PORTFOLIO_2023

Portfolio

Selected projects Rubaiyat Ur Rahman Phone no: 929-602-9650 Email: rubaiyat8001@gmail.com rurrahma@syr.edu

Academic projects BRAC University 2007-2012 Bengal Institute & TU-Delft 2021

Analytical Drawings of Human Body The design studio aimed to comprehend human ergonomics, body proportions, and the dynamics of clothing layers during movement, translating this understanding into precise analytical drawings. Another objective was to delve into the functionality of aprons, especially their response to varying climatic conditions.

This deeper understanding of climate through human behavior was a valuable learning experience. Subsequently, the analytical drawings were meticulously transformed into tangible physical models, using natural materials to emphasize the intricacies of the human body’s layers and geometry.

1 - Human body photograph analysis 2 - Converting the human body photograph and analysis to physical model 3, 4, 5, 6 - Drawings of the model

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Releasing Rishipotti @ Bhairab, Bangladesh Group project

In the annals of history, the Rishipotti community traces its origins back to 1962 when several families settled in this region, drawn by its strategic proximity to the river. The land was under the ownership of a Hindu landlord named Hari Laal Poddar, who initially permitted four Hindu families to reside on a 11400 sqft plot. However, the course of their social existence took a pivotal turn during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

The upheaval and widespread refugee crisis compelled numerous families to seek refuge in this area, forever altering their lives. The land, once primarily used for farming under the watch of electric towers, saw an influx of approximately 114 families grappling with the absence of fundamental amenities for sustenance.

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Exisisting Noli map of Rishipotti

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This community presently subsists by relying heavily on the riverbank. Characterized by pervasive poverty and a dearth of basic life necessities, they endure a plight akin to being labeled as ‘Dalits’. Inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and abysmally low literacy rates further exacerbates their challenges. Positioned alongside the Meghna River, the region succumbs to flooding during heavy rainfall, adding to the adversities faced. The area has become excessively crowded, with the overall living conditions deteriorating to a level that endangers their well-being and survival.

01_Existing riverside ghat 02_Peripheral houses 03_Vegetation on the roof of the houses 04_Large trees @ public courtyard 05_Narrow lanes 06_School or Multipurpose space Academic work

Study of the lievlihood of Rishipotti, Bangladesh 01_Public toilet 02_Private courtyard 03_Road works as public workspace 04_Tea stall 05_Space for broom makers 06_Space for dry manure fuel for cooking 07_Deep Tubewell 08_Cattle space

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Our mission delved deep into the community, immersing ourselves in their history, culture, and daily lives. Our goal was to improve their living standards, embracing the ethos of ‘Architecture for Humanity’. Central to our approach was meaningful engagement and collaboration with the community. We valued their insights, and to truly understand their reality, we had several hands-on experiences, measuring and sketching their houses, workspaces, and prayer spaces.

These on-site experiences allowed us to co-create a future that honored their unique identity and enriched their lives, a design born from a true understanding of their world.

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01_Study of necessary space required for Broom makers 02_Study of necessary space required for Box makers 03_Study of space required for dry manure fuel makers 04_Broom makers space requirements in interior elevation 05_Woodlog cutters space requirements in interior elevation 06_Broom makers beside the tea stalls 07_Tea stall works as a public gathering area Academic work

Proposed housing solution 09

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C A_Peripherral road network with designed embankment B_Courtyard pattern in the propsd housing area with considerations of public, semi-public & private courtyard C_Seasonal floating stage for cultural programs during festivals

01_Widenened entry road for accessibility of fire truck 02_Tea stall and shops at the most vibrant zone of the site 03_Peripheral road network with a designed embankment 04_Ghat with provision for the floating stage for the performance 05_Farming beyond the electric tower 06_Designed school with a playfield 07_Temple @ center of the site.

