Aga Khan Award: Marina Tabassum Architects’ ‘Khudi Bari’ shines on global stage
Marina Tabassum Architects previously received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016 for the Bait-ur-Rouf Mosque, located in Dhaka
In a moment of immense pride for Bangladesh, Marina Tabassum Architects' groundbreaking housing solution "Khudi Bari" has received the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Held every three years, the prize-giving ceremony for the 16th cycle of the Award took place at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, yesterday (15 September), according to a press release.
Mohammad Monirul Islam, Bangladesh ambassador to Uzbekistan and accredited to the Kyrgyz Republic, represented the government of Bangladesh at the event.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Marina Tabassum Architects previously received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016 for the Bait-ur-Rouf Mosque, located in Dhaka.
This prestigious award recognises the project's innovative and sustainable approach to addressing the housing challenges of communities displaced by climate change in Bangladesh.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the steering committee chair of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, said inspiring younger generations to build with environmental care, knowledge and empathy is among the greatest aims of this award.
"Architecture today must engage with the climate crisis, enhance education and nourish our humanity. Through it, we plant seeds of optimism – quiet acts of resilience that grow into spaces of belonging, where the future may thrive in dignity and hope."
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, established in 1977 by the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, recognises building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities in which Muslims have a significant presence.
It seeks to identify and reward architectural works that not only meet people's physical, social and economic needs but also stimulate and express their cultural and spiritual aspirations.
The award emphasises architecture that serves as a catalyst for pluralism, community resilience, social transformation, cultural dialogue and climate-responsive design.
The $1 million prize, shared by all the winners, is one of the largest in architecture.
"Khudi Bari: A Solution Born from Bangladeshi Ingenuity Khudi Bari" ("Little House" in Bengali) stood out among hundreds of nominations for its flexible, affordable and self-build design.
Conceived as a solution for communities living in precarious conditions due to shifting rivers, sandbars and the increasing threat of climate change, "Khudi Bari" offers a dignified and resilient housing option.
The project impressed the jury by:
● Using local materials and expertise: Khudi Bari utilises readily available bamboo and incorporates local construction techniques, empowering communities to build and maintain their own homes.
● Offering a sustainable design: The homes are designed to withstand floods and are easily dismantled and rebuilt, minimising their environmental impact.
● Prioritising affordability: At approximately US$450 per unit, Khudi Bari provides a significantly more accessible housing option compared to traditional alternatives.
● Showing global application: The modular system has also been scaled up to create women-led facilities in Rohingya refugee camps.
Other 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture winners
Aside from Khudi Bari, the six other recipients of the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture are:
● West Wusutu Village Community Centre (China): A community centre built from reclaimed bricks, fostering social and cultural spaces for residents and artists.
● Revitalisation of Historic Esna (Egypt): A project that addresses cultural tourism challenges through a series of physical interventions and socioeconomic initiatives.
● Majara Residence and Community Redevelopment (Iran): Sustainable tourist accommodations that revitalise the unique landscape of Hormuz Island.
● Jahad Metro Plaza (Iran): Transformation of a dilapidated station in Tehran into a vibrant and accessible urban space for pedestrians.
● Vision Pakistan (Pakistan): A facility in Islamabad housing a charity that empowers disadvantaged youth through vocational training.
● Wonder Cabinet (Palestine): A multipurpose, non-profit exhibition and production hub for craft, design, innovation and learning in Bethlehem.
