Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum has been honoured as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the year, recognised for her innovative contributions to sustainable architecture. Time magazine celebrated Tabassum in their latest issue, highlighting her dedication to creating environmentally responsible and community-focused designs.
Tabassum, known for her award-winning Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Dhaka, advocates for buildings that integrate naturally with their environment, avoiding dependence on artificial climate control systems. Her designs emphasise functionality in harmony with nature, addressing the specific challenges posed by Bangladesh’s climate. “A building has to be able to breathe without artificial aids,” she remarked, describing her holistic approach to architecture.
Her projects also tackle the increasing threat of flooding in Bangladesh, pioneering cost-effective, relocatable housing solutions to keep communities safe. This practical yet innovative approach extends beyond her architectural practice as she shares her vision through global teaching and lecturing engagements, promoting an architecture that is less about individual acclaim and more about collective benefit.
Tabassum’s work has previously earned her the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016 and recognition from the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2021. She is also slated to receive the Millennium Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2022, further solidifying her impact on the field both in Bangladesh and internationally.
Feature Image: Marina Tabassum| Courtesy: Daily Sun
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Heeramandi” on Netflix Explores a Lush World of Dance, Poetry, and Art