Academic work

Equitable Housing- Search for An Adequate Living Hydralogical Housing

Global Housing Studio of TU-Del� & Bengal ins�tute Group: Rubaiyat Ur Rahman & Kanij Fateema Year: 2021 Metropolitan Dhaka, one of the fastest growing ci�es h with a density of 55,169 people per square kilometer in the main built up area (old DCC), it struggles with accommoda�ng habitants with proper ameni�es including security, light-ven�la�on .

Dry Season, February 2021

Early Monsoon, May 2017

Heavy Monsoon, May 2017

Karnatali riverbak-Landscape strategies The site is located at a fluid, flood flowing landscape, where frequent overflow occurs. The landscape is inspired by the usual rural river edges of Bangladesh, where people adjust with dynamic nature, u�lizes the blessings it brings (silt, irriga�on water etc.). Here, the landscape embraces the historic characteris�cs with land and floa�ng agriculture around the year, seasonal vegetable gardens, drying yard etc. The edge is protected with long rooted grass and planta�on to protect from the erosion. To ensure sustainability, floa�ng pathways are introduced.”

Water High ground Developed area

Govt owned different housing quarters from 60s has breathable environment whereas the rest of the city is developing on a ‘plot’ basis.

From our experience living in the city, it can be said that the housing industry ignores the changing parameters i.e. the units doesn’t address the need of adequate space with be�er living quality, proper facili�es and affordibility which in return, forcing dwellers to survive within a concrete jungle.

Marsh land

Riverbank Belongs to Whom?

-Historically, people who generated income from river and adjacent low-lying lands live near the river.

-This group includes fishermen, farmers, po�ers, and boatmen.

-Riverbanks become a place for weekly hut-bazar to sell the product of the farmers, fisherman, po�ers.

-As our ci�es are expanding, should we push the original dwellers further and make space for new city dwellers?

-Labours of Brick fields will lose their job, or we can introduce another source of income?

-Or we can create a synergy between these groups who can live in harmony – Equitable Housing -River or riverbank not only belongs to different professionals, but it embraces nature as well.

-Birds, fish, ca�les, different plants, crops are part of river eco-system.

Housing types

Generally, farmer, po�er etc. lives in a dynamic situa�on, near the earth. The spaces of the house are being used differently at differnt �me of the day and season.

As, we adopted midrise solu�on to accomodate density which doesn’t allow an in�mate rela�on to earth, we tried to introduce spaces in a manner so that connec�on can s�ll be relinked.

This type comprises of different unit solu�ons (8-9) to allow different spa�al requirement. All the units has ‘open to sky’ terrace, the ground floor will change eleva�on with overflow and the podium can be used as a front yard where people can dry their crops, have chicken coop, interact with neighbours, children can play around the year.

Children’s Amusing Ride Environment

Problem framing

Renovation of public buses to promote safe and healthy environment for children and women For children and women, traveling by public bus in Dhaka may be quite stressful. In combination with other variables, the unpleasantness of the service they get has a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. By ignoring their fundamental requirements, the unwelcoming atmosphere, conduct, and physical layout of public transportation facilitates the exclusion of children, women, and people with disabilities from cheap access.

To reduce pain and offer a safe and standardized service for children, women, and the handicapped, we must consider the physical layout and methods to enhance the present services so that they are more user-friendly and inclusive. The goal of the Children’s Amusing Ride Atmosphere (CARE) initiative is to provide a welcoming environment on Dhaka’s public buses for children, their parents, and pregnant women. In collaboration with Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), we have renovated a bus with children- and women-friendly amenities, such as spacious standing space, separate entry and zone for children and women, arrangement for pregnant women and mothers with infants, and ramp installation for wheelchair access. This project is carried out as part of the 2016 Urban95 Challenge and is supported by the Bernard van Leer Foundation (based in the Netherlands).

Unable to board due to overcrowding.

Reserved seats are taken away by male passangers.

Specially abled person exclusive design.

Women & children are discouraged to board during rush hour.

Harrasment

Unfriendly conditioon for children.

Why this initiative has been taken?

