ABOUT THE ARCHITECT
Marina Tabassum is a renowned Bangladeshi architect and educator, for her
innovative approach that blends contemporary design with deep cultural and
environmental awareness. Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, she hails from a family that
migrated from India during the partition of Bengal in 1947. Her father was an
oncologist.
She received her early education at Holy Cross Girls School and College and later
graduated in architecture from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and
Technology (BUET) in 1994.
In the late 1980s, Marina decided to pursue architecture rather than engineering or
medicine, against family custom. From Louis Kahn's National Assembly Building in
Dhaka, she describes with 'instant connection' how she learned her 'first lesson in
light'. She gained a profound grasp of the cultural and historical settings woven
into her work as a result of her family's 1947 journey from India to Dhaka during
the division of Bengal.
Reasons Behind Her Architectural Philosophy
Marina Tabassum's childhood was shaped by opposite situations in which she was born and lived till the beginning teenage
years. She grew up in a two-story courtyard house inherited from her grandparents. It was a neighborhood where she lived
next to a slum of rickshaw-pullers separated away just on the other side of a high wall.
That contrast cut right through all illusions of a child. It made her realize the unfortunate feeling of being different from
others. However, there was little distinction between these two sets of children, as they hardly considered themselves
different; they played together. It was a small neighborhood by small-town standards, where kids strolled down quiet
avenues to their schools. An arrangement that has become rare in super-urban Dhaka.
These early experiences of community living and social awareness have profoundly influenced Tabassum's architectural
philosophy, which emphasizes
empathy, social responsibility, and designs that cater to the human condition.
Influenced By Muzharul Islam
A significant influence on her work is the legacy of Muzharul Islam, a pioneer of modernist architecture in Bangladesh. Islam
advised her on the design of Dhaka's Museum of Independence, a project she undertook early in her career, which displays
the struggle of the people of Bangladesh from the Mughal conquest to the 1971 secession from Pakistan.
Architectural Style And Phases
1. Early Career (1995-2005) – Co-founding URBANA
After graduating from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 1994, Tabassum co-founded URBANA with Kashef
Chowdhury. The firm undertook several notable projects, including the design of the Independence Monument and the Museum of
Independence in Dhaka, which commenced in 1997 and concluded in 2006.
2. Establishing Marina Tabassum Architects (2005-Present)
In 2005, Tabassum established Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA) to pursue an independent vision. Her work seeks to establish a language of
architecture that is contemporary yet reflectively rooted to place, considering climate, context, culture, and history.
3. Breakthrough (2012-2016) – Winning the Aga Khan Award
The Bait-ur-Rouf Mosque, completed in 2012, marked a significant milestone in her career. The mosque's design emphasizes spiritual
ambiance, light, and natural ventilation, deviating from traditional mosque architecture by omitting domes and minarets. This project earned
her the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016, bringing her international recognition.
4. Humanitarian and Vernacular Phase (2016-Present)
Tabassum's focus shifted towards addressing climate change, displacement, and sustainability. The Khudi Bari (Tiny House) project exemplifies
this phase, offering affordable, modular homes made from bamboo for communities affected by natural disasters in Bangladesh. Each unit
can be constructed in six hours, reflecting her commitment to using architectural knowledge to benefit those often ignored due to economic
constraints.
Tabassum’s Architecture is known for
1. Contextual Modernism – The architect combines modern techniques with Bengali tradition and attention to climate.
2. Vernacular & Sustainable Design – Local materials such as brick and bamboo are used, with a focus on passive cooling and a minimal
dependency on energy.
3. Minimalism & Light – Prefers simple, geometric forms and builds around light and air as key components to define spaces.
4. Community-Centered Design – Focuses on functionality over grandeur, ensuring her buildings serve social needs first.
5. Climate Responsiveness – Should work for the climate and the sector affected by floods in Bangladesh and use of passive cooling.
Passive Cooling in Marina Tabassum’s Architecture
Marina Tabassum is known for climate-responsive architecture, especially in Bangladesh’s hot and humid environment. She integrates
passive cooling techniques to naturally regulate indoor temperatures, reduce energy consumption, and enhance user comfort.
How She Uses Passive Cooling:
1. Natural Ventilation & Airflow Design
Bait-ur-Rouf Mosque (Dhaka):
• The mosque has perforated brick walls that allow air to pass through while filtering sunlight.
• The open courtyard concept encourages cross-ventilation, cooling the air before it enters the prayer hall.
• The roof openings help in stack ventilation, where hot air rises and escapes, pulling in cooler air.
•Khudi Bari (Tiny House for Climate Refugees):
• Built with bamboo panels and elevated structures, allowing airflow underneath to prevent heat buildup.
• Lightweight materials ensure quick heat dissipation at night.
2. Thermal Mass & Local Materials
•Uses brick, bamboo, and concrete which have high thermal mass, meaning they absorb heat during the day and release it at night,
maintaining a balanced indoor temperature.
•Exposed brickwork (seen in Bait-ur-Rouf Mosque and other projects) prevents heat absorption compared to modern concrete buildings.
3. Shading & Sunlight Control
•Uses deep overhangs, verandas, and lattice brick screens (jaali) to block direct sunlight while allowing indirect light and airflow.
•Designs spaces with narrow openings and shaded courtyards to prevent overheating.
4. Orientation & Spatial Planning
•Aligns buildings to maximize the benefits of natural wind flow (especially from the south in Bangladesh).
•Ensures that windows and openings are placed where they can capture the breeze but avoid harsh sunlight.
Major Works & Design Style
1. Bait-ur-Rouf Mosque (Dhaka, 2012)
• A brick mosque without a traditional dome or minaret.Uses perforated brick walls for natural light and ventilation.Won the Aga Khan
Award for Architecture (2016).
2. Khudi Bari (Tiny Houses for Climate Refugees, 2020-present)
• A lightweight, modular bamboo house that can be moved when floods or river erosion occur.A low-cost housing solution for
Bangladesh’s displaced communities.Independence
3. Monument & Museum (Dhaka, 2013)
• Built at Suhrawardy Udyan, where Bangladesh’s independence was declared.A minimal yet powerful structure symbolizing national
pride.
4. Villa Rouf (Dhaka, 2009)
• A private residence focused on open courtyards, passive cooling, and geometric abstraction.
Influences & Inspirations
1. Louis Kahn (who designed Bangladesh’s Parliament House) influenced her to use brick and light.
2. Traditional Bangladeshi Vernacular Architecture inspired her use of courtyards and climate-responsive
design.
About Rouf Villa
Rouf Villa is a private residence designed by Marina Tabassum, following her signature climate-responsive, minimalist approach. It was
built for a client in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a strong focus on spatial openness, natural ventilation, and sustainable living. arina Tabassum's
approach to Villa Rouf was both personal and experimental. Commissioned by a close relative, Rehana Mahboob, the project allowed
Tabassum to explore the villa as a traditional European architectural form, reinterpreted through a Bangladeshi lens. The result is a
harmonious blend of cultural references and modern design principles, making Villa Rouf a notable example of contemporary Bangladeshi
architecture. the villa spans a built area of 240 square meters.
Design Philosophy
1. Blending with Nature
1. The villa is designed around open courtyards, allowing light, air, and greenery to be part of the living space.
2. The concept of "inside-outside integration" ensures a continuous connection between the built environment and nature.
2. Passive Cooling & Ventilation
1. Large openings and cross-ventilation reduce the need for artificial cooling.
2. Perforated brick screens (Jaali walls) allow airflow while providing privacy.
3. Use of Local Materials
1. Brickwork, concrete, and wood create a warm and earthy aesthetic.
2. The walls are made of exposed brick, reducing maintenance costs and improving thermal insulation.
4. Spatial Fluidity
1. Open floor plans and courtyards as central elements allow natural movement of air and people.
2. Minimal partitions enhance the sense of openness and light distribution.
5. Sustainability & Simplicity
1. The villa relies on natural cooling rather than air conditioning.
2. It is a low-maintenance, long-lasting design with a focus on function over decoration.