As an architect, I enjoy collaborating with various stakeholders bridging diverse ideas and generating shared knowledge. My research interests include co-creation processes, social sustainability, and the exploration of participatory and innovative approaches in architecture.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Selected participant, ARKNAT summer building program 2024
Host: Arknat, Sweco
First Prize, Development of Manda and Jirani Khal
Host: Dhaka South City Corporation
Finalist, 8th Advanced Architecture Competition
Host: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC, Barcelona)
Shortlisted, ARCASIA Awards of Architecture 2020
Silver Prize, ‘Shelter for Soul’
Host: Korean Institute of Architects (KIA) and BaMI
First Prize, Old Dhaka Central jail
Host: Prisons Directorate, Ministry of Home affairs, GOB
Third Prize, Best pavilion award
Host: The Chittagong Chamber Of Commerce & Industry
Second Prize, Arcasia Students’ Design competition 2013
Host: Architects Regional Council of Asia
DIGITAL SKILLS
⁄ AutoCAD
⁄ Revit
⁄ SketchUp
⁄ Adobe Creative Suite
⁄ Rhino
⁄ ArcGIS
⁄ Enscape
⁄ Lumion
⁄ Velux/Caala
LANGUAGE
English, Swedish (SFI Level D)
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture, 120 HP Architecture and Planning Beyond Sustainability, MPDSD
Bachelor of Architecture, 190 HP
WORK EXPERIENCE
Architect and Partner
Architect
Architect
Associate
Architect
Chalmers University of Technology
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Atelier Avencia, Bangladesh
• Designed and developed urban and public projects in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In 2022, we won the design competition for the Development of Manda and Jirani Canal, a 20-kilometer-long canal restoration project aimed at creating a climate-resilient water infrastructure for the city while also meeting current public needs for recreation and accessibility.
• Assess DSCC’s functional and architectural needs and arrange information exchange meetings (IEM) with stakeholders to discuss various needs and functions. Prepare specifications, a package-wise estimate (BOQ), detailed work estimates, and assist in tender documents (TDs) preparation.
Shanta Holdings Limited, Bangladesh
• As the sole architect of an engineering and construction department with over 200 engineers, I coordinated 24 ongoing construction projects across departments to identify a mismatch between architectural and other drawings (structural, fire safety, landscape, lighting design, and MEP drawings). A few notable projects are: SHL business district, Pinnacle (the first 40-story skyscraper in BD), and Forum (first twin buildings, 25 stories each).
• In consultation with the Project Director (PD) and site engineers, I created a modular construction technique and framework solutions for the cost optimization plan. With day-to-day coordination and site visits, I ensured that the designs were properly understood and implemented.
Studion Platform, Bangladesh
• Worked extensively on transient architecture that prioritizes sustainable materials, reuse, and recycling. The key project is to create an 8-acre masterplan for a trade fair having 2 million visitors. The project was featured in the September 2021 issue of Architecture Asia, “Living in the 21st Century”.
FORM.3 architects, Bangladesh
• Led many national design competitions and won three key design consultancy prizes for the company. The most significant one is the Historic Preservation and Landscape Design of the Old Dhaka Central Prison, a 36-acre urban regeneration project.
• Preparing plans for authority approval, attending client meetings, creating architectural and landscape drawings, visualisations, and supervising construction projects.
People of Delta | Drawing reference: Red Line Area / Imran Hasan
TUVA
Host organization: ARKNAT, SWECO
Professional Role: Design, Prefabrication, Hands on construction
Team: Md Imran Hasan, Clara Olsson, Elias Hollingworth, Lisa Uik Peterson, Siri Heidweiller
Site Location: Vivassen, Sweden
Timeline: June 2024
The Arknat program envisions a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, bringing together selected students from across Europe to design and construct wind shelters in the Swedish wilderness. For Arknat 2024, our team worked on a unique site in Västervik, characterized by its wetland setting filled with reeds. Our project, “Tuva,” is a poetic expression in the landscape, featuring a curved design that invites interaction and playfulness for all ages. The structure serves as both a wind shelter and a lookout tower, with sightlines extending over the reeds.
The design and construction process was completed within a compact two-week timeline. After the initial design phase, most construction elements were prefabricated and then brought to the site for final installation. To protect against rising water levels and moisture, the foundation beams were charred using ancient Swedish techniques, ensuring durability while honoring local traditions.
