Bridging Heritage, Design, and Creativity: A Portfolio by Khandoker Upama Kabir
KHANDOKER UPAMA KABIR | MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN AND
CREATIVE
PORTFOLIO
Exploring the Intersection of Art, Heritage, and Storytelling
“What
would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
- Vincent Van Gogh
Khandoker Upama Kabir
upama.kabir.mei@gmail.com +4917636328703
www.linkedin.com/in/upamakabir
As a multidisciplinary creative with a foundation in Architecture and a Master’s in Heritage Studies, I thrive at the intersection of design, storytelling, and community engagement. My work spans a wide range of creative disciplines, including Architecture, visual storytelling, and collaborative cultural projects. Each project I undertake is an exploration of how tradition and modernity can coexist, inspiring dialogue and fostering understanding through innovative, human-centered solutions.
With a portfolio encompassing artistic expressions, cultural collaborations, and narrative-driven designs, I aim to bridge the gaps between art, heritage, and contemporary audiences. Whether working on architectural concepts, multimedia projects, or community-driven initiatives, my focus remains on crafting meaningful and impactful experiences. This portfolio is a reflection of my journey to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the enduring stories that connect us all.
- Khandoker Upama Kabir
MASTER THESIS
TOWARDS ADAPTIVE REUSE THROUGH CO-CREATIONAL ART PRACTICES:
A case of neglected historic sites of old
Abstract
The study explores the adaptive reuse of neglected cultural heritage sites in Old Dhaka, highlighting the importance of community involvement in preserving the region’s rich cultural value. Using two case studies, it examines clashes between top-down conservation approaches and local traditions while proposing co-creative, sustainable solutions inspired by the URONTO platform’s success in rural Bangladesh. This work advocates for deeper engagement with communities and interdisciplinary research to reshape heritage conservation practices.
Dhaka
Photo: Boros Collection Berlin. Taken during the Architectural Conservation Module excursion by BTU in 2018, which inspired my thesis topic.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Conducted comprehensive community surveys and key interviews to gather data.
Designed and implemented research methodologies for effective data collection.
Developed and proposed sustainable, co-creative approaches tailored to engage communities and preserve cultural heritage.
Skills Used:
Research and analytical skills.
Heritage documentation using participatory methods and community engagement techniques.
Data collection and qualitative/quantitative analysis.
w Beauty Boarding, Old Dhaka. A historic boarding house known for hosting artists and literary luminaries of Bengal. Once a vibrant hub for struggling creatives, it continues to operate today. Captured during thesis research in Bangladesh, 2022.
Conservation discussions in Old Dhaka often focus on preservation while sidelining community engagement. Authoritative proposals, such as relocating residents, fail to consider the cultural narratives embedded within these spaces. Instead, historic sites are repurposed into museums or commercial spaces, disconnecting them from the communities they serve.
These conservative approaches highlight the need for inclusive strategies that prioritize local voices and experimental methodologies. By bridging this gap, conservation efforts can better align with community needs and preserve cultural heritage.
The diagram to the right summarizes these challenges, illustrating the gaps in community awareness and the limitations of traditional conservationist approaches.
Photo: Ruplal House riverfront view, 1875 – A historic landmark of Old Dhaka, once a site of grandeur hosting events like the Viceroy’s ball. Courtesy of Rahman, S. (2022), The Business Standard. Captured from archival records.
URONTO’s co-creative approach to heritage preservation bridges the gap between community and heritage by balancing cultural preservation with economic needs. This transformative process extends beyond physical revitalization, fostering diverse expressions, strengthening community ties, and creating sustainable income opportunities.
The diagram on the right illustrates URONTO’s co-creative processes, highlighting their multifaceted benefits for both the community and conservationists. It emphasizes the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in reshaping heritage conservation practices.
In Old Dhaka, where traditions and festivals like Shakhrain, Holi, Puja, and Eid reflect the region’s vibrant cultural tapestry, rapid modernization threatens to erase this heritage. Inspired by URONTO’s successes, this project introduces a co-creative intervention to safeguard these traditions and their architectural context.
