Architect Marina Tabassums’ ‘Khudi Bari’ shines on global stage

Khudi Bari of Architect Marina Tabassum shines on global stage.

Dhaka, Sept 16 - In a moment of immense pride for Bangladesh, Marina Tabassum Architects’ groundbreaking housing solution “Khudi Bari” received the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

Held every three years, the prize-giving ceremony for the 16th cycle of the Award took place at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on September 15.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan and accredited to the Kyrgyz Republic Mohammad Monirul Islam represented the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh at the event.

Marina Tabassum Architects previously received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016 for the Bait-ur-Rouf Mosque, located in Dhaka.

This prestigious award recognizes the project’s innovative and sustainable approach to addressing the housing challenges of communities displaced by climate change in Bangladesh.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the Steering Committee Chair of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, said inspiring younger generations to build with environmental care, knowledge and empathy is among the greatest aims of this Award.

"Architecture today must engage with the climate crisis, enhance education and nourish our humanity. Through it, we plant seeds of optimism – quiet acts of resilience that grow into spaces of belonging, where the future may thrive in dignity and hope.”

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, established in 1977 by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, recognizes building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities in which Muslims have a significant presence.

It seeks to identify and reward architectural works that not only meet people's physical, social, and economic needs but also stimulate and express their cultural and spiritual aspirations.

The Award emphasizes architecture that serves as a catalyst for pluralism, community resilience, social transformation, cultural dialogue and climate-responsive design.

The $1 million prize, shared by all the winners, is one of the largest in architecture.

Khudi Bari: A Solution Born from Bangladeshi Ingenuity Khudi Bari ("Little House" in Bengali) stood out among hundreds of nominations for its flexible, affordable, and self-build design.

Conceived as a solution for communities living in precarious conditions due to shifting rivers, sandbars, and the increasing threat of climate change, Khudi Bari offers a dignified and resilient housing option.

The project impressed the jury by:

● Using local materials and expertise: Khudi Bari utilizes readily available bamboo and incorporates local construction techniques, empowering communities to build and maintain their own homes.

● Offering a sustainable design: The homes are designed to withstand floods and are easily dismantled and rebuilt, minimizing their environmental impact.

● Prioritizing affordability: At approximately US$450 per unit, Khudi Bari provides a significantly more accessible housing option compared to traditional alternatives.

● Showing global application: The modular system has also been scaled up to create women-led facilities in Rohingya refugee camps.

Other 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture Winners

Aside from Khudi Bari, the six other recipients of the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture are:

● West Wusutu Village Community Centre (China): A community center built from reclaimed bricks, fostering social and cultural spaces for residents and artists.

● Revitalisation of Historic Esna (Egypt): A project that addresses cultural tourism

challenges through a series of physical interventions and socioeconomic initiatives.

● Majara Residence and Community Redevelopment (Iran): Sustainable tourist

accommodations that revitalize the unique landscape of Hormuz Island.

● Jahad Metro Plaza (Iran): Transformation of a dilapidated station in Tehran into a vibrant and accessible urban space for pedestrians.

● Vision Pakistan (Pakistan): A facility in Islamabad housing a charity that empowers disadvantaged youth through vocational training.

● Wonder Cabinet (Palestine): A multipurpose, non-profit exhibition and production hub for craft, design, innovation, and learning in Bethlehem.