered history. The gardens will be restored with layouts reminiscent of the British Raj period, blending English garden designs with local Indian styles. Inside, spaces will host traditional Dhaka food restaurants and gift shops, further enriching the visitor experience.
A key objective is ensuring universal accessibility. The museum will include facilities for disabled visitors, making exhibits interactive and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds. This inclusive approach will help establish the Rose Garden Museum as a cultural hub for everyone.
The museum will collaborate with local schools and educational institutions to enhance its role as a learning center. Through guided tours, workshops, and hands-on exhibits, visitors—especially students—will gain deeper insights into the historical, cultural, and social significance of the Rose Garden Palace within the broader context of Dhaka and Bangladesh.
In conclusion, restoring the Rose Garden Palace as a museum and cultural center is more than a conservation effort—it is an initiative to preserve and celebrate heritage, inspire future generations, and create an engaging space for cultural appreciation. By blending history with modern efficiency, the project ensures that the palace remains a cherished landmark in Dhaka’s evolving landscape.
Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka offers almost no scope for creating public life. The city is almost lifeless with no spaces for play, interaction, or open green areas within its urban core. Middle and lower-income residents find social life nearly invisible. Public spaces and open areas are practically missing at the ground level in Dhaka’s dense urban fabric. During Dhaka’s scattered development, many unseen, leftover spaces have emerged, which lack interaction with city life. These spaces hold untapped potential. In this highly saturated city, rooftops represent the largest urban gap. The idea is to create an interconnected network of rooftops, activated by architectural packages that transform these barren rooftops into vibrant, functional areas. This new elevated layer will bring back social interaction, provide community facilities, and reintroduce green spaces into the urban environment. Typically, parks serve as an escape from the city. Here, however, parks will be an embedded part of the city’s vertical infrastructure.
Project site: Urban area between Farmgate station and Karwan Bazar station
The produced NDVI map demonstrates the extreme shortage of urban vegetation in the site area.
The chosen site, Karwan Bazar-Farmgate and its adjacent areas, is dense and compact, making it ideal for testing this concept. This zone will experience massive transformation due to the new Metro Stations, making it a hub for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The project blends local practices and international urban design approaches, aiming to carve out public spaces in an increasingly privatized city while aligning with city planning rules and incentives to encourage acceptance.
Design Strategies
The design strategy consists of three components. These include a connected rooftop layer for both plot and block developments, architectural packages to tune up rooftops, and an elevated walkway that adds a new dimension to car-centric Dhaka. These elements create an integrated urban system. By combining data from local practices (Detailed Area Plan 2022, Dhaka) with international urban design approaches, the project proposes a parametric block structure that integrates with existing urban patterns. Hence, the potential roof layer is generated to tune up with packages of architecture.
The proposed urban redevelopment schemeThe proposed urban systemUrban Block Plan with Block Configuration in Zone 01 and Zone 2Macro Scale Design Intervention: Urban ScenariosParametric Block Structure Process
Feasibility Analysis of Optimal Block StructureApplication of Solar Envelope on Roadside Blocks in Zone 02Meso Scale Design Intervention: Plot Based Scenarios (Existing Assessment)Focused Area Plan (Scenario 01)Rooftop Scenario in Plot-Based Commercial BuildingsRooftop Scenario in Plot-Based Residential BuildingsRooftop Scenario in Plot-Based Commercial & Mixed-use Buildings (Scenario 02)Integration of Elevated Walkways with High-Rise Commercial Buildings (Scenario 03)Meso Scale Design Intervention : Block Based Scenarios (Future Projection)Rooftop Network in Block-Based Future Projection (Scenario 04)Rooftop Network in Block-Based Future Projection (Scenario 05)
The proposed walkway between two metro stations acts as a linear vehicle for public life. Utilizing the urban gap created by the 20-22 meterhigh metro piers, it runs through the space effectively. It streamlines pedestrian movement, interacts with new mixed-use block developments, and eases urban rush from the stations. The main road follows a linear logic due to its long-distance nature, whereas the walkway originates from local logic, resulting in a fluid structure that reflects the surrounding organic urban fabric.
Micro Scale Design Intervention: Elevated WalkwayDetails about the Elevated Walkway
The proposed architectural packages will grow over the fixed, permanent buildings, turning barren rooftops into a network of public spaces. These packages, consisting of primary folly and roof modules, can evolve with changing urban needs, allowing diverse uses such as play areas, community events, food kiosks, and urban farming. The elevated walkway, running between two metro stations, acts as a linear path for public life. Strategically positioned 20-22 meters above ground along metro piers, it creates a safe pedestrian corridor, linking rooftops, transit hubs, and public spaces. Unlike the rigid geometry of city roads, the walkway follows an organic, fluid structure, reflecting the existing urban fabric.
Micro Scale Design Intervention: Architectural PackagesRoof Modules and Generation of a FollyUrban Folly Prototypes
Rooftop Formations : Primary Follies with Roof ModulesConceptual Vision of the Urban System
By activating rooftop architecture, Dhaka can become more future-ready. The lower level will remain a typical heavy, permanent buildings, while the upper level will be a temporal layer in constant motion. The follies are timeless and adaptable. So, the rooftops and the skyline can change and evolve according to the community’s needs. The city core will be architecturally elastic enough to absorb new ideas.
Gamified experience provided by the Elevated Dimension in Urban SettingThe Architectural Follies are designed to be Timeless and Adaptable
A vibrant book launch event for Next 50: Collective Futures took place on March 17 at BRAC University’s Multipurpose Hall in Dhaka. Jointly organized by ContextBD and Open Studio, with support from Shah Cement, the event brought together architects, planners, urbanists, academics, and early-career researchers to celebrate the publication.
The book, an anthology of 49 chapters by 81 authors from around the world, offers critical and creative perspectives on the future of the built environment in Bangladesh. Published by the University Press Limited (UPL), the book features nine key interdisciplinary themes, including heritage conservation, urban and rural development, placemaking, informality, inclusivity, landscape infrastructure, disaster resilience, emerging technology, and the well-being of future generations. Written in accessible language, the publication aims to inspire policymakers, development practitioners, and anyone interested in the future of Bangladesh’s built environment.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Prof. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, who underscored the importance of such initiatives in shaping the nation’s development trajectory. Professor Fuad H. Mallick, Editor-in-Chief of Next50 and Dean of the School of Architecture and Design at BRAC University, delivered a compelling introduction to the book, highlighting its interdisciplinary approach and global relevance. Dr. Mohammed Zakiul Islam, Professor at BUET, provided an insightful review, emphasizing the book’s significance in addressing Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Professor Fuad H. Mallick, Editor-in-Chief of Next50 and Dean of the School of Architecture and Design at BRAC University, is delivering the introductory speech
Professor Mohammed Zakiul Islam is reading from the book
Naushad Chowdhury, Director, Brand Marketing Abul Khair Group spoke at the occasion
Honourable chief guest Prof. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, is delivering his speech at the Next50 book launch event.
Honourable chief guest Prof. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, is delivering his speech at the Next50 book launch event.
Key stakeholders, including representatives from Shah Cement, also shared their perspectives on the private sector’s role in shaping the built environment. Shah Cement expressed interest in future collaborations, signaling a commitment to supporting innovative research and practice in the field.
The event concluded with remarks from the book’s executive editors, who highlighted the collaborative effort behind the publication and its potential to influence future policies and practices. They expressed hope that the book would serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in the built environment sector.
Beyond the formal program, the launch served as a vital networking platform, fostering dialogue among scholars, publishers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations over Iftar and dinner, reinforcing the event’s role in strengthening professional and intellectual ties.
Next 50: Collective Futures is now available for readers eager to explore innovative ideas for shaping a sustainable and inclusive built environment for Bangladesh and beyond. For more information about the book and its contributors, visit:
The proposed Boat Crafting Centre acts as a social hub, enabling community engagement while embracing tradition to foster creativity. Located in Charpathorghata, a boat-making village by the Karnaphuli River in Patiya Upazila, Chittagong, the site reflects the historical significance of boat crafting, critical to the identity of this riverine nation. The project aims to revitalize this remote community and preserve heritage through design, creating harmony between tradition and modernity.
A key component of this center includes a museum to celebrate the rich artistry of wooden boat construction, educating visitors about the craft’s cultural significance and history via exhibits and programs. Equipped with modern workshops, the boat-making zone facilitates collaboration and innovation among craftsmen, merging traditional techniques with contemporary practices to ensure the craft’s survival. Supportive facilities, including a research unit, medical room, resting area, community kitchen, and a dedicated space for “Naukar Haat,” bolster the livelihoods of craftsmen while promoting knowledge sharing.
An open plaza is planned as a vibrant gathering spot for celebrating annual events like fishing festivals and boat racing. The natural landscape riverfront is optimized with pathways, seating areas, and green spaces, creating a welcoming environment for recreation and social activities. The area beneath the bridge will be transformed into a net-mending space and temporary market during festivals, enhancing the project’s overall function. Connectivity between these zones will be enriched by an elevated bridge, designed to gently link people to nature and the water.
Inspired by the structural essence of boats encompassing their craftsmanship, hull geometry, and ornamental carvings the design fosters a unique narrative that honors heritage while promoting contemporary innovations in boat-making. The design strategy emphasizes sustainable architecture by integrating traditional boat-making techniques with local materials, allowing local craftsmen to contribute to the structure’s construction. Eco-friendly wooden materials and traditional practices will be prioritized to align the center’s construction and operation with sustainable principles, utilizing glulam, which offers a near-zero carbon footprint.
In summary, this project is a multifaceted effort to modernize an ancient craft while empowering local artisans and engaging the community. Through sustainable design, educational initiatives, and cultural celebrations, it seeks to create a thriving, interconnected environment that honors heritage and innovation in boat crafting.
