Bangladesh’s Flood Proof ‘Tiny Houses’
Being an architecture student, it’s cool to discover how our field can make a substantial difference in real-life challenges. One such challenge is flooding in Bangladesh. It’s a country where the rivers go crazy during the rainy season, causing floods that can be very tough for the people living there. But guess what? There’s something called Khudi Bari houses that are like superheroes in this flood story.
So, Khudi Bari houses are like the cool kids of architecture. They’re built on a higher base, like a superhero cape that keeps them safe from floodwaters. And get this, they’re made from everyday stuff like bamboo, mud, and thatch — things that are easy to find and don’t cost a fortune. They’re like the local heroes saving the day!
What’s even cooler is how these houses are not just practical but also blend in with the local culture. They’re not fancy skyscrapers; they’re more like friendly neighbours that fit right into the community. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we’re here to stay, and we’re part of your gang.”
You know what’s even better? These Khudi Bari houses are good for the environment. They use local, renewable materials, which means they don’t leave a big carbon footprint. And because they’re all about letting in fresh air and natural light, there’s not much need for fancy gadgets that suck up energy. So, they’re Earth-friendly homes that keep the planet happy.
Now, here’s the exciting part — the government in Bangladesh thought these houses were so impressive that they started a program in 2015 to build more of them in flood-prone areas. The goal was simple but powerful: to give people affordable, cool houses that can withstand floods. And guess what? It worked!
The success story of Khudi Bari houses doesn’t end there. These houses aren’t just practical; they’re like keepers of traditions and culture. Imagine living in a house that reflects the way your community has been doing things for ages. It’s like a time machine that connects the past with the present.
And guess who the real heroes behind building these houses are? Local artisans and craftsmen — the skilled folks who know the ins and outs of creating these fantastic homes. So not only are these houses saving the day during floods, but they’re also creating jobs and keeping the local talents busy.
Now, here’s where Marina Tabassum, the architect behind this brilliance, steps in. She’s like the mastermind, the brain behind the magic. She believes in making houses that aren’t just four walls but are like friends, helping communities thrive. Her other project, Dhonbari shelters, is like a quick response team, ready to jump into action during disasters. These lightweight shelters are like the superheroes of the modern world, saving lives when things get tough.
What’s truly inspiring about Tabassum’s work is her commitment to the environment. The rainwater harvesting systems and vegetable gardens in Khudi Bari houses show that she’s thinking beyond just building shelters. She’s all about making communities self-sufficient and ready for whatever challenges come their way.
As architecture students, the Khudi Bari houses and Tabassum’s approach are like a guidebook. They teach us that architecture isn’t just about making fancy structures; it’s about being part of communities and understanding their needs. It’s about creating homes that are friends to the environment and heroes during tough times.
So, here’s the deal — let’s learn from Khudi Bari houses and Marina Tabassum. Let’s design buildings that don’t just look good on paper but are rooted in the local culture and environment. Let’s be architects who create homes that are ready to face the challenges of the future, just like the superheroes of Bangladesh.
