Colonizing The Flood

Water is no longer to sail but to Colonize. Architecture against the floods, Bangladesh; A tale of a floating nation.
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Designer(s) : Maha Mohamed Anwar

University : Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport

Tutor(s) : Dr. Kareem Nabil

Project Description

The project presents a conceptual prototype to address flooding crises, anticipating a 25% increase in floods due to climate change, which will amplify rainfalls and cyclones by 7% and 19%, respectively. The design features an expandable system composed of a flexible horizontal grid module “Podium” and vertical grid “Sheltering Towers” that grow over time with additional “Sheltering Unit Capsules.” This system, designed for global implementation form a field-like colony. Implemented in three phases, starting with the structure, offers refuge during floods, and evolves into a sheltering colony. Bangladesh as a case study, faces flood risks with 65% of its land projected to be submerged by 2100, threatening its densely populated society. The prototype includes two main components: the podium, which houses essential living services and the sheltering towers. The design balances standardization for global application with personalization to reflect cultural aspects. Residential units and podium use local traditional materials ensuring a personalized space. In order to respect the Bangladeshi agricultural practices, the podium is elevated creating a floodable plane to create agricultural floating gardens. These gardens use local materials that decompose into fertilizers post-flood, supporting the economy and ecology. By integrating local building practices, the system aims to be sustainable and culturally resonant, providing a refuge that adapts to Bangladesh’s context. This approach ensures the project is a practical solution to flooding and a culturally integrated living space. This project follows a narrative of growth creating an evolving landscape scene of endless field like colony.