DAY 01
DAY 02
DAY 03
DAY 04
LOKAL BORÅS
Design Studio (ACE 580)
Sustainable Transformation of a Derelict Industrial Building
Chalmers University of Technology
Role: Design, Energy calculation, Visualization, Co-ordination
Course coordinators: Walter unterrainer (Examiner), Jay Williams, Alexander Hollberg
Site Location: Borås, Sweden
The transformation of an old shoe and leather factory in the heart of Borås into a vibrant, artfocused communal space aims to redefine the city's cultural landscape. This project merges Borås's rich heritage with an innovative approach to creativity and community engagement, featuring curated exhibitions, artist studios, performance areas, a museum, cafes, and a library.
Phase 02
Phase 01
Existing site condition
Our collaborative team, including four architecture students and two engineering students, embarked on a sustainable transformation project. As current tenants approach the end of their rental agreements, the municipality seeks holistic program combinations and sustainable solutions for the building’s second life. We conducted extensive research, developed innovative spatial programs, and proposed thoughtful building designs. To ensure our design aligns with scientific sustainability standards, we utilized calculations and simulations covering daylight, energy, greenhouse gases, global warming potential, water usage, and life cycle costs. Collaborating closely with engineers and leveraging tools like CAALA and Velux, we ensured practicality, resilience, and a transformative impact.
1. Graffiti Walls
Bicycle Path
River Path
Truck Loading Bay
Car Park
Entrance
Bus Stop
New Bridge
Canal 10. Open Air Seating Area
Phase 01 & 02 (1st Floor Plan)
1. Entrance
2. Entrance Hall
3. Open Air Seating
4. Restaurant
5. Kitchen
6. Open market and Exhibition space
7. Shop
Seating Stairs
1st Floor Plan (Phase 01 and Phase 02)
View from the central courtyard
Detail Section
Primary energy demand ( Existing Building)
251
Primary energy demand ( After Building Transformation)
62
Roof
The existing roof has been integrated into the design. The atrium roof is redesigned with the existing structural framework to invite more light into the building.
Structure
Overall the existing column grid is integrated into the changed floor layouts. Phase one of the building has a large truss roof structure that allows to have a lofty entrance space.
Insulation
Both Phase One and Phase Two of the building are designed with new insulation to have better thermal comfort for the users. The central atrium will be naturally ventilated for flexible use.
Wall and windows
While keeping the existing masonry walls a layer of new windows is added to the existing windows in the thermal insulated areas of the building to prevent heat loss.
3rd floor
The drawing shows the transformation of the plan layout to accommodate new functions to the design.
2nd floor
A bridge connects both Phases of the project through the atrium.
1st floor
The existing stairs and lift shafts are preserved.The red line shows the public circulation and the blue for artists' private access to the studio floor.
INCREMENTAL CITY
Design Studio (ACE 535)
Social-Ecological Unbanism Design Studio 2024
Chalmers University of Technology
Role: Design, GIS, Space syntax and Habitat network analysis, Visualization Group member: Emilie Ravot, Md Imran Hasan, Vilhelm Anderson, Zerham Shahd
Course coordinators: Meta Berghauser Pont (Examiner), Lars Marcus, Jane Bobkova, Ioanna Stavroulaki
Site Location: Butängen district, Norrköping, Sweden
Norrköping is the 11th most populated city of Sweden with over 145 thousand inhabitants has long been a industrial, trading and shipping city. The municipal council decided to develop a new vision for the municipality of Norrköping. A key interventions to this plan includes the highspeed rail way and new railway station, an additional housing facilities for 40 thousand people with new commercial facilities around the station.
The Norrköping master plan for Butängen must address key challenges to align with the city’s evolving needs. At the city scale, poor connectivity between suburbs and the center, worsened by highways, limits nonmotorized movement and reduces pedestrian activity, leading to car dependency and inactive streetfronts.
In Butängen, the plan must overcome barriers like railways and highspeed roads that restrict both human and ecological mobility. The industrial nature of the area, with large plots and wide highways, poses integration challenges but also offers potential for flexible, sustainable development.
Ecologically, the plan needs to enhance green and blue infrastructure, addressing surface runoff and habitat connectivity issues. Additionally, the lack of public spaces and social segregation in building typology necessitates creating diverse housing and new public spaces to improve urban quality and social cohesion.
Overall, the plan aims to improve connectivity, ecological integration, and social unity in Butängen.
Integrated street network
Two new bridges have been added to the network to create diversion routes for inter-city traffic by introducing ring roads. On the district scale, the Drottninggatan has extended and developed with higher centrality. The district network also has higher centrality roads around the blocks while the secondary and tertiary roads are less central resulting in quiet residential areas.
The low line
The barrier effect of the existing railway has replaced by an urban ecological corridor with padestrian and bycycle path, bioswels, ponds, and different biotopes modelling. This intervention has increased the overall connectivity amond the neighbourhoods along the railway. Also it bridge the protected forest lands in Ingelsta, the station park and the fort.
Incremental transformation
An incremental method is recommended for densifying the area while repurposing the current industrial structures. Building height and typology follow street typology to establish urban rules for detailed design plans for blocks and individual plots. The proposed road network also supports a progressive change of the area while protecting existing uses.
Ecological services
The ecological strategies focused on two key indicators, salamanders and bees, to create an ecological infrastructure that allows both species to thrive. The presence of these two species suggests a favorable environment for both amphibians and insects.
Social cohesion
Including public meeting places in the masterplan improves co-presence and visibility. Integrating multiple plot sizes in the same block will result in a variety of dwelling types, fostering a mix of user groups.
Facades and entrances must face public land (e.g., streets, parks)
The perimeter blocks should have one direct access to the street from the courtyard
Building height:
Max 8 floors, Max avegage 6 floors
Forecourt:
• 3.5 m forecourt / building setback
• Forecourts should be for public use
Landuse:
A minimum of 30 % of the floor space for each block should be allocated for residential use. A minimum of 40 % of the floor space for each block should be allocated for economic use. Remaining 30% can be flexible
Airspace:
Permissible to negotiate airspace above adjacent properties above 13m
Plot division:
No gaps between plots should be permitted in perimeter block.
General rules for plot division applies.
Active ground floor:
Min 40% of plots should have an active ground floor and corners should be prioritized.
Storefronts can be 5-10 meters wide. If bigger areas are required, one commercial space can extend in the back of the building or on the second story.
Re-purposed Building
2,5 st. max Average Height
4 st. max Average Height
5 st. max Average Height
6 st. max Average Height
7 st. max Average Height
Public Building
Train Station
Existing Building
Canal Tree Grass Road Street
MASTERPLAN SUBMAP DETAILED PLAN
Gradual transformation
Phase 01
Gradual transformation
Phase 03
GRADUAL TRANSFORMATION
Existing industrial building
New buildings
Step 1: The property division remains as it is today. The only difference is that the municipal roads have been rebuilt and often widened. Residential use of the properties is not allowed due to the lack of greenery and walkways.
Gradual transformation Phase 02
Gradual transformation Phase 04
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Step 2: Industrial properties can be divided into several plots. Plots are allocated along the reule for the Street Types. The remaining land is owned and managed jointly & this land should be developed as residential courtyards.
Urban pocket spaces
Site area
Existing main roads
Step 3: Jointly managed courtyard land is encouraged to be merged. This is to achieve a consistent implementation of inner courtyards. The incentive for this is that courtyard land becomes easier to maintain.
Existing parcs
New public parcs
Canal Ponds
Green corridors
Valuable trees
Existing Situation
Addition of the water retention and the canal and the courtyard fabric
Addition of pocket parks and trees on the streets
Functionnality Map for Bees
Habitat Network Analysis
Block fabric more permeable in the North + Addition of trees with holes
PROJECT LIGHTHOUSE
Role: Architectural Design, Construction and Project Management
Location: Kishoreganj, Bangladesh
Timeline: March 2021 - December 2021
This project highlights co-creation processes and working with local materials like bamboo and wood. This is an example how architects can act as active actors to generate collaboration environment and co-initiate project with community memebrs. The project was initiated through the continous dialogue with the community members of Haidonkhali village. The story and process of creating this learning space at the village is more important than the structure itself.
Reading and Storytelling sessions
Re-imagining community library
Art and craft session
Some key activities at Project Lighthouse
Participatory mapping sessions
Watching movie, documentary, and educational content
Debating and practicing critical thinking
Workshop Image (from left to right):
01. Play with Clay workshop with the children
02. Making toy with paper mache workshop with the children
03, 04. Children displaying their work
Mapping Co-Creation Process: The project has been developed and constructed through co-funding and co-creation methodologies. Preserving local culture and promoting sustainable practices are prioritised in the concept generation and implementation phases.
