Rifat Ara Islam
Architecture for Resilient and Sustainable Communities
About Me:
Architecture is a discipline where creativity and problem-solving converge to shape environments and inspire communities. My passion for self-sufficient habitats began early, inspired by stories like Robinson Crusoe, which highlighted the transformative power of ingenuity and resourcefulness.
This fascination with creating sustainable and functional spaces led me to explore the intersection of art and science, culminating in a Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Sardar Heights
Status: Professional | In Planning
My position: Co-op Architectural Designer | Nandan Architects Ltd.
Phases: Permit Drawings, Project Narration, Coordination
Media: Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Twinmotion
Scale: 120,000 SFT | Date: Spring 2022 [Co-op Term]
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Typology: Commercial | Mixed-use | Highrise
Goals and Methodology
The project is situated in Dhaka’s bustling city center, where space constraints and historical significance demanded a design that maximized height while preserving cultural heritage. The building’s form integrates an old gate as the main entrance, blending contemporary aesthetics with the site’s historic character to honor the Sardar family’s legacy.
To achieve these objectives, the design incorporates a mixed-use highrise with:
Ground Floor: Rehabilitated existing shops, creating continuity with the site’s past.
1st–3rd Floors: Exclusive jewelry shops accessed via a dedicated stairway, ensuring a premium experience.
4th Floor: An entertainment hub featuring restaurants and a community center, fostering social engagement.
5th–23rd Floors: Flexible office spaces with green terrace gardens, enhancing natural ventilation and luxury.
24th–25th Floors: Optional residential units for adaptable usage.
Rooftop Garden: Vertical greenery and an open rooftop garden promote sustainability and offer an iconic visual appeal.
This project balances luxury, functionality, and sustainability, transforming a constrained urban site into a landmark that reflects both innovation and cultural pride.
1st-4th Floor Plan [Shopping]
5th-23rd Floor Plan [Offices]
Ground Floor Plan [Shopping]
24th-25th Floor Plan [Residences]
77 Martindale Rd
Status: Professional | In Planning
My Position: Intern Architect | Banalata Consultants Ltd., Toronto, ON
Phases: Schematic Design, Permit Drawings
Media: Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, MNML AI
Scale: 5,980 SFT/ 555 SQM | Date: 2024
Location: Scarborough, ON, Canada
Typology: Residential | Single-family
Goals and Methodology
This project involved designing a three-story single-family residence with a basement, replacing an existing single-story structure slated for demolition. The design process required adherence to a tight deadline while ensuring compliance with the Ontario Building Code and local zoning by-laws.
The design addressed specific functional needs while integrating modern living spaces. Key goals included: Preservation of Mature Trees: The existing site featured mature trees that played a critical role in the environmental and aesthetic value of the property.
Maximizing Site Potential: Thoughtful layouts were developed to optimize space utilization while maintaining harmony with natural elements. Sustainability: The design prioritized sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact by working with the site’s landscape rather than altering it unnecessarily.
The methodology included: Conducting zoning analysis to ensure regulatory compliance and achieve a balance between client needs and restrictions.
Incorporating modern amenities to meet contemporary living standards while maintaining a connection to the site’s natural context. Collaborating with the client and team members to refine layouts, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal.
This project exemplifies the intersection of design, functionality, and environmental sensitivity, achieving both client satisfaction and regulatory approval within challenging constraints.
Bliss
Status: Professional | Built
My position: Project Lead | In collaboration with iDDL
Phases: Schematic Design, Permit Drawings, Project Coordination
Media: Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Twinmotion [re-rendered in 2024]
Scale: 10,000 SFT/ 930 SQM | Date: 2014
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Typology: Residential | Multi-family
Website Link: https://www.rifataraislam.com/multi-family-residence-2
Goals and Methodology
As Dhaka rapidly grows into one of the world’s densest urban centers, Bliss addresses the challenge of maximizing functionality and connectivity on a constrained 1400 SFT plot. Situated near the city’s largest flyover and the vibrant Jorpukur Math playground, the project leverages its prime location to enhance urban accessibility while catering to the dynamic lifestyles of its residents.
Key design solutions included:
Optimal Space Utilization: Developed a multi-family residential building that optimizes vertical space while providing functional living units for urban families.
Connectivity and Accessibility: Integrated proximity to essential urban amenities such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and public transportation.
Community Integration: Designed shared spaces that promote a sense of community within the development while maintaining strong ties to the surrounding urban fabric.