• Conducted initiative after seeking feedback from target population: children, women, parents, and students • Identified issues related to accessibility for various groups, including children, women, and physically challenged individuals

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• Challenges included unavailability of seats, sexual harassment, taunting, discrimination in accessing the service, and an unwelcoming environment for children • Noted severe impact on children’s well-being, and safety due to the existing problems.

• Identified issues as the driving force behind the initiative • Objective: Enhance accessibility for everyone, ensuring inclusivity within the system • Goal: Develop a user-friendly service that aligns with SDG objectives in daily lives

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01_Redesigned bus layout

03a_Female & children zone.

02_Existing bus layout.

01a_Female standing space

03b_Folding seat for disabled person.

02a_Female sitting space.

01b_Male standing space

03c_Wheelchair zone.

02b_Genaral sitting space.

01c_General sitting area

Professional work

Features This renovation project included a variety of amenities, including color-coded seats, separate access for children, women, and disabled individuals, a foldable ramp for wheelchair access, seats with rolled-down curtains and seat belts for mothers and pregnant women, mobile charging points, additional lighting, Braille signage for the blind, and awareness messages on the grab bar. We seek to bring policymakers’ attention to the need for accessibility.

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01_Seats for pregnant women with provision for seat belt 02_Provision for roll down curtain for the provision of lacatation.

03_Mobile charging points 04_Grab pole for the standing zones.

05_ Wheelchair space provision.

06_Dedicated entry for the female & children 07_ Typical enrty with provision for folded ramp for specially abled person.

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Project team: Kanij Fateema, Adhora Pototree, Rubaiyat Ur Rahman Professional work

The new Shennong garden Urban Farm in Pingdi, China Group Project, Syracuse University We proposed a research-based, environmentally conscious, and technologically advanced urban farm. It was given the name of the legendary Chinese emperor who, according to popular belief, was responsible for spreading agriculture throughout China.

Pingdi's pilot zone is home to Shennong Garden, an urban agriculture demonstration project. Additionally, we hope to use urban agriculture as a fertile testing ground for new ideas, community involvement, and academic development while also helping to satiate the region's expanding appetite for food.

The urban farm uses nothing but renewable energy sources like the sun and the wind.

Multiple attractions are available in and around the Three Towers at this eight-story vertical farm. The project's ground floor features a public plaza, a supermarket, retail shops, and an aquaponic pond.

The research lab, some offices, and the food processing units are located on the intermediate levels, and can be reached via two massive, aesthetically stunning green ramps covered with flowers and fruit trees that lead to an elevated plaza. The rooftop restaurants and food courts get their produce from two enormous chicken and pig farms, a vegetable farm, and an urban forest. From this terrace, sightseers can take in sweeping vistas of the city and the mountains beyond.

Form Development

01_System Diagram Through the system diagram, we aimed to explore the vital role of Urban Farming across four key categories: social, economic, ecological, and political. Our primary focus was envisioning a self-sustained city, where food production happens within its bounds. This approach marks a significant stride towards a zero-carbon future, addressing critical aspects of sustainability and fostering a more self-reliant urban environment

1_System Diagram Heat Island

Microclimate Rooftop Farm

CO2

Extreme Climate

Less Food Distance

Flood

Urban Green Space

Greenhouse Gas

Green City

Self-Sufficient Food Supply

Sea Level Rise Urban Farm

PedestrianUnfriendly

Vertical Farm Hydroponic

More Food Production

Deforestation Enviroment lack of urban Green Space

Insufficient Green Space

Intelligent Agriculture

Less Farmland

Profitable Industry

Big Data Agriculture

Insufficient Food

Trade Dependency

Less Water Consumption

Agricultural Research Lab

Pingdi Shennong Garden

Air Contamination

Biogas Energy

CO2

High-Tech Device

Less GHG Emission

Soil Contamina�on

02_Section_ Garden of tomorrow In this captivating section drawing, our vision unfolds, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge Robotic farming, a marvel of sensor-based innovation. It’s not just a sterile facility; it’s a vibrant space where technology and nature dance in harmony. As you explore the drawing, envision a place where people can immerse themselves in the future of farming.

