Architect Marina Tabassum's great feat

In the capital's Fayedabad area in Uttara, there stands a place of worship for Muslims called Baitur Rauf Mosque. This is different in various ways from traditional mosques, and every account of its distinctive features is endearing in their own distinctive way. For example, instead of the traditional symbolism such as domes and minarets, the mosque comprises of intricately structured brick walls and brick jali design that creates an awesome interplay of sunlight and shadows inside the prayer hall. Its structural ingenuity also provides natural ventilation, keeping the building cool even on hot summer days.

"A building has to be able to breathe without artificial aids," this is how Dhaka-born, BUET educated Architect Marina Tabassum described the mosque. Much to the credit of Bangladesh, Marina is named in the prestigious Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2024 for her unique designs and innovations.

Praise and international recognition at the highest level of her unique talent are not new to the futuristic designer. In 2016, her terracotta mosque got the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in recognition of the mosque's architectural excellence, environment-friendly design as well as elegant and eternal look. In its citation, the Aga Khan said, "The quality of construction frequently raises the quality of life. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Baitur Rouf Mosque, which contains an intricate geometric layering of space - a square prayer chamber contained within cylindrical walls."

Baitur Rauf Mosque is more than a mosque; it has open spaces for socialising where people of all faiths gather and interact. Women are welcome to pray and socialise while their children can play all day. The religious space has turned out to be a much-needed - and appreciated - breathing space in the densely populated area.

The livability in a city and the health of its residents is determined to a large extent by the quality of its public spaces. These spaces play a crucial role in shaping the mental and physical wellbeing of the city dwellers. Dhaka has a long way to go in this direction where architects like Marina Tabassum and others have a considerable role to play.

Marina Tabassum's work stands out for her commitment to sustainable architecture and community-centered design. Independence Monument and Underground Museum of Independence at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka is another hallmark of her architectural excellence. 

Apart from her major projects in Dhaka, Marina designed and developed hundreds of tiny houses known as 'Khudi Bari', which are cost-effective and easy to be moved from one place to another. She designed the house specifically for people in rural and coastal areas that are vulnerable to flooding and river erosion who may face displacement. The brilliance of the Khudi Bari lies not only in its ingenious design, but also in its adaptability.

Constructed with lightweight bamboo and modular components, the houses can be easily assembled, disassembled, and relocated, thus providing a sense of stability in the midst of uncertainty and no financial loss. This award-winning architectural marvel, crafted by Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), are much more than just a structure; they are a lifeline for flood victims and climate refugees, embodying the spirit of innovation and empathy in the face of adversity.

Marina has already set standards never achieved before, and no doubt will continue to do so. She brings immense kudos to the country. Let's congratulate her and wish her continued success.

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