This project exemplifies how thoughtful design and efficient planning can transform small urban plots into thriving residential spaces that enhance connectivity, convenience, and the quality of life for residents.
Site Context
Level 1-6 Plan
Roof Plan
Akashia
Status: Professional | Built
My position: Project Lead | RAI+Associates (Solo Practice)
Phases: Architectural Design, Approval Drawing
Media: Rhino, AutoCAD, Keyshot, Site Photography
Scale: 6,000 SFT/ 558 SQM | Date: 2018
Location: Bikrampur, Bangladesh
Typology: Residential | Farmhouse/Modern Bungalow
Website Link: https://www.rifataraislam.com/bungalow
Goals and Methodology
Set amidst an aquaculture facility with fishponds, canals, paddy fields, and expansive horizons, Akashia blends seamlessly into the rural landscape of the historically rich Bikrampur district.
The design embraces a horizontal, minimalist, and rustic aesthetic, respecting the scale and character of the natural surroundings. This approach ensures the bungalow integrates harmoniously with the vast landscape while offering modern comforts.
Key design features include:
Observation Deck: Positioned to overlook the owner’s fishery ponds, providing panoramic views and a tranquil space to connect with nature.
Swimming Pool: Centrally located to create a relaxing and welcoming environment for the owner and future generations.
Contemporary Rural Aesthetic: A careful balance of rustic materials and contemporary forms ensures the design remains rooted in its context while meeting modern lifestyle needs.
This project exemplifies thoughtful rural design, combining minimalist architecture with a deep respect for the site’s natural and cultural context.
Graveled Walkways Fishery Ponds Canals and Paddy Fields
East View
Second Floor Plan
Trailblazer
Status: Professional | Built
My position: Project Lead | RAI+Associates (Solo Practice)
Phases: Architectural Design, Construction Drawing, Project Management
Media: Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photography
Scale: 600 SFT/ 55 SQM | Date: 2021
Location: Khulna, Bangladesh
Typology: Residential | Adaptive re-use
Website Link: https://www.rifataraislam.com/rooftop-remodeling
Goals and Methodology
Guided by the principle that “Preservation of our environment is common sense,” this project focuses on adaptive reuse to reduce material consumption and environmental impact while honoring the existing structure.
The site presented a unique challenge: the southeast corner of the rooftop was blocking natural light and ventilation to the lower levels due to an inefficiently placed washroom. To address this, the design prioritized: Optimized Layout: Remodeling the southeast corner to restore natural light and airflow to the lower unit, significantly improving indoor quality Sustainable Material Use: Reusing and customizing interior furniture, including handcrafted lighting covers sourced from the owner’s old collection.
Functional and Aesthetic Enhancement: Incorporating thoughtful details that balanced contemporary upgrades with the house’s original character.
This project exemplifies sustainability through transformation, using limited resources to deliver a design that improves functionality, reduces environmental impact, and respects the building’s history.
Reconquering Homeland
Status: MArch Thesis | University of Waterloo, ON, Canada
Supervisor: Robert Jan van Pelt
Location: Cox’s Bazar [Mainland] & Bhasan Char [Island], Bangladesh
Date: Winter 2023 - Winter 2024
Typology: Institutional | Adaptive re-use | Urban Design
Media: AutoCAD, Rhino, Twinmotion, Adobe suite
Distinction: Recipient of the Adosi Graduate Scholarship for Architectural Design + Research on Food and Agriculture
Publication Link: https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/20280
Goals and Methodology
“Reconquering Homeland” addresses the global refugee crisis through innovative architectural strategies, focusing on food security, self-sufficiency, and cultural sovereignty for the displaced Rohingya community. This two-phase project combines adaptive reuse, urban agriculture, and sustainable design to create long-term solutions that foster resilience and independence.
Phase One: Cox’s Bazar
The pilot phase focuses on immediate needs within Bangladesh’s refugee camps, incorporating:
Terraced Stilted Buildings: Drawing from traditional farming and fishing techniques to promote cultural resilience and independence.
Mental Health and Sovereignty: Adaptable spaces designed to enhance well-being and foster autonomy for displaced families.
Phase Two: Bhasan Char
A transformative vision for long-term settlement on Bhasan Char Island: Adaptive Reuse of Infrastructure: Cyclone shelters are retrofitted into terraced agricultural hubs, blending environmental sustainability with food production.
Self-Sufficient Communities: Repurposed barracks and integrated urban agriculture support collective identity and reduce aid dependency.
