Nazia Zaman’s thesis project, “Traditional Wooden Boat Crafting Centre: Rejuvenating Craftsmanship of Wooden Boat Makers Community,” reimagines Bangladesh’s rich boat-building legacy along the banks of the Karnaphuli River in Charpathorghata, Chittagong.
It blends tradition with modernity to breathe new life into an age-old craft, aiming to empower local artisans while preserving the cultural soul of a riverine nation.
Guided by the essence of wooden boat forms—their hulls, carvings, and cultural symbolism, the centre is a tribute to the riverine spirit of Bangladesh. Designed under the mentorship of Dr. Sajal Chowdhury and Rezuana Shoma, and supervised by Sarah Binte Haque, the project focuses on empowering local craftsmen through innovation and sustainability.
At its heart lies a vibrant mix of spaces: a museum showcasing wooden boat history, a public plaza for festivals and races, and interactive workshops that marry traditional skills with modern tools. Visitors can learn, explore, and connect with a heritage that is fading fast.
The design transforms the riverside into a welcoming social hub. A raised bridge links key zones, while green areas, seating, and pathways foster interaction. During festivals, areas under the bridge become lively markets and net-mending spaces.
Built with local eco-friendly materials like glulam wood, the architecture supports low-carbon construction while allowing artisans to shape their own space. Facilities include a research centre, medical room, kitchen, resting area, and a unique “Nauka Haat” to boost crafts people’s livelihoods.
Rooted in biophilic design, this centre isn’t just a building, it’s a cultural lifeline. It celebrates craft, inspires creativity, and reconnects the community to its river roots, ensuring wooden boat-making not only survives, but thrives.