Rooted in collaboration, this initiative offers a solution for adaptive reuse—encouraging experimentation, co-creation, and diverse cultural expressions. By fostering a nuanced understanding of heritage, it sparks curiosity and disseminates awareness about Old Dhaka’s invaluable cultural legacy.
Diagram: URONTO’s co-creative model showcasing the integration of community roles in heritage preservation.
Photo: Exhibition at Dubolhati Palace – Featuring a Pattachitra scroll painting of poetry representing the region’s history. Captured during the project’s culmination. Courtesy of URONTO, 2020 (Uronto. What Remains, 2020: https://urontoart.org/what-remains/).
MEIREI BIRKBUSCH | HERMSDORF BRANDENBURG, GERMANY
SCHEUNENHAUS SEKTION AA'
SCHEUNENHAUS
Skills Used:
AutoCAD for technical drafting and 2D plan development.
Physical surveying and measurement techniques.
Historical research and documentation of existing structures.
Photo:The historic forestry building in Hermsdorf, Brandenburg, Germany. Taken during fieldwork for the project.
GRUNDRISS ERDGESCHOSS
For Artist Wolfgang Georgedorf, I was given the responsibility to convert existing plans and sections of a historic forestry into digital 2D format using AutoCAD. The forestry, located in Hermsdorf, Brandenburg, Germany, holds historic significance for the village.
My work involved creating plans, sections, and elevations of the current structures by copying old ones and taking physical measurements. Additionally, I informally documented damage or changes caused by weathering and age.
THE GARDEN HOUSE | HERMSDORF BRANDENBURG, GERMANY
My first project with Wolfgang Georgedorf and his daughter was digitizing their garden house in Hermsdorf. Similar to the forestry project, this house is part of the region’s listed heritage and required plans and sections for restoration and renovation.
Unlike the forestry, however, the garden house had no prior architectural documentation. It was my responsibility to take all the measurements on-site and create detailed drawings from scratch.
Interior (Attic) of the garden house in Hermsdorf, capturing its rustic heritage. Taken during on-site documentation, 2022.
Skills Used: On-site measurement and documentation
Technical drafting and 2D plan development using AutoCAD
Heritage analysis and planning for restoration projects
Photo:
DOCUMENTATION OF HISTORIC MONASTERY WALLS | SPAIN
In July 2021, I participated in a volunteer training project in Spain organized by European Heritage Volunteers. Set in the Yuso and Suso Monasteries, this project aimed to document historic monastery walls that had been neglected and overgrown with vegetation.
Our team was responsible for documenting the flora affecting the walls while learning about the site’s heritage and conservation practices. This challenging role expanded my knowledge of documentation techniques and regional biodiversity. At the end of the project, our findings were presented to the local community, earning their appreciation.
Skills Used:
Heritage documentation and analysis.
Impact assessment of vegetation on historical structures.
Community presentation and engagement skills.
Collaboration in interdisciplinary teams.
Photo: Yuso Monastery, framed through a structural damage on the wall, symbolizing the interplay of heritage preservation and natural decay. Captured during documentation in 2021.
Diagrams and photographic example showing variations in monastery wall coverage by vegetation and levels of human intervention.
VARIANT OF USEFULNESS (ACCORDING TO CATEGORY OF PLANTS)
Graph: Categorization of vegetation on monastery walls based on its impact, highlighting damaging, neutral, and beneficial plant species.
Photo: Ivy trunks on the monastery wall. The age of the plant can be estimated by the diameter of the trunk, providing insights into its long-term impact on the structure.
Photo: Vegetation and damage mapping teams consulting on-site to document the interaction between flora and wall damage.
RANGAMALAI COMMUNITY SEEDBANK | TAMIL NADU, INDIA
In February 2019, I volunteered with Thannal Hand Sculpted Homes in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India, to construct a community seed bank. This structure was designed to collect, preserve, and propagate native seeds, supporting sustainable agriculture in the region. Built with locally available materials such as clay, bamboo, and wood, it exemplified green architecture and traditional construction techniques
As a volunteer, I worked on-site to build the structure, gaining hands-on experience with regional methods of clay construction and sustainable design. This project allowed me to engage with both tangible and intangible heritage while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Photo: Mixing mud for construction on-site, with flowers gifted by local women—a gesture symbolizing cultural exchange and community bonding during the project.
Photo: Seed bank under construction, showcasing sustainable architecture using traditional clay, bamboo, and wood materials.
Preparation of lime and other natural additives for clay construction. This step integrates traditional practices for enhancing durability and finish in sustainable architecture.
Swatches of mud plaster showcasing variations in natural clay mixes, used to test texture, strength, and color for sustainable building design.
Skills Used:
Hands-on construction using natural materials. Application of traditional clay construction methods
Sustainable design and green architecture principles.
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Photo: Fragment 66: A glimpse at the finished artwork, blending natural dyes with abstract creativity. Crafted using materials and dyes sourced from Dhaka, Bangladesh
100 FRAGMENTS OF THE DRAGON CARPET –FRAGMENT 66
This project was part of the Pergamon Museum’s 100 Fragments of the Dragon Carpet initiative, a global collaboration inviting individuals to reinterpret fragments of the historic Dragon Carpet through artistic expression. Working with Fragment 66 in Dhaka, I conceptualized and produced a short documentary highlighting traditional dye-making techniques and cultural narratives. Collaborating with local artist Papia Sarwar Dithi, I transformed the fragment into an abstract painting using natural dyes crafted from henna, turmeric, and indigo, etc. This work symbolizes the harmonious interplay of heritage, creativity, and collaboration
Photo: [Frame from the video]: Raw turmeric (‘Kacha Holud’): Sourced from local markets in Dhaka to create natural dyes.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Conceptualized the project theme, focusing on natural dyes and their cultural significance in Dhaka.
Produced a cinematic short documentary showcasing the journey of Fragment 66, integrating visuals, voiceover, and typography.
Sourced traditional materials like henna leaves, turmeric, and indigo, connecting cultural heritage with modern artistic practice.
Collaborated with local artist and architect Papia Sarwar Dithi to craft an abstract painting using dyes made from these natural materials.
Photo: [Frame from the video]: ‘The Wanderer’: Exploring Old Dhaka’s vibrant streets with glimpses of its historic architecture.
Skills Used:
Cinematography and content creation using Google Pixel.
Video editing and production with Canva and Adobe Audition.
Integration of voiceover and cinematic visuals for storytelling.
Shared on social media to reach a broader audience, this version from my collaborator’s profile reflects the high engagement and positive reception it received.
Watch the Video:
“Click here to watch the full video on Facebook”
OR scan the QR code
ILLUSTRATION FOR INTERIOR WALL OF RESTAURANT | CHAP TOWN, DHAKA, BANGLADESH
At TEMNZA, my work as an architect often extended beyond design to include creative illustrations and installations for interior spaces. For the Chap Town restaurant project, I contributed by coloring and refining the illustrations, which were developed collaboratively as a team. The artwork reflects the vibrant and dynamic culture of Dhaka.
Skills Used:
Digital Illustration and collaborative design techniques.
Team coordination for large-scale creative projects.
ILLUSTRATION FOR INTERIOR WALL OF RESTAURANT | FOOD DESIRE, DHAKA, BANGLADESH
For the Food Desire restaurant, I took on the responsibility of conceptualizing and designing the interior wall illustrations based on the client’s preferences. This project presented unique challenges, particularly in aligning the design with the constraints of the floor structure, ultimately resulting in a bespoke and visually engaging outcome.
Skills Used:
Concept development and client-focused creative solutions.
Interior styling and visual storytelling for thematic spaces.
Photo: Interior wall design aligning with the restaurant’s theme, addressing structural challenges.
Skills Used:
Vector design using Adobe Illustrator. Repurposing found materials for creative installations.
Collaborative crafting and assembly.
Sustainable design with reused materials.
Photo: Adobe Illustrator vector designs used as cutting templates for found materials.
FOUND MATERIAL INSTALLATION FOR INTERIOR | PHULKI, DHAKA BANGLADESH
An installation project created for the interior of an NGO, Phulki, which works towards women empowerment. The concept involved designing sculptures of women in various professions—musicians, doctors, army personnel, etc.—using junk and found materials. These installations symbolized female empowerment and showcased that women can thrive in any profession they choose.
The designs were developed by me, where I used Adobe Illustrator to create precise vector diagrams for cutting and assembling the materials. These diagrams served as references during the crafting process. The assembly process was completed in collaboration with a team, transforming discarded items into vibrant, impactful sculptures.
Photo: Finished sculptures showcasing women in diverse professions, crafted from found materials to symbolize empowerment and versatility.
BACHELOR THESIS PROJECT | CULTURAL ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN | BANGLADESH SHISHI ACADEMY, NARSINDHI,
BANGLADESH
This project envisioned a cultural academy for children to nurture their creativity through music, dance, art, and other cultural activities. The design aimed to create an inclusive and inspirational learning environment that fosters exploration and cultural heritage appreciation
With a focus on functional aesthetics and sustainable design, the project integrates architectural elements that encourage both structured learning and unstructured play. The open spaces and fluid architectural forms symbolize the free-spirited nature of childhood.
Photo: Final model of the cultural academy, showcasing the integration of fluid architectural forms with surrounding landscapes, highlighting open spaces and water elements to symbolize childhood exploration and creativity.
SCHEMATIC AND ZONING:
FORM DERIVATION:
FUNCTIONAL ZONING:
Schematic and Functional Zoning | Concept Development
The design process began with detailed site analysis and zoning, focusing on the separation of public and private spaces while maintaining seamless accessibility. The form derivation followed a phased approach to ensure a balanced flow between architectural elements and their interaction with the natural surroundings.
The functional zoning integrated classrooms, libraries, auditoriums, and courtyards to promote interactive and holistic learning experiences. Each space was strategically positioned to align with climatic considerations and optimize the use of natural light and ventilation.
Ground floor masterplan showcasing the integration of courtyards, pathways, and water features, harmonizing architecture with the natural landscape.
The ground floor plan highlights the organic interplay of architecture and nature, with open courtyards and interconnected pathways blending into the landscape. The courtyard system of the main structure was inspired by the heritage buildings of the region where it was typical to add a courtyard to not only aid ventilation but also to provide a breathing space for the children and a space for community build up. This courtyard in the design also acted as an open space for various fairs that are a popular culture throughout the whole country.
Rendered elevation of the North-West facade, emphasizing the interplay of open and enclosed spaces to reflect the building’s connection with its environment.
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The site design integrates nature and function, with key spaces strategically placed to balance accessibility and tranquility. The auditorium, near the road, ensures ease of access, while the library and academic block are set further inside for quiet learning. The amphitheater, by the water body, creates a central space for gatherings, blending with the natural landscape. The museum and café on the ground floor of the auditorium provide opportunities for interaction and engagement.
This project was an exploration of how design can harmonize with nature and cater to the creative development of children. By incorporating sustainable landscaping and thoughtful spatial zoning, the design aimed to foster creativity, community, and connection to the environment—values that continue to guide my approach to architecture.
Skills Used:
Architectural planning and zoning for multifunctional spaces.
Design solutions fostering creativity and community.
Form derivation using user-centered and eco-friendly principles.
Landscape integration for harmonious architectural impact.
Photo: Rendered interior view of the dance classroom, designed with expansive windows and mirrors to foster natural light and creativity in movement.
BOOK DESIGN
“COOKING HYMNS: WITH A TEASPOON OF STORIES”
During the 2020 pandemic, I collaborated with Quasimono, a student-led bar at Brandenburgische Technische Universität, to create Cooking Hymns: With a Teaspoon of Stories—a cookbook celebrating the diverse culinary and cultural heritage of our campus community. Stories and recipes were submitted by international students of BTU, bringing their cultural experiences to life. Published by the university and sponsored by Techniker Krankenkasse, the book paired recipes from international students with personal stories, reflecting the emotional connections we share with food.
As the graphic designer and editor, I illustrated and designed the book to visually narrate each dish’s cultural essence. This project demonstrated my ability to merge creative storytelling with design, capturing the spirit of inclusivity and community through visual communication
Photo: Illustration accompanying the Colombian recipe, reflecting a childhood memory of enjoying a particular food in their school cafeteria.
Photo: Finished printed book, open to showcase its layout and design, highlighting the collaborative effort of storytelling and cultural representation.
Photo: The top illustration complements the Chilean recipe for sopaipillas, evoking a nostalgic story of enjoying the dish during rainy days. Below is the complete cookbook page featuring the recipe, story, and illustration.
Photo: Illustration for the Mexican recipe, symbolizing how guacamole evokes a sense of home and connection to the contributor’s homeland, even from a distance.
Skills Used:
Illustration and graphic design.
Editorial design and layout.
Cultural storytelling through design.
Collaboration and project management.
“Reflection” (2021) - A visual contemplation of resilience and transformation during the pandemic year, created with acrylic and mixed media.
Exhibited at: Femme Fetale, and Sonara, 2023, Cottbus, Germany.
“Stop! Police Checkpost” (2022) - A dynamic mixed-media collage with gouache paint, reflecting themes of resistance, societal tension, and the layered realities of urban life.
Exhibited at: Femme Fetale, and Sonara, 2023, Cottbus, Germany.
HOBBIES| ARTISTIC EXPLORATIONS
Beyond my academic and professional projects, I have a deep passion for visual storytelling through various artistic mediums. This collection showcases a selection of my paintings, collages, and illustrations, each reflecting my exploration of concepts, emotions, and narratives. These works not only serve as a creative outlet but also influence my curatorial approach, allowing me to engage with diverse media and narratives.
“Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell” (2019) - A mixed-media portrayal of dualities, exploring the balance between light and darkness.
Exhibited at: Femme Fetale, and Sonara, 2023, Cottbus, Germany.
“Dhaka in Collage” (2018)- A vibrant digital collage capturing the essence of urban transit in Dhaka, created for a friend’s B.Arch thesis using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
“Mermaid Monroe” (2018)- A playful interpretation of Marilyn Monroe as a mermaid bartender in an underwater bar run by sea creatures. Created for the #Mermay Instagram challenge using Adobe Illustrator.
THANK YOU FOR EXPLORING MY CREATIVE JOURNEY.
KEY SKILLS HIGHLIGHTS:
Architectural Design: Creating human-centered, sustainable spaces with cultural and heritage integration.
Storytelling and Visual Design: Crafting narratives through architecture, illustrations, video production, and graphic design to connect history, culture, and community.
Sustainable and Collaborative Practices: Promoting community-driven, environmentally conscious design solutions.
Content Creation and Digital Storytelling: Developing multimedia content, including video production and social media strategies, to engage diverse audiences.
Exhibition Design: Designing engaging spaces that highlight heritage and connect audiences to cultural narratives.
Cultural Collaboration and Community Engagement: Facilitating interdisciplinary projects that connect cultural narratives with local and global audiences.
Copywriting and Editorial Skills: Writing compelling copy for press releases, exhibition texts, and promotional materials.
Project Management: Leading interdisciplinary teams with clear communication and efficient workflows.
Combining storytelling, design, and heritage to create innovative, human-centered spaces that connect past and present.