The structure is built with locally-available bamboo and wood. All the materials have been treated before installation to increase durability. Cement posts are used to elevate the structure from the ground. Thus, the bamboo and wood are not directly in contact with the earth and water (during monsoon season). We worked closely with local artisans to build the structure. Their knowledge and experience have enriched structural details.
(from top to bottom):
Image
01. (top left) Bamboo facade details
02. (A) Artisan making bamboo screen sample
03. (B) Curing bamboo with borax and boric acid
Redevelopment of Manda and Jirani Canal
Role: Architect and Co-founder (Atelier Avencia), Design and Project Management
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Timeline: 2020 - Ongoing
In 2017, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) took over the management of 26 canals to tackle the city's waterlogging issues. In 2020, DSCC launched a design competition for redeveloping the Manda and Jirani canals. By December 2022, EK Architects and Atelier Avencia were selected as consultants for this 14-kilometer project. The redevelopment aims to transform the canals into urban lifelines, addressing waterlogging and creating public spaces like amphitheaters, viewing decks, and pedestrian bridges. The project emphasizes community engagement and balancing development with ecological conservation to enhance Dhaka’s urban environment.
Site Photograph 01, depicts uncontrolled growth along Manda canal.
Site Photograph 02, depicts one of the few remaining reed beds along the canal; as a result of garbage discharge, the water is becoming contaminated.
Site Photograph 03, depicts a stretch of a canal that was turned into a box culvert in a residential area. For safety reasons, the authorities installed a railing along the canal to separate it from pedestrians.
Image Reference (Left to right)
Image Reference
Masterplan for the Manda and Jirani canal Redevelopment Project, depicts various intervention zones and facility planning.
Connectivity: The canals used to provide crucial water links between the city’s North and South East sectors, but today the only way to get to them is by car. Some areas of the Manda canal are still used for water transportation, in contrast to the Jirani canal, which has lost its water network. This project aims to improve the area’s general connection by incorporating a cycle lane and pedestrian connectivity. If feasible, a water taxi route will be introduced.
Incorporating the existing structures such as houses, markets, road networks, bridges, etc into the design development phase to achieve ownership of the place and sustainable relationships.
Historic Preservation and Landscape Design of Old Dhaka Central Prison and Redevelopment of Surrounding Area
In 2017, a nationwide design competition was launched to preserve and redevelop a historic neighborhood in Old Dhaka following the relocation of the national central prison. The site, rich in historical significance, has ties to the Bangladeshi liberation movement and the Mughal period. The project aims to open this once-restricted area to the public while preserving its historical heritage. The master plan is divided into three zones: Zones A and B include markets, community centers, and parks, designed for vibrant public use. Zone C focuses on preserving the prison’s historical memory, adaptively reusing 37 structures for museums, galleries, and educational experiences. The redevelopment plan balances historical preservation with creating an attractive, accessible space for residents and visitors.
Design for people
The design tends to achieve a safe, inclusive, and active public space to host the local community and visitors. A diverse range of social spaces including the open plaza, courtyards, fountains, ghats, foodcourt, market area, etc will enrich the historic old town neighborhood and allow it to thrive further.
Integrating nature
The location offers a wealth of green space and water bodies, serving as an oasis amidst the highly populated city of Dhaka. The master plan was carefully developed to incorporate native plants, preserve historic trees, maintain existing ponds, and integrate new interventions to address the city’s heat island effect and ensure ecological balance.
Drawing Reference // Top left: Masterplan of Zone A
Drawing Reference // Bottom left: View of the multipurpose hall from existing pond
Adaptive Reuse
The adaptive reuse approach has been crucial in preserving the history and character of the existing landscape, both in the overall masterplan and in individual structures. By incorporating elements such as old bricks, rusted metal, and vintage lampshades into the new design, we are able to seamlessly blend the old with the new and meet the demands of modern changes.
A House of Ordinary Stories: Soul Shelter for One
Silver Prize at the International Design and Installation Competition ‘Shelter for Soul’ in Seoul, South Korea Team: Md Imran Hasan & Sadia Sharmin Role: Design competition, Construction drawing, Visualization, Installation Timeline: May - September 2019
The Shelter for Soul campaign, inspired by social minorities worldwide, aims to address both physical and spiritual needs of marginalized communities. The Korean Institute of Architects initiated the “Shelter for Soul International Design & Installation Competition” to explore beyond conventional shelter concepts, focusing on emotional comfort and personal identity.
