"Healing Through the Memory of Culture"
"Healing Through the Memory of Culture"
Mahabul Haque
Arka Mandal
Masum Billah
Bangladesh
Project Description
The site is the ancestral home of legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, located in the heart of Pabna. Currently abandoned, the house reflects the charm of 19th-century architecture, built using traditional materials without cement, showcasing the craftsmanship of its time. The front façade presents a glimpse of its historic elegance, while the space behind the house was once a cultural hub where artists practiced different kinds of songs in the 19th century.
Surrounded by urban streets, mature trees, and a mix of traditional and modern structures, the site holds layers of social and cultural memory. It is not only a physical space but also a repository of stories, heritage, and tradition. The old walls, shaded verandas, and open courtyards evoke a sense of nostalgia, connecting visitors to the artistic and cultural legacy of Pabna.
This site offers a unique opportunity to create a healing space that celebrates memory, culture, and community. By responding to its historical character, spatial qualities, and urban context, the design can bridge past and present, allowing people to reconnect with tradition, heritage, and each other. Here, architecture becomes a tool for cultural preservation and emotional restoration, turning an abandoned urban site into a sanctuary of healing through place, people, and memory.