Portfoli o
selected works academic I professional I competition
atiya nusra t
CONTENTS
Competition
Bohemian Utopia
Academic+Competiton
Reintegrating Central Jail
B. Arch Thesis
Abode of Enlightenment
Master’s Thesis
Children’s Village
Bohemian Utopia
Hostel in Berlin
International Competition | 2nd Prize
Berlin Bohemian Hostel
Year : 2019
Location : Kunsthaus Tacheles, Berlin
A subterranean hostel at the historic Kunsthaus Tacheles aims to harmonize bohemian philosophy with environmental preservation, fostering cultural exchange while respecting the site's heritage. The design features terraced courtyards under a transparent inclined glass roof and a green park above, creating a utopian space where humans, nature, and art coexist.
This project explores the synthesis of history, nature, and human habitation through an architectural intervention that reimagines coexistence. Situated at the historic Kunsthaus Tacheles, the design acknowledges the site’s cultural significance while addressing the bohemian philosophy of living harmoniously with nature.
Conceptual Development
The concept emphasizes minimal environmental disruption by situating the hostel below ground level, preserving the site’s visual and historical integrity. A central courtyard, layered with terraced communal spaces, fosters interaction while a transparent, inclined glass roof introduces natural light and provides insulation from Berlin’s harsh winters. Above ground, a revitalized park and sculpture garden establish a seamless connection between architecture and nature. This green space re-emerges as a public realm where art, history, and the bohemian ethos coexist. The design achieves a utopian vision of shared existence—where diverse philosophies meet without compromising environmental stewardship or historical preservation.
Reintegrating Central Jail Appropriating Old Dhaka In Place Making
International Competition | 1st Prize
Bachelor | Design Studio 4
Year : 2016
Heritage Conservation I Urban Design I Master Plan I
Adaptive Reuse I Public Place
Design Objective
The proposed Central Jail reuse program focuses on transforming its outdoor public realm through innovative urban design rooted in the principles of "place making." Drawing inspiration from the cultural vibrancy and unique living patterns of Old Dhaka, the design aims to create meaningful and engaging spaces that reflect the locality’s heritage. A key aspect of the project is the development of a heritage site management framework that prioritizes the preservation, operation, and maintenance of the site while safeguarding its historical, visual, and experiential authenticity. This approach ensures that the site’s historical integrity is preserved as it takes on a new role within the community.
Project Contribution
Extensive Site Analysis and Data Collection from Public Interview, Conceptual Development, Master Plan Design and Render, Model Making and Creating Presentation Elements.
1. Entry
2. Heritage complex entry plaza
3. Conserved for CULTURAL CENTER
4. A performing stage
5. Conserved for EXHIBITION CENTER
6. Conserved for MUSEUM
7. Conserved for ARCHIVE
8. Open exhibition space
9. Museum - Mujib Corner
10.“4 Neta” museum complex
11. Museum - Hanging Stage
12. Chawk Plaza
13. Mosque
14. Sports Gallery
15. Food court
16. Souvenir Shop
17. Car parking
18. Amphitheater
19. Play Field and Walking Trail
20. Children Park
21. Bridge connecting public plazas
22. Reserved for police station
23. Chawk bazar
24. Office
25. Toilet Zone
26. Exhibition Entry
27. Proposed Commercial Building
28. Proposed relocated school
29. Food Court
Chawk Bazar Road
Urdu Road
Site Development
Being located in the heart of Old Dhaka, The Central Jail of Dhaka is bearing the footmarks of all the cultural, social, political changes that took place for more than 200 years. It exists as an integral part of the morphology and infrastructure of old Dhaka and yet detached from its surroundings, with its 22’ high boundary walls. While reintegrating the core jail area with the surrounding context, our intention was to facilitate the area by conserving the "Cultural Heritage" of Old Dhaka, ensuring new developments not coming in conflict with the heritage site with all conserved buildings for adaptive reuses, trees and intimate open spaces. Reintegrating the central jail area will establish the connection between individual interest, communal facilities and the time-honored culture. The social values, norms, knowledge, language customs, manners, foods, streets, celebrations, gatherings, lifestyles all these together are the identity of the "Old Dhaka".
Proposed Plan
Proposed Intervention
between Old and New
Existing Wall
Proposed Tree
Proposed Wall
A signature tree has always been introduced at any junction point of old existing wall and proposed wall to symbolize the unification of old and new.
Near the historical Chawk section, a vibrant community “Chawk Plaza” is introduced. roof, this area accommodates fosters community interaction cityscape.
Chawk Bazaar in the southern community meeting space called introduced. Designed with a green accommodates urban gatherings and interaction amidst a bustling
Food Court and Sports Plaza
A public food court is introduced next to the main entrance (original central jail gate), while the rooftop of the restaurant building serves as a sports gallery overlooking the sports field opposite it.