Imagine strolling through this ‘Garden of Tomorrow’, where the hum of machines orchestrates a ballet with the rhythms of nature. This isn’t merely a farm; it’s an educational oasis. Visitors are invited to partake in an immersive learning experience, understanding the intricate choreography between sensors and the soil.

We envisioned more than just a ‘farming building’. It’s a ‘Garden of Knowledge and Growth’, where the community gathers not only to witness technology at work but to foster a deeper connection with the food they consume. We wanted a name that evoked curiosity, inviting all to embrace the future of sustainable urban living. Here, they won’t just buy products; they’ll take home a piece of this harmonious symphony between human ingenuity and the environment

Popula�on

Water Contamination

Green Energy and Zere Waste

Lack of Water

Water Reuse

Crop Failure Wind Power

Edutainment Agriculture Park

Solar Panel

Urbanization

Waste

Black Swan Crisis

Ecological Restora�on Traffic Congestion

Mountaintop Removal

Biodiversity Species Ex�nc�on

Afforestation

Recrea�on

Species Diversity

Natural Landscape

AUTOMATED PV SOLAR ROOF

URBAN FOREST

HYDROPONIC VEGETABLE FARM

PRODUCTION FLOOR

OFFICE/COWORKING SPACES

BASEMENT

2_Tranverse section

Professional Works 2012 - 2021 Selected works

Mosque @ ABC-Oasis

Facts/ data

The theme for the Oasis Mosque was to embody a spiritual architecture rather than imposing a massive human structure. Our vision sought to harmonize architectural elements with the nearby housing, striking a balance between religious and residential aesthetics in Ispahani colony. To achieve this, we designed a brick box that echoed the scale and layout of the prayer hall, seamlessly blending with the surroundings. Despite its outward appearance as a prayer hall, the interior was conceived as a luminous space, offering a contrasting experience.

Notably, our sustainable approach was underscored by the extensive use of bricks in the construction. The eco-friendly choice of bricks not only complemented the local architecture but also showcased our commitment to sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a more environmentally conscious design.

Responsibility of the project: Design development, drawing, 3D, Construction document preparation.

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Design development phases

Client: ABC Type: Residential complex Land area: 350 sqm.

Number of storied: 03 storied Consultant: Volumezero ltd.

Time Period: 2021-2022.

Status: Under construction.

Professional work

Detail of brick cladding

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1/4 sized brick on Structural beam

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Cladding half brick on Structural beam UP

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10 inch Pointing brick on both side

Typical floor plan 01_Entry 02_Internal triple height court 03_Stair towards first floor 04_Ablution space 05_Prayer hall 06_Light well 07_Toilet zone 08_Service stair.

250mm height Keystone @ beam bottom level

Longitudinal section

Professional work

Simpletree Shanur

Facts/ data

Residential development @ Banani 10A, Dhaka An L-shaped building placed on a fairly rectangular site with the main façade facing west, the apartment building stands on a fairly simple statement of modern values of minimalism, in expression and efficiency in functionality. The spacious ground level containing various amenities for the dwellers, and the green court can be enjoyed by the two units per floor. Shading treatments to address natural elements and forces not only gives the building a smart look but also meets the purpose of creating internal comfort naturally.

Responsibility of the project: Design development, drawing, 3D Modelling, Construction document preparation.

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Client: spacezero Type: Residential Land area: 645 sqm.

10 storied & 01 basements.

Consultant: Volumezero ltd.

Time Period: 2013-2016.

Status: Complete.

Photo Credit: BIG PICS 6

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Simpletree Shanur

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01_Rainwater Harvesting and Recycling: Implementing rainwater harvesting systems to collect rainwater for various non-potable uses within the building, promoting water conservation.

