Marina Tabassum, an internationally recognized architect from Bangladesh, has truly transformed architecture by fusing tradition with sustainability and innovation. Tabassum was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and grew up in a family with her father being an oncologist, she grew up during the time of great change in Bangladesh, which has had a lasting impact on her design philosophy. She has done her schooling from Holy Cross School & College. Later she graduated in architecture from BUET in 1994.Tabassum founded URBANA, an architecture practice based firm in Dhaka with Kashef Chowdhury, in 1995 and later launched her own practice, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), in 2005. MTA is known for creating designs that are grounded in the community and the environment, with a strong focus on situation-focused solutions.
Tabassum’s Philosophy
Tabassum’s work seeks to establish a language of architecture that feels modern while staying deeply connected to its roots, inspired by the values of climate, context, culture, and history.
While many buildings today are built just for profit, MTA takes a different approach. They prioritize sustainability, social responsibility, and cultural relevance, making sure each project truly belongs in its environment.
In addition to architecture, MTA actively researches climate change impacts in Bangladesh. Also collaborate with geographers, planners, and other experts to improve living conditions, especially for disadvantaged communities. MTA focuses on quality over quantity, choosing projects carefully & sustaining innovation through self-built designs. We can say her work mainly focuses on natural ventilation, daylighting, and locally sourced materials, challenging the modernist trend of high-energy-consuming buildings.
Breakthrough with the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque
The Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Dhaka, is a masterpiece of simplicity and spirituality which is marina tabassum’s most known & celebrated work. The mosque was built on land donated by her grandmother and funded by the local community. With a perfect mix of function and elegance, this mosque focuses on natural light, cross ventilation, and sharp geometry. This mosque stands apart from the traditional ones, with no dome or minarets but offers a unique calmness that feels serene.
Commitment to Sustainability
By reading Tabassum’s MTA projects, we can easily say that she is a pioneer of sustainability. Every work she has done is mostly focused on being environmentally friendly and adaptable. The best example is the Tiny House. In 2020, she introduced the “Khudi Bari” (Tiny House) project constructed from affordable materials like bamboo and texture metal designed to address the challenges of flooding and climate change in Bangladesh. With their cost-effectiveness and adaptability to the local environment, these homes provide an ideal solution for sustainable living.
Advocacy for Indigenous Architecture
Beyond her projects, Marina Tabassum is all for architecture that’s rooted in local traditions. She believes we should move away from construction that takes up too many resources and instead we should focus on sustainable practices that use indigenous techniques and materials.
Global Recognition and Influence
1) 2024 The 100 Most Influential People of 2024 by the Time magazine
2) 2023 The Vassilis Sgoutas Prize for Implemented Architecture Serving the Impoverished, UIA World Congress of Architects
3) 2023 Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, Government of France
4) 2022 Carrier Award from Lisbon, Portugal
5) 2021 Gold Medal, French Academy of Architecture
6) 2021 Soane Medal
7) 2021 Royal Designer of the Industry (RDI)
8) 2021 Arnold W Burner Prize, American Academy of Arts and Literature
9) 2020 Honorary Doctorate form Technical University, Munich
10) 2020 The Top Ten Thinkers of the World by Prospect Magazine, UK
11) 2018 Jameel Prize, Victoria and Albert Museum
12) 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture
13) 2005 Ananya Shirshwa Dash Award
14) 2004 Shortlisted for Aga Khan Award for Architecture
She received an Honorary Doctorate from Technical University of Munich. In addition to Aga Khan Awards for Architecture, she has received many awards including Arnold Brunner Memorial Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, Gold Medal of the French Academy of Architecture and Soane medal in Architecture from the United Kingdom.
Educator & Mentor
Tabassum is a Professor at Technical University Delft, in the Netherlands. She held the Gehry Chair at the University of Toronto 2022 – 2023. She has taught in Harvard University Graduate School of Design, University of Texas, Bengal Institute and BRAC University.
Tabassum chairs Foundation for Architecture and Community Equity (F.A.C.E) and Prokritee, a Fair trade organization. She has served as the member of the Steering Committee of the Aga Khan Awards for Architecture from 2017 to 2022. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).
Marina Tabassum doesn’t just build structures—she tells stories of strength, versatility & human connection through architectural projects.Her journey is a reminder to architects everywhere to think beyond design and focus on aim and kindness.
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Writer
Anika Sharmila
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE