Weaving Memories: Integrating Craft & Architecture For the Weaver’s Community at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | Masters Design Project on Community Development

Site Context

Cox’s Bazar, located in southeastern Bangladesh, is home to rural landscapes rich in natural beauty and traditional life. Bamboo grows abundantly, serving not only as a significant natural resource but also as a key element in construction and everyday items. This strong presence of bamboo highlights the area’s close relationship with nature and sustainable living practices.

The village environment is defined by its close-knit community. Winding dirt paths lead through shaded areas, where daily life unfolds under the canopy of large trees. Children play freely, and families engage in communal activities, such as drying clothes outdoors or gathering for social interactions. The sense of community is deeply ingrained, with people often coming together for meetings or events in shared, modest structures made from local materials like bamboo.

Livestock, particularly cattle, plays an essential role in the village’s agricultural practices. The presence of grazing animals illustrates a reliance on farming and natural resources to support the local economy. This rural setting, framed by green forests and a peaceful, natural atmosphere, emphasizes a lifestyle that remains deeply connected to the land, where sustainable living and community cooperation are at the heart of everyday life.

Design Process

From the initial encounter with the weavers of Rumkhapalong, Bangladesh, it was immediately clear that their unique skills and craftsmanship would guide the direction of the project. Engaging in dialogue with the artisans and learning from their craft, the team was inspired by the weavers’ intricate techniques and ingenuity. This led to the question of how a space of refuge could learn from these craftsmanship techniques while also serving as a rigid, strong structure during cyclones.

The shelter’s design is deeply influenced by the craftsmanship and resourcefulness of the local weavers, whose traditional skills transcend mere artistry and become essential tools for sustainability. During a shared meal generously prepared by the weavers, the team had the unique opportunity to explore their craft and its powerful impact on both the community and the environment. The weavers’ unwavering passion for knitting, combined with their commitment to sustainability, was evident in their ingenious use of plastic and Aruca palm. By repurposing discarded materials into beautiful, functional baskets, they not only demonstrated remarkable creativity but also contributed significantly to reducing plastic waste in the Rumkhapalong region.

Their ability to adapt weaving techniques to available resources inspired the design approach. These principles were embraced to incorporate traditional weaving methods into the construction of the cyclone-resistant shelter. By adopting the same adaptive and resilient approach used by the weavers, the team created a structure that not only withstands environmental challenges but also empowers the residents. This integration of craft and architecture strengthens the building’s integrity and instills a sense of pride and ownership within the community, allowing them to actively participate in shaping and protecting their environment.

Final Outcome

This project explores the concept of architecture as a craft woven by the hands of the community. The design process uses yarn to create a woven plan, symbolizing the interconnectivity of space and culture. Different colors and patterns in the yarn represent distinct areas or functions within the project, suggesting that each part of the design is intricately tied to the others, just as threads in a loom are carefully interwoven to create a cohesive fabric. This approach not only emphasizes the importance of craft in the architectural process but also highlights the social fabric of the community as integral to the design.

The isometric drawing further develops this idea by presenting the spatial layout of the project as something crafted by weavers, positioning them as both the creators and narrators of the space. These weavers serve as architects, shaping the environment with their hands and tools, much like they would weave a textile. This approach blurs the boundaries between architecture and craftsmanship, suggesting that the spaces we inhabit are as much a product of cultural practices and traditions as they are of modern design principles. This concept turns architecture into a narrative, where the weavers’ hands guide both the form and function of the project.

Conclusion: Through the fusion of craft and architecture, the project demonstrates how local knowledge can address global challenges while preserving cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. This approach emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and community empowerment, ensuring that the shelter is more than just a protective structure—it’s a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of the people who shaped it. 

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