02_Solar Power Integration: Integrating solar panels on the roof to harness renewable energy, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and minimizing the building’s carbon footprint.

03_Green Roof and Vertical Gardens: Utilizing green roofs and vertical gardens to enhance thermal insulation, improve air quality, and provide a sustainable green space within an urban setting.

01 PEDESTRIAN ENTRY 02 VEHICULAR ENTRY 03 G.ROOM 04 DRIVEWAY 05 RECEPTION AND WAITING 06 LIFT LOBBY

GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1

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07 DRIVER'S WAITING AREA 08 SHOWER 09 TOILET 10 KITCHEN 11 STORE 12 EMR

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04_Waste Management System: Implementing an efficient waste management system that encourages recycling and composting, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

01 PEDESTRIAN ENTRY 02 VEHICULAR ENTRY 03 G.ROOM 04 DRIVEWAY 05 RECEPTION AND WAITING 06 LIFT LOBBY

GROUND FLOOR PLAN 0

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07 DRIVER'S WAITING AREA 08 SHOWER 09 TOILET 10 KITCHEN 11 STORE 12 EMR

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1ST FLOOR PLAN 0

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01 FOYER 02 LIVING ROOM 03 DINING 04 F.LIVING 05 KITCHEN 06 FRIDGE CORNER

07 S.BED 08 DRESSING ROOM 09 TOILET 10 BED ROOM 11 VERANDA 12 SITTING

Ground floor plan Typical floor plan 05_Natural Ventilation and Cross-Ventilation: Incorporating design elements that facilitate natural airflow and cross-ventilation, 01_Guard room 02_Reception & waiting 03_EME room 04_Lift lobby 05_ 01_Foyer 02_ Living 03_Bed 03 04_Kitchen 05_Bed 01 06_Dining & family reducing the need for artificial cooling and enhancing indoor air Service area 06_Green court 07_Ramp towards the Basement 01 living 07_Bed 01 quality.

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1ST FLOOR PLAN 0

Exterior views of the building

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01 FOYER 02 LIVING ROOM 03 DINING 04 F.LIVING 05 KITCHEN 06 FRIDGE CORNER

07 S.BED 08 DRESSING ROOM 09 TOILET 10 BED ROOM 11 VERANDA 12 SITTING

Professional work

Emnipur tower

Facts/ data

Commercial development @ Tejgaon, Dhaka Simplicity and nobility in expressing the Emnipur’s architectural essence while the union of metal, concrete, and glass harmonizes a contemporary blend. The master plan is nestled within a commercial zone of Dhaka where social events, expos, concerts, seminars, exhibitions at the lower level of the building will create a good impact on society. In wholesomeness, this tower will stand at a perfect junction between old & new Dhaka. The exercises of the forms with physical models show the concept formulation processes to create an iconic architectural expression to respect the site & urbanity.

Responsibility of the project: Design development, drawing, 3D, Construction document preparation.

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Design development phases

Client: Incepta pharmaceticals Location: Tejgaon.

Type: Commercial.

Land area: 1990 sqm.

Number of storied: 35 storied & 07 basements.

Consultant: Volumezero ltd.

Time Period: 2021-2022.

Status: Agency approval phase on going.

Visualization by Volumezero limited

Emnipur tower

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Typical floor plan

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Upper floor plan

The project began with a unique vision from our client, steering away from ordinary commercial developments in Dhaka city. They dreamed of a vibrant space where the community could gather for events, exhibitions, and the melodies of music schools. It was a canvas awaiting an unconventional masterpiece. We took on the role of artists, creating a gift for a city hungry for cultural revitalization.

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01_Co-Sharing office 02_ Coffee Shop 03_Multi-purpose hall 04_Art & Music school 05_Rentable commercial space 06_Premium rentable space 07_Premium rentable space 08_Shared office floors 09_Food court 10_Service floors 11_Gymnassium 12_Pool side restaurant 13_Owner’s den 14_Service core

Professional work