“A House of Ordinary Stories” is a soul shelter designed for Munia, a sixteen-year-old girl from Dhaka’s Karail basti, who faces eviction but excels academically and aspires for a dignified future. This shelter seeks to support Munia and other young girls like her by creating an environment that nurtures their spirits. It reimagines the concept of shelter through the lens of “ordinary stories of everyday life,” aiming to empower Munia to redefine her identity and transform her future with pride and resilience.
Image Reference
01. Map of Karail basti shows the congested and intricate fabric of the neighborhood
02. Munia with her brother spending time in her tiny room
03. Munia’s house compound consists of eight families and a micro-credit office. The red marked is Munia’s room (6 sq. m.)
Top, Munia in a family photo with her brother. Left, a conceptual section shows the concept of her soul shelter.
Image Reference:
Top left: Construction details for the installation. Bottom left: A house of ordinary stories is installed and exhibited at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture during Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism 2019 Right: A visitor is spending time drawing and reading at the Soul Shelter.
Masterplan of Chattogram International Trade Fair
Role: Lead Architect, Design, Project Management, Construction
Location: Railway Pologround, Chattogram
Timeline: October 2019 - March 2020
CITF, Bangladesh’s second-largest trade fair, attracts around 2 million visitors annually over 40 days, with a construction period of just 30 days. We transformed the site’s vehiculardominated layout by introducing a 90m x 15m plaza under a fabric canopy, featuring seating, a fountain, floor lights, and greenery. The main entrance was reimagined as a circular bamboo installation (20m diameter, 10m height), serving as a transition into the plaza. The masterplan also included 20 pavilions, 200 stalls, various zones, and essential facilities, with locally sourced and reusable materials. The design process was adaptable, allowing for construction challenges and collaborative efforts.
Image reference (left to right):
Top left: The site has a rail line on the southwest, a residential colony on the northwest, and a hill on the northeast side. An approach road from the southeast side is the only connection to the site from the main road.
Top right: The concept diagram shows the transformation of the master plan through the introduction of a plaza altering the vehicular circulation.
Bottom: The entrance has five separate pathways to handle large crowd
Image Reference:
Left: View form to showing the entrance and the plaza canopy
Right: The fabric roof of the entry pavilion creates a rippling effect with the wind
6.
7.
The inner section of a 3 m X 3 m cloth module is used for the plaza canopy, while the remaining pieces are sewn together for the entry bamboo installation. Locally available materials and techniques are applied to construct the structure.
Layers of Fabric
Screen Separating Pathways
Steel Pipes as Main Structural Members
Brick Work and Sand Filling Garden
Different Layers of the Plaza Different Layers of Bamboo Installation
Fabric module for the Plaza Canopy
1. Floor Light
2. Fountain
3. Seating Area
4. Electric Pole as Canopy Structure
5. Plaza Tiles Layout
Cable Grid
Canopy Fabric
Bamboo Plywood Deck for Pathways
Bamboo
Roof Structure
Image reference >
Top: The fabric layer over entry structure creates a rippling effect with the wind
Bottom: Bamboo Installation in the evening time
Shanta Forum, designed by Ehsan Khan Architects, is Bangladesh’s first twin tower and a landmark in Dhaka’s highrise development. As the sole in-house architect for Shanta Holdings Ltd’s Project Operations, I collaborated closely with engineering teams, focusing on coordinating departments to resolve discrepancies between architectural and technical drawings. This role honed my problem-solving skills and enhanced my communication tools, ensuring smooth project execution.
Shanta Forum
Role: Project management, Construction Supervision
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Timeline: February 2021 - March 2023
Phase
A key challenge of the project was constructing the connecting bridge between the two towers. This required additional reinforcement during construction, leading to adjustments in the facade installation. To address these challenges, I developed clear construction phasing drawings to coordinate between teams, ensuring successful execution.
I relish the diverse possibilities of communication through drawing and illustration. As an architect, drawing has always been my primary language for conveying ideas. However, the limitations of technical drawings in expressing human complexity inspire me to create messy drawings of everyday mundane things. Through observational drawings, I strive to capture both presence and absence—whether that be wishes, memories, transformations, mappings, or other elements. My illustrations are hand-drawn, either in a sketchbook or on an iPad. I find joy in the slow, deliberate process of creating things by hand.
