I’m Shimanto Goswami, a recent graduate from KTH with a master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design. My thesis, “(re)Made in Bangladesh,” was honored with the 2024 Arwidsson Stiftelsen Prize as the best student urban design project in Sweden.
With 5.5 years of professional experience in Bangladesh, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, including residential apartments, social housing, parks, and large-scale urban design projects.
I am proficient in various 2D and 3D design tools and quickly adapt to learning new software. I am passionate about exploring new ideas and making a positive change on the built environment through architecture and urban design.
Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the handloom industry in Bangladesh is struggling to survive. An exemplary case, Shaoil Bazar handloom village, recycles textile waste from clothing factories into various textile products using indigenous weaving techniques. Our two months fieldwork studies revealed that the local handloom craft hangs into the last threads and textile scraps of the world second largest ready-made garments (RMG) producer, Bangladesh.
Thus, the project aims to uplift traditional textile handcraft by empowering local weavers through nurturing alternative modes of textile production and fostering resilience to inspire a shift towards conscious textile-making practices. Applying our situated perspectives and understanding of the craft at Shaoil Bazar we utilize the lens of conscious incrementality for the design proposition, which is divided into four phases.
(re)Made in Bangladesh embodies a systematic and thoughtful progression that prioritizes awareness and reflection of local weaving craftsmanship while also paving the way to influence global actors and consumers towards conscious sustainable textile practices.
The jury's motivation: https://arwidssonstiftelsen.se/studentpriset-i-tillampadstadsbyggnad-2024/
50% of Bangladesh RMG export is for the EU market
60% of the textile wastes are exported
Project lense: Concious incrementality
0.5 million tons of textile wastes in Bangladesh
92 