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This thesis project presents an architectural concept and program informed by a novel conceptual framework for categorizing design methodologies. The project seeks to exemplify the cultural heritage and livelihood practices of the Bede community, while advocating for architectural solutions that promote cultural continuity, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. |
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Overview of the Bede Community The Bede are an ethnic group of people. Approximately 1.7 million Bede live across Bangladesh. In Sherpur, South Dephlai, around 900 in 200 families live in this area. According to the local Sardar, the number of registered voters is 450. |
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Lifestyle and Occupations ● The Bede traditionally lead a nomadic lifestyle for about 10 months of the year. They return to their permanent residences for two months to celebrate festivals such as Eid and marriage ceremonies. ● Their primary occupations include: ● Snake hunting and performing snake shows ● Preparing and selling herbal medicines ● Selling amulets and charms ● Earning through jhar-fuk (traditional healing practices) ● Despite their nomadic lifestyle, they are attempting to integrate into local communities while preserving their traditions. |
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Demographics and Education ● Approximately 400 children in the community are under the age of 18. ● Education levels are critically low, with only 15 children attending schools or madrasas. ●The lack of educational opportunities perpetuates poverty and limits social mobility. Due to advancements in education and technology, the Bede have been struggling with their traditional professions for the past decade. Many are changing their professions but are unable to secure good jobs due to a lack of education.This has led some individuals to rely on begging for their livelihood. They are still clinging to their identity, trying to transition from nomadic to local lifestyles. They continue to face significant challenges regarding basic needs such as education, healthcare, and entertainment. Despite their occupations revolving around entertainment and trade, they lack recreational spaces where they can practice their culture. |
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Infrastructure Challenges ● The Bede neighborhood is located far from the main road, which causes transportation difficulties. ● Poor road connectivity isolates the community from nearby towns and essential services. |
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Basic Needs and Issues ● Education: Almost non-existent, with minimal access for children. ● Healthcare: Scarce facilities leave the community vulnerable to illnesses and health crises. ● Recreation: Despite their occupations centered around entertainment, the Bede lack recreational spaces or facilities. |
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Call for Interventions ● Infrastructure improvements are needed to enhance road connectivity and access to nearby towns. ● Investment in educational infrastructure is imperative to facilitate consistent school attendance among children. ● Establishment of healthcare services is essential to improve community health. ● Creation of recreational spaces is necessary to provide leisure and social opportunities. ● Architectural Resilience: The design will focus on developing structures that are adaptable to the changing needs of the Bede community, ensuring that they can withstand environmental challenges and provide long-term sustainability. Using local materials and techniques, the architecture will be resilient to climate factors such as flooding or seasonal changes. |
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Project Objectives ● Architectural Resilience and Integration: Merge the boundary line between the mainstream and Bede communities with architectural resiliency, ensuring that the built environment can adapt to the community’s unique lifestyle while supporting social cohesion. ● Cultural Preservation through Architecture: Showcase traditional Bede architecture, using elements that reflect their heritage, while integrating modern sustainable building practices. The design will incorporate natural, locally sourced materials and sustainable construction methods to reduce the environmental footprint. ● Building a Community: Establish a community that ensures every opportunity for study, growth, and resilience. This community will focus on conserving their culture and creating a sustainable model for future generations. The architectural approach will foster a sense of ownership and pride in their environment, promoting self-sufficiency. |
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Cottage & Restaurant plan |
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● Multipurpose Platform for Learning and Expression: Provide a platform where the community can demonstrate their abilities, share knowledge, and engage in cultural practices. The architecture will offer flexible spaces for education, recreation, and social events that adapt to the changing needs of the community. ● Sustainable Infrastructure and Resilience: The design will focus on ensuring the infrastructure is not only functional but also resilient, using techniques that are sensitive to environmental challenges like flooding, strong winds, or temperature fluctuations. These solutions will ensure the long-term viability of the community's physical environment. |
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The challenges faced by the Bede in South Dephlai reflect broader issues faced by this ethnic group across Bangladesh. A holistic approach, addressing education, healthcare, and infrastructure, will empower the Bede community while preserving their rich cultural heritage. Through resilient and sustainable architectural solutions, this project will create a platform where the Bede can thrive—preserving their traditions while adapting to modern needs, ensuring a brighter and more integrated future for the community. |
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Jury Criticism: "This thesis offers a socially responsive, culturally grounded, and contextually intelligent design response for a marginalized community. The research foundation is strong, and the design intent is commendably centered on cultural empathy and resilience." · The identification of the Bede’s socio-cultural transition—from nomadism to settlement—is well-articulated. The design agenda to accommodate this transitional identity through adaptable and resilient infrastructure is both timely and necessary. · The project positions architecture as a tool for advocacy, community-building, and cultural continuity—a critical and often neglected angle in academic design work. · The emphasis on multipurpose spaces for learning, performance, and healing is highly appropriate for the Bede lifestyle and should be applauded. |
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While the conceptual framework is convincing, I encourage the development of spatial storytelling. How does one feel or experience the blend of traditional and new spatial practices in this built form? Consider showing precedents of nomadic-to-permanent typological transitions in similar ethnic or indigenous communities—this would add depth and validation to the proposed typology. A clearer visual or architectural expression of Bede heritage—through materiality, ornamentation, or participatory design inputs—would strengthen the authenticity of the intervention. -Dr. Md. Nawrose Fatemi, Professor & Head Department of Architecture,UAP |
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"This is a thoughtful and ethically driven thesis that reflects a genuine attempt to empower a vulnerable community through culturally rooted, climate-resilient design. The clarity of purpose is evident, and the sensitivity is commendable." · The project successfully moves away from tokenistic 'heritage representation' and instead proposes functional, resilient architecture that serves real needs: education, healthcare, connectivity, and recreation. · The integration of livelihood-supportive spaces—such as platforms for performance or production—is a standout feature. It not only enables economic continuity but also fosters community dignity. · The use of local materials and flood-adaptive construction logic is practically grounded and environmentally essential for this lowland region. I would suggest further exploration of phasing strategies: how might the project evolve as the community becomes more integrated with the urban edge? Consider a timeline of development or incremental construction logic. The connectivity challenge (distance from the main road) needs a stronger spatial design resolution. Can the proposal influence or initiate micro-infrastructure improvements, such as water-based access or mobile service hubs? |
Finally, the inclusion of youth engagement or community training programs through architecture could turn this project into a self-sustaining development prototype. This project reflects a rare balance of design, advocacy, and realism—a model for how architecture can serve as a bridge between cultural preservation and contemporary empowerment. -Ar.Mahtab Hussain,mw3 Design+Partners |
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Contributor: Ar. Faiza Fairooz |
