Khudi Bari
Architectural visualisation of Khadi Bari in a village setting with various ground water scenarios.
FACE* (Foundation for Architecture and Community Equity) is working with families located in flood-prone regions in Bangladesh living with the consequences of the climate catastrophe testing/adapting a low-cost modular shelter system. Khudi Bari (or tiny house) is designed to withstand high water/wind and can easily be relocated. The goal is to create site-specific shelter in tandem with the people who will use and inhabit it; promoting direct action and embracing a DIY sensibility.
Supported by private donors, in March 2021 the first three homes were built in collaboration with families living on Chor Hijla. These families are now adapting the modules and we are learning from their adaptations. At least one family member from this first iteration will become part of our training team as the project is rolled out in other areas.
We are currently looking for support/funding/partners. Please contact [email protected] and [email protected] if you are interested in hearing more about the project.
*FACE is a non-profit society affiliated with Marina Tabassum Architects, a Bangladeshi architectural studio.
Marina Tabassum's practice prioritizes climate, materials, site, culture, and local history. She believes an architecture practice can become a source of positive change in the world. She has taught and lectured widely: currently academic director, Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes, and Settlements. Recent projects include Wisdom of the Land, 16th Venice Architecture Biennale, 2018; the Independence Monument and Liberation War Museum, Dhaka, 2013; and Bait Ur Rouf Mosque, Dhaka, 2012. She received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 2016. Tabassum’s also on the board of Prokritee a Fair-Trade Organisation exporting artisanal products from Bangladesh all over the world employing thousands of women. Tabassum graduated in architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
Writer, film-maker, artist, producer
Based in London and Dhaka
Albor has worked as a journalist and in development, including in island communities in the Philippines. In 2019-2020 she was part of the team which produced the Dhaka Art Summit. She has a BS in Design and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, MA in Development Economics from the University of the Philippines, and an MFA from Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London.
Community Representatives
Md. Shafiul Azam Shamim
Community Representative (Coastal Area).
Azam is the Principal Architect at Architectura PVT LTD. and has a Bachelor of Architecture (2010), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology.
Team members and advisors
Sabiha Haque
Landscape Architecture
Sabiha is a Research Associate and Landscape Architect at Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements. She has a Masters of Landscape Architecture (2017), The City College of New York, NY.
Advisors
Mohammad Arfar Razi
Geography and Research
Razi is a Research and Design Associate and Coordinator of Geography Research at Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements and has a MS in Geography & Environment (2010), University of Dhaka; and an MPhil in Physical Geography & Environment (2013), University of Dhaka.
M M Arman Abedin
Design, Procurement, Construction & Coordination
Aman is an Associate Architect at MTA. he has a Bachelor of Architecture (2015), University of Asia Pacific.
Tasneem Farah Siddique
Research & Coordination
Tasneem is an Associate Architect at MTA, She has a Bachelor of Architecture (2016), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology.
Fariah Sharmeen Akbar
Community Representative (Coastal Area).
Fariah is also one of the Principal Architects at Architectura PVT LTD. and has a Bachelor of Architecture (2009) BRAC University.
Jahirul Islam
Procurement & Construction
Jahirul is an Assistant Architect at Architectura PVT LTD. Bachelor of Architecture (2019), Stamford University.
Asif Salman
Architect & Architectural Photographer
He has a Bachelor of Architecture (2016), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST).
Other team members
FACE Executive Director and Khudi Bari Project Lead
Khudi Bari Project Manager and Lead Architect
Advisors (Pro Bono)
Munir M Merali
Foundation Capability Building specialist, Resident Diplomatic Representative, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Seven years working in Bangladesh, prior posts include the Republic of Tajikistan and Pakistan. Involved in launching: the University of Central Asia, First Microfinance Bank, Centre for Philanthropy, Serena Hotel, Ismaili Centre and other institutions. Has also been involved in promoting regional trade and cooperation, development of social infrastructure, and implementing cross-border projects related to hydro-energy and telemedicine. Born in Tanzania and a Canadian national, Munir has a Masters in Business Administration from University of Toronto, Masters in Public Administration from Harvard-Kennedy School and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.