Project Description

Bangladesh, known as the Land of Rivers, holds water at the heart of its geography and culture. Yet, many riverfronts remain underused, becoming edges rather than places of connection. This project seeks to reclaim the river as an active space for healing. A place where the sights, sounds, and breezes of the water restore balance to body and mind.

The design is a floating timber-and-bamboo structure inspired by the soft curves of the shapla (water lily). A continuous balcony wraps around the form, allowing visitors to step outside and feel the wind on their face, listen to the lapping water, and watch light shimmer on the surface. Inside, the space is simple and purposeful: a mat for meditation, stretching, or quiet floor sitting, and a bench for reading, reflection, or conversation. The materials are warm and tactile, grounding the visitor in nature, while the open ribbed frame maintains a constant connection to the surrounding river.

Overhead, an opaque Perspex roof shields the interior from rain without blocking daylight, making the space usable in all weather, including monsoon season. The structure’s openness ensures cooling breezes flow through, while its stilts and floating platform keep it safely above changing water levels. This intervention transforms the river from a backdrop into an immersive healing environment by fusing traditional materials with careful spatial design. It can be positioned along any of Bangladesh's numerous waterways, providing communities with a common area for relaxation, rejuvenation, and reconnection.