Marina Tabassum

Bangladeshi architect revolutionizing climate-responsive design

Marina Tabassum (b. 1969) redefined sustainable architecture through her context-specific designs addressing Bangladesh's climate challenges. Her Bait Ur Rouf Mosque (2012) demonstrates how traditional materials and passive ventilation can replace energy-intensive systems.

Unlike starchitect-driven projects, Tabassum's philosophy emphasizes "architecture of relevance" - low-cost solutions respecting local materials and labor. Her Khudi Bari modular housing provides flood-resistant shelters using bamboo and recycled materials, deployed across Bangladesh's delta regions.

Winning the 2021 Soane Medal (architecture's highest honor) established her as a leader in climate-resilient design. Through teaching at BRAC University and community workshops, Tabassum proves that ethical architecture can combat climate change without high-tech gimmicks.