Traditional Wooden Boat Crafting Centre

From facilitating daily life to inspiring artistic expression, the boat culture is a living testament to Bangladesh’s identity as a riverine nation. The project explores the intersection of tradition, sustainability, and innovation, aiming to preserve and provide a space for modernizing an ancient traditional craft while empowering communities and fostering a deeper connection to Bangladesh’s riverine heritage.

Situated along the Karnaphuli River under the symbolic span of the Notun Bridge, the site emphasizes the deep-rooted connection between water, craftsmanship, and modern development.

Rooted in the community’s ancestral practice of wooden boat making, the centre aims to empower local artisans through a blend of traditional knowledge and modern sustainable practices. The projects explore the dynamic interplay of tradition and modernity, skillfully CRAFTING A BRIDGE between time-honored craftsmanship and contemporary design and contemporary boat-making zones to create a unique narrative that honors our heritage while embracing innovation.

TRADITION + MODERNITY

Community engagement is at the heart of the design, incorporating crafting zones, healthcare facilities, and storage areas, alongside modern boat-making zones. Public interfaces such as museums, live workshops, and temporary exhibitions foster awareness and appreciation of the craft among tourists and locals alike. The museum incorporates boats of different times and regions. In the boat making zone, the craftsmen make boats of different sizes in a traditional way (open yard) and modern way . The revival of the on-site canal and the creation of a connective bridge serve both practical and symbolic purposes, offering transport access while nurturing a serene, nature-connected public space. Using a combination of glulam timber and ferrocement, the project emphasizes sustainability, durability, and aesthetic harmony, introducing modern materials to traditional craftsmen. This “glocal” approach—blending local heritage with global sustainability innovations—supports environmental stewardship, economic growth, and cultural preservation.