Dhaka: Marina Tabassum, recognized for her architectural prowess, has introduced Khudi Bari, a pioneering project aimed at providing affordable, climate-resilient mobile homes for communities displaced by river erosion. Tabassum, an acclaimed architect and the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Bangladesh National Museum, is the first Bangladeshi to win the Aga Khan Award for Architecture twice.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in a recent interview, Tabassum discussed her latest achievement and the inspiration behind Khudi Bari. She emphasized the urgent need for portable and resilient homes in Bangladesh, specifically in the char (shoal) areas affected by geographical changes, global warming, and unexpected rainfall. Her extensive research in the lower Meghna River region, particularly in Bhairabi and Haimchar, led to the development of this innovative housing solution.
Tabassum explained that the idea of Khudi Bari emerged during the construction halt from 2020 to 2022. She aimed to create a system enabling char communities to remain in their homes during floods or move to higher ground as necessary. The project was first tested in Dhaka before expanding to char areas, aided by a grant from the Swiss Development Cooperation.
The Khudi Bari project has since extended to various districts, including Chandpur, Sunamganj, Jamalpur, and Kurigram. Tabassum highlighted the dire need for such housing in remote areas like the Teesta char of Kurigram, where even NGO workers struggle to access. The project observed conditions between 2021 and 2022, providing Khudi Bari houses to families in flood-prone areas like Jamalpur.
Tabassum detailed the simplicity of constructing Khudi Bari, which requires only a few bamboo poles and steel joints, allowing for easy transportation and reassembly. She explained that the project involves community consultations for beneficiary selection, focusing on the most vulnerable individuals. The construction cost is approximately Tk 45,000, with families contributing to the foundation while the organization provides the structure.
The Foundation for Architecture Community Equity (FACE), a non-profit organization, runs the Khudi Bari project, focusing on climate refugees and low-income communities. To date, about 100 Khudi Bari houses have been built, with plans to expand further. Despite attempts to integrate Khudi Bari with governmental initiatives, formal support has yet to materialize.
Tabassum's work has gained international recognition, with the Khudi Bari project viewed as a humanitarian initiative and an example of vernacular architecture. Her previous accolades include the UK-based Soane Medal and her first Aga Khan Award for the Baitur Rauf Mosque in Dhaka, a project celebrated for its unique design elements.
The recent Aga Khan Award ceremony, held on September 15 in Bishkek, Kazakhstan, honored seven projects, including Tabassum's. She attributes this recognition to the collaborative effort of her team, donors, and the communities involved.