Architecture

Haiku Of Structures

November 5, 2021

According to Ar Rafiq Azam architecture is a harmonious fusion of tradition, nature, and mysticism and the landscape of the Bengal Delta, its change of seasons, archeology, and traditional typologies inspire a significant portion of his design process. Very often, Rafiq, the founder of SHATOTTO is also found to seek his muse in the philosophy of Lalon, Rabindranath Tagore, and Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose where these prolific individuals wax lyrical about art, culture, literature and even nature.

“I feel that the tiny elements of nature should be adorned in buildings with poetic beauty. After all, the house is not just an abode for humans, but a nest for butterflies and birds too. I always try to use light and shadow, water and air inside and outside the building to create mysticism in every aspect. To me, green architecture is not a mere mechanism of energy-saving. Rather, it represents an inspiring process of energy gaining,” said the affable Rafiq.

As one of Bangladesh‘s internationally acclaimed architectural firms, SHATOTTO that was incepted in 1995 vows to unearth the lost history and heritage of Bengal and recreate the missing link between its urban and rural cultures. SHATOTTO also aims to bridge the gaps between the architectural values and the current crisis of responsible architecture while also providing consultancy for sustainable master plan, architectural design, and engineering solutions.

Completed in 2011, this three-storey single-family home, sits on a site surrounded by multi-floored buildings like numerous onlookers. Considering the socio-economic conditions of Dhaka, the building adopts a very simple architectural vocabulary expressed through a subtle intervention of form, material, and vegetation. This design also challenged prevailing trends by endowing the residence with a water court or swimming pond. To ensure this feature enjoyed privacy, it was situated in a central position, prompting an introverted logic to the building’s design.

In the SA Residence, the traditional spatial arrangements of courtyards and water bodies in rural areas have been translated here into an urban context where they are merged. The courtyard symbolizes nothingness yet captures, reflects, and refracts the sky above, the birds in flight, the sun‘s arc, and the shimmering moon. Its south and southeast aspects have been designed to allow a flow of cool breezes during the hot, humid summer, and to embrace the sun‘s comfort during winter. The central water court acts as a natural ventilation system and an outlet for hot air, making this intimate court a place of solace and calm. With its small dingi (boat) waiting by the ghat (water steps), patches of greenery, shimmering light, and silence, this space becomes a natural habitat within a man-made dwelling.

According to Rafiq, this project was brought to life after the client had said that he missed his village home and all the childhood memories so Rafiq together with his team spent more than five years to design and construct a residence that would capture the client’s childhood memories and where the rural typologies such as courtyard and pond would meet and create a new urban typology. This project was a result of extensive research and experiment and remains iconic to SHATOTTO for their ability to construct a residential project with concrete entirely by using new technology with the hands of local workers at Dhaka then.

For more information please visit shatotto.com

Citing honesty and perseverance as two necessary qualities that should be learned, Ar Rafiq Azam is the principal architect of Shattoto, an architecture firm based in Dhaka with a focus on “architecture for green living”. Graduating in 1989 from Bangladesh Engineering University (BUET), Dhaka, his many awards include being a recipient of World Architecture Community Award 2008-09, Emerging Architect of the World by Urban Land USA 08, AR Emerging Award London 07, finalist for Aga Khan Awards for Architecture 04 and 07

AFTER HOURS

What’s your poison?
My drink preferences varies with my mood, but I do enjoy a good Virgin Mary.
Favourite hangout spot?
It could be any threshold space in any part of the world where water and land meet. If there is a coffee shop or art gallery near these threshold spaces, I love to choose them for hangouts.
The place to go for authentic local cuisine?
When in Dhaka, I like to have food such as Hajir Biriyani and courses from Royal Restaurant. In Malaysia, I enjoy food from the Bukit Bintang district and Ampang. While in Paris, I like to visit the Avenue de Champs-Élysées.

THE JETSETTER

Most memorable stay?
I loved staying in several hotels and villas in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mexico, and Malaysia. Staying at the New Alila Villa at Bali, Indonesia, Vil Yuhana in Sri Lanka, and Cancun in Mexico were all very exciting and memorable experiences.
Biggest splurge?
Sometimes I like to purchase watches and spectacles if
they look special to me.
Your holiday fashion?
T-shirt and trousers. I like to keep things casual!