Folk Resurgence : Reviving Bangladesh’s Arts And Crafts Complex As A Living Heritage Hub | Architecture Thesis On Craft Centre

Site Context

Sonargaon’s geographic location—situated between the Shitalaksha, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers—has historically made it a crucial center of commerce and culture. Its layered past is reflected in the architecture and heritage sites scattered throughout the region, including Panam Nagar, Neel Kuthi, Khash Nagar Dighi, and many more. The area’s rich setting offers unique potential to curate an immersive, heritage-based experience for visitors.

Within the 54.7-acre site, the Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Complex comprises two museum buildings, one of which is the historical architectural landmark “Boro Sardar Bari, an open mela ground, performance spaces, and recreational zones. These spaces cater to tourism, learning, and seasonal festivities, including Pohela Boishakh celebrations.

However, the disconnect between different activity zones—especially the underutilized Karupolli—has limited the site’s cultural potential. The newly built Karu Biponon Chottor failed to capture the essence of artisan interaction. The revised program will activate these dormant areas through spatial reorganization and programmatic layering. Proposals include a dedicated Karu Mela Zone, hands-on learning studios, heritage trails connecting nearby landmarks, and improved circulation linking Karupolli to the main museum zone—turning the site into a seamlessly integrated destination that supports cultural education, artisan livelihood, and sustainable tourism.

Design Process

The design approach focuses on creating an immersive cultural environment that honors artisans, revives folk traditions, and establishes a sustainable cultural economy through tourism. The core goal is to revive Karupolli as a vibrant, income-generating artisan village. By weaving nearby heritage sites into the visitor experience through a connected heritage trail, the complex becomes both a destination and a journey.

Key strategies include interactive programs such as live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, exhibitions of traditional and modern folk arts, and artisan-led marketplaces that invite tourists to purchase souvenirs and engage directly with local crafts. This not only enhances cultural appreciation but also economically empowers artisans and motivates younger generations to preserve their heritage.

The philosophical foundation lies in viewing artisans as carriers of living tradition, where practices like baul gaan, jatra, and motif work evolve from survival to creative livelihood. The visitor journey begins in Karupolli, witnessing crafts in progress, then transitions to semi-public zones for learning, and culminates in the full experience of folk culture through exhibitions, performances, and Lalon and puppet corners. The journey concludes with visits to historic landmarks like Boro Sardar Bari, anchoring the experience in place, memory, and respect for cultural legacy.

Final Outcome

The project aimed to revive Karupolli as the cultural and economic heart of the site. The design aimed to carefully integrate heritage, climate-responsive architecture, and community needs to restore the area’s lost vibrancy.

The once-abandoned warehouse at Karupolli was transformed into an inviting entrance pavilion, using local materials, clay-tiled roofs, and an open layout to reflect the region’s architectural character.

Pop-up store modules were introduced to host year-round Karumela, creating an active platform for both traditional and modern artisans. Live demonstrations, extended workshops, and artisan-led activities were incorporated to attract tourism while supporting local livelihoods.

Climate-responsive features such as courtyard-style planning, deep verandas, and perforated brick façades were thoughtfully implemented to ensure comfort and sustainability. The overall outcome is a reactivated cultural hub that fosters artisan empowerment, educational exchange, and tourism, preserving Sonargaon’s folk-cultural heritage while adapting it for the future.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the project breathes new life into Karupolli, transforming it into a cultural hub and economic opportunity. It combines traditional craftsmanship with community-focused programming, preserving Sonargaon’s heritage and promoting learning and tourism.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]