Arts Thread

As a British-born woman with Bengali heritage, I chose to develop an architectural thesis project which delves into a personal narrative alongside a complicated colonial history, and ties into the future of Bangladesh. Despite the fact that I have visited Bangladesh a handful of times, I am only acutely aware of Bangladesh history, the struggle for independence and cannot claim to know the Bangla language fully. Yet, I do in fact state that I am Bengali. I have had the privilege of being a British Citizen, travelling to numerous countries and have had an education, some can only dream of. I’ve completed my bachelor's and recently completed my masters; in a field I wanted to pursue and have always had the support of. I have had the luxury to move out of my home in London, to other cities in England in pursuit of my education. And I live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, yet have never financially struggled in the way of most people in Bangladesh.This project encompasses all that I am; my identity, my experiences and my educational privilege that has affected my life and those around me. It appreciates that all the personal is political and the connection between my experience and wider socio-political structures of England and Bangladesh.The Shilpogram Village, situated in a flood-risk location in Zakiganj, Bangladesh, is an equitable social-study driven proposal, focused on the re-integration and agency of marginalised Bangladeshi villagers (particularly women and children). The proposal expresses spaces as a catalyst for interactions and local materials, crafting and construction techniques to re-design the built forms. The drawings follow fishermen, craftspeople and farmers, illustrating; how Bangladeshis can adapt their life as sea levels rises. Understanding villagers’ everyday practices through a social sciences lens and in-person fieldwork in communities around Zakiganj, the proposal re-imagines mundane spaces of cultivating, fishing, crafting, education and gathering as an equitable means of livelihood and community living.The Shilpogram Village focuses on the local, traditional craftsmanship of jute and bamboo, becoming a central material within the proposition - building upon “low-tek” methodologies. Considering, the climate crises placing areas of Bangladesh, including Zakiganj, at high-risk of flooding and displacement, the village utilises walkways, and elevated interventions to provide the community with a resilient and adaptable way of life. In addition to this, the design approach allows for future expansions, further supporting the adaptive living typologies within the proposition. In understanding the local vernacular, my proposal sought to create buildings which are culturally sensitive, contextually aware, environmentally sustainable and resonate with inhabitants.