Proposed Intervention
Heritage Plaza
"Meghna," a 228-year-old former prison, is conserved as a museum, preserving its historical value while transforming it into a space for cultural exhibits.
Historical Zone
At the heart of the site lies the historical zone, preserving six significant buildings: four British colonial structures (Padma, Meghna, and Shurma cells, along with a hospital) and two museums—“4 Neta Museum” and the Bangabandhu Museum. This area serves as a cultural anchor, celebrating the site’s historical essence.
Connecting Two Public Relm through Bridge
The site is divided into two public spaces located along Najimuddin Road and Urdu Road, flanking the historical zone. These public areas offer facilities such as a restaurant, parking, and an open field for hosting festivals and events, all interconnected by a foot-over bridge.
Heritage Plaza Bridge
Abode of Enlightenment University of “Pandit Vihara”
A Modern Buddhist Vihara Campus Reminiscing The Past
B. Arch Thesis
Year : 2018
Master Plan I Building Design I Academic Campus I Buddhist Vihara
The Pandit Vihara University in Chittagong, inspired by Nalanda University, harmonizes history with modernity. Strategically designed on a high-contour site, its layout follows intersecting east-west and north-south axes, with the library symbolically at the highest point. The campus includes three faculty buildings—Arts, Science, and Fine Arts—and shared classrooms to optimize space. Climatic considerations ensure cross-ventilation and natural lighting, while materials reflect environmental and contextual sensibility. A museum beneath the library honors Buddhist heritage, aiming to reclaim historical artifacts. The design elegantly integrates descending contours, spatial layering, and structural harmony, connecting the past with the present through thoughtful architecture.
Conceptual Development
The Great University of Nalanda
Conceptual Diagram of Nalanda University
The orderly layout of Colleges, hostels and dormitories along the classic avenue of learning that were the CORE OF CAMPUS.
Avenue of Monastry on the east Viharas were planned in the usual manner around a central court yard
Central monument axis of 30m wide –running from north to south
Rows of Stupa/Temple on the west placed side by side from the central axis of Nalanda
Library itself a grand complex with three buildings
The Planning of the Campus
- Satis Grover
Formation of Monastry / Vihara
A Vihara means"Dwelling" or "House" was the ancient Indian term for a Buddhist monastery. Originally, viharas were dwelling places used by wandering monks during the rainy season but eventually they evolved into centers of learning and Buddhist architecture.
Courtyard (Served as community facilities)
Central cell facing entrance leading to the court is a shrine chamber
House (Square Block)
Quadrangular Plan
The Old Traditional “Kushana Pattern” (During Kusan King_78 AD)
Subsidiary Shrine
Stupa
Central Shrine
Broad Imposing Flights of steps
Central Avenue Platform
The most prominent feature at Nalanda was a massive stupa. When complete it was more than 110 ft high and rested on a 30ft high , 100 ft square platform. It was approached by a board imposing flight of steps rising up from a central venue.
Broad Imposing Flights of steps
Central Avenue
Pancharantna or Five Jwels Concept
This pancharantna concept of planning consisting of a central shrine and four subsidiary ones at the corners became the essence of design of the Buddhist style of architecture that flourished subsequently in south-east Asia.
Pillard Veranda
Courtyard
A copper plate about the King Kantideva of Harikel was discovered - gives the idea that this Barauttan is changed form of Bardhamanpur was the capital of Kanti Deva. The copperplate of Kanti Deva was inscribed at Bardamanpur the capital of Harikel in 850-50. Now Bardhamanpur is the Bara Uthan village of Patiya Thana under the district of Chittagong. This was under the rule of the King Kanti Deva of Harikel in the 9th Century.
1. Brick built wall were discovered in different times in the area close to Deang Hill which is included in the village.
2. In 1983 C.E. some Buddha statues and old remains have been discovered in Khirpara village of Bara Uthan.
The existence of two brick built walls were seen in 1977-90 C.E. But those are now in ruins. Now the Govt. Radar office has been built there.
The village called Jhewari in Chittagong the biggest hoard of bronze images was descovered in 1927. The exact location is 22°12.5' N 91°53.5'E. The hoard consisting of 61 Buddhist image, 2 miniature shrines and 3 other fragments of images - all in bronze.
1. During British period more than fifty Buddha statues of different sizes were found.
2. In 1927 many valuable archeological findings of stone and bronze metal with Buddha statues of golden colour were discovered there.
Thousand years ago, on the era of Buddhism in Bangladesh, Pandit Vihara (Pandit Pagoda) was built at Anwara Upazila in Chittagong. It was one of the most important Pagodas among the four (Takshashila University, Nalanda University, Sompur Vihara) in historical India which is lost over time. Pandit Vihara was basically the hub of knowledge and Buddhist culture.
The institution was one of the most prestigious universities and Buddhist monasteries of ancient India of the 8th century. During the reign of Pala Kings (8th – 12th century) in Bengal, Dharmapal – the 2nd King of Pala period, established a number of monasteries inspired from Nalanda Mahavihara from Gupta dynasty which was then a city. During Pala dynasty (7th century BCE – c. 1200 CE) Nalanda spread its fame as a learning center. Other notable 50 monasteries were established throughout the whole Bengal inspired by Nalanda Vihara. The Pandit Vihara was one of them. After the ruination of Nalanda, Pandit Vihara was the main center of Buddhist studies. The edifice had been destroyed during Mughal period.
To follow the footsteps of the revival of the ancient Nalanda University, a decision has been taken by the government to establish the Pandit Vihara University in Chittagong. The idea of the project is to restore the glorious past of Bangladesh. The university will be a platform to celebrate the past by present and future generations.
Concept of Master Plan
1. Admin
2. Faculty of Science
3. Faculty of Arts
4. Faculty of Fine Arts
5. Common Classroom
6. Library, Museum
7. International Center, Open Theatre, Auditorium
8. Cafeteria
9. Male Dormitory
10. Female Dormitory
11. Teacher's Housing
12. Professor's Villa
13. V.C Bungalow
14. Staff's Housing
15. Market, Substation
16. Bus Workshop
17. Public
Amphitheatre
18. Retention Pond
Placing the library to the highest peak of the site to make it visible from all direction
CENTRAL PLAZA connecting the campus axis and residential axis including public axis with a circular path through all axis inspired from Buddhist Mandala
Section AA
Section
Section
1. Entry Lobby 2. Courtyard 3. Lift & Stair
Stair
Male Toilet
1ST FLOOR PLAN 0 5 15 20m
7. Male Toilet
8. Female Toilet
9.Universal Toilet
10.Teacher’s Toilet
1. Entry Lobby
2. Lift Core
3. Classroom (24)
4. Classroom (36)
5. Seminar Room (60)
6. Teacher’s Room
Wisdom and Impermanence
In the mandala, the outer circle of fire usually symbolizes wisdom. The ring of eight channel grounds represents the Buddhist exhortation to be always mindful of death, and the impermanence with which Samara is suffused: "such locations were utilized in order to confront and to realize the transient nature of life"
1. Courtyard
Children’s Village
Weaving an Inclusive School Complex into an Urban Retail Fabric
Master Thesis
Studio Master: Roger Bundschuh, Prof. Peter Apel
Year : 2024
Type : Educational Institute | Adaptive Reuse Area : 39,000 sqm
Location : Müllerstrasse, Berlin
The project proposes transforming the abandoned Karstadt Müllerstrasse into a vertical village that houses three schools under one roof, fostering a safe, interactive, and communal learning environment through shared spaces and a vibrant educational atmosphere.
The design transforms the abandoned Karstadt Müllerstrasse in Berlin-Wedding into a vibrant vertical village for education. Featuring three interconnected schools—a primary school, high school, and integrated secondary school—the concept revolves around a multi-level plaza, serving as a central forum and village square. This space integrates light-filled atrium, gardens, and a cafeteria, fostering interaction and connectivity among students of all ages.
Conceptual Development
The diagram illustrates the transformation of an existing department store into a vertical village for children. The crumbling facade of the original building has been replaced with a modern design. Additionally, three courtyards and a sports hall have been incorporated into the structure. The rooftop car parking area has been repurposed into a school-yard and spaces for extracurricular clubs.
Wash-room Added Mass Subtracted Mass
Existing Lift-Core
Ramp to the Study Garden
Ramp to the Children’s Garden
Existing Fire Stair
Conceptual Development
A central communal square serves as the core, fostering interaction and shared activities. Surrounding three distinct courtyards, each dedicated to a school. Strategic cut-outs enhance natural light spatial separation and identity.
The existing structure
Proposed structure
Circulation
Zoning Layout
Existing Facade
Car Parking
Car Parking Ramp
New Facade
School Yard
Library
Sport’s Court
Ramp to Study Garden
Ramp to Kid’s Garden
Central Stair
Stair to School Yard
Stair to School Yard
Stair to Classroom
Sport’s Court
Sport’s Court
Placing the classrooms on the outer periphery to maximise daylighting
Sport’s Hall Sport’s Hall
1. Forum
2. Classroom
3. Team Area
4. Learning Workshop
5. Play Area
6. Break Area
7. Physics/ Chemistry/ Biology Lab
Swimming Pool
Central Courtyard
Garden Entrance Courtyard Multi-Purpose Hall Garden for Children Study Garden
8. Course Room
9. Outdoor Area