Net-Zero Design: Balancing environmental impacts while enhancing communal and spiritual connections through gardening and farming.
Impact and Vision
At its core, “Reconquering Homeland” transforms the overbuilt barracks and underutilized landscapes of refugee settlements into thriving, self-sufficient communities. By harmonizing urban agriculture with architectural innovation, the thesis reimagines Bhasan Char as a sustainable, hierarchical city that enriches individual and collective identities.
While ambitious, this project demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse and context-sensitive design to create politically viable and culturally empowering futures for displaced communities.
Timeline Map: Identifying Root Causes of Conflicts in Political History
Phase Two: Bhasan Char [Island]
Phase One: Cox’s Bazar [Mainland]
Phase Two: Bhasan Char [Island]
Urban Design Theories - Diagrams
Preserving the Landscape and Mangrove Forest
Central Place Theory
Neighborhood Theory
Phase Two: Bhasan Char [Island]
Achievement
Phase One: Cox’s Bazar [Mainland]
Initial
Project: Quickfire Conceptual Designs
Phase One: Cox’s Bazar [Mainland]
Planting Calender
Lifecycle of the pilot project
1 Growing plants/food
2 Harvesting
3 Cooking
4 Composting
5 Feasting/Dining
6 Processing/Drying
7 Learning from Collective Activities
8 Stilted Structure allows mudslide and flash flood to low land
9 Anchored Structure supports climbing vegetables/plants
Garden Musing
Status: MA Comprehensive Design | University of Waterloo, ON, Canada
Studio Instructor: Val Rynnimeri
Location: Cambridge, ON, Canada
Date: Fall 2021
Typology: Residential | Co-Housing | Healthcare | Adaptive re-use
Media: AutoCAD, Illustrator, Rhino, Revit, Sketchup, Twinmotion
My Position: Architectural Design, Construction Details, Technical Report
Goals and Methodology
Garden Musing is a co-housing facility for long-hauler COVID-19 patients, utilizing biophilic design to promote healing and resilience. The project integrates:
Therapeutic Nature Spaces: Preserves existing trees and incorporates medicinal gardens for communal activities like cultivating herbal teas.
Biophilic Principles: Maximizes natural light, forest views, and organic textures to enhance well-being, reduce stress, evoke a sense of calm and improve sleep.
Sustainable Rehabilitation: Combines curative treatments and adaptive reuse to create a restorative, community-driven environment.
This design merges architecture with nature’s healing power, fostering recovery and a deeper connection to the environment.
Ground Floor Plan with Context
Grand River
Trinity Park
The BarnYard
Status: MB Thesis Practice | University of Waterloo, ON, Canada
Studio Instructor: Lola Shepperd
Location: Wabana, Bell Island, NL, Canada
Date: Winter 2022
Typology: Institutional | Adaptive re-use | Repurposing
Media: Rhino, Revit, Illustrator, Twinmotion
My Position: Schematic Design, Drawing Illustration
Goals and Methodology
Once a thriving mining community, Bell Island became emblematic of degrowth following the industry’s collapse, leaving unemployment, addiction, and an aging population in its wake. The Neary’s Barn Transformation project envisions regrowth through the adaptive reuse of a historically significant structure, repurposed into a space for healing, self-discipline, and resilience. Key interventions include:
Agricultural Integration: Establishes sustainable farming practices to reconnect the community with nature and provide meaningful engagement.
Community Resilience: Revitalizes the barn as a hub for shared purpose and healing, fostering a renewed sense of identity for Bell Island residents.
This project exemplifies how adaptive reuse and agriculture can serve as tools for building self-sufficient, thriving communities in the face of socio-economic challenges.
Lifecycle of The BarnYard
Inside Green House
Beets Spinach Carrots Onions Pumpkins
Inside Part Shade Potatoes Green Beans Corns
Outdoor Garden
Brocoli Bell Peppers
Eggplants Tomatoes
Labrador Tea - Nordic All Spice
Planting Calender
My work focuses on adaptive reuse, reducing carbon footprints, and creating culturally sensitive designs that harmonize natural and built environments. By integrating indigenous knowledge with global influences, I strive to foster resilient, self-sufficient communities through sustainable practices like food-growing terraces that support both environmental and human well-being.
In every project, I aim to balance innovation with practicality, delivering socially responsible and inspiring solutions for a rapidly evolving world.
Thank you for exploring my portfolio. I look forward to contributing my skills, creativity, and passion to impactful architectural collaborations.