Tasneem Jarin’s aspirations as a young architect

Tasneem Jarin pursued her Bachelor's in Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Some notable projects that she worked on in her academic life include the Munshiganj Launch Terminal, Residential and Commercial High Rise in Gulshan, and Rural Housing in Faridpur. Her final year thesis, titled "An Anamnesis: Reconstruction of a War-torn Community", was selected as the regional winner under the category of Architecture and Design of Global Undergraduate Awards. Werecently caught up with the young architect to know more about her aspirations.

Tell us more about your final year thesis, which brought you the Global Undergraduate Award.

The design in my thesis shows a war-torn community in the process of reconstructing and integrating their neighbours in solidarity, while reclaiming their lost identity and healing from the distrust and trauma together. It is situated in Old Aleppo, Syria, and proposes a sustainable and flexible solution to heal from post-war conditions. I worked really hard on it for months, amidst the restrictions due to Covid-19. I am grateful to my supervisors, Dr Shayer Ghafur and Md Tariquzzaman, for their constant support and guidance.

What was your main idea behind this project?

This project is a tribute to the people of war-torn countries around the world. There are so many dreamers and believers out there, trying to find solutions to wars and their aftermath. I presented a participatory approach that ensures that communities are actively involved in the reconstruction of their land, and can heal together.

Since this society has a different social and economic structure from Bangladesh, I carried out intensive research to understand the functional, emotional, and psychological factors of my chosen topic. The concept of memory, the register of the past, hope, and a way toward the future to rehabilitate people who are forced to leave their home played major roles in my thesis.

Is there any particular reason behind choosing Syria?

I got to learn a lot about the Syrian war after watching the documentary, "For Sama", directed by Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts. I also found the book, 'The Battle for Home', by Marwa al-Sabouni a brilliant Syrian architect. His work inspired me to choose this topic.

What are your future plans?

I want to finish my Master's degree and travel as much as possible. At the same time, I want to keep experimenting with different topics of architecture – I still have a lot to learn.

The author is a medical student and a freelance journalist who likes reading, scribbling, and blogging. Email: mislammonamee@gmail.com.