Project Description

In the 18th century, the people of Madhabpasha suffered from a severe water shortage. Moved by their plight, Rani Durgabati took her walking stick and told the villagers: "Carve a Dighi as far as I walk."

She traced a vast boundary nearly 25 hectares and at the center, she pointed: "Keep this island for the birds who come from afar." 

The villagers carved the dighi exactly as she indicated, preserving the island for migratory birds. Thus, Durga Sagar came into being a lifeline for the people and a sanctuary for nature.

Site & Context: Durga Sagar, Barishal’s largest lake, preserves Rani Durgabati’s vision. Its central island, long neglected, is now reimagined as a place where heritage and ecology meet. While visitors enjoy the lakeside, the island remains hidden .

 Design Concept: A sanctuary fostering human bird coexistence, encouraging reflection while supporting migratory and native species.

Design Narrative: Bird-Shelter Modules: Vertical clusters rise like organic sculptures, forming a forest like habitat that blends into the island’s greenery.

Materiality: Wax layered rice husk panels for modules to provide natural insulation and biodegradability.  

Species-Specific Design: Three cell types accommodate various bird sizes and nesting patterns, connected by vertical columns to maintain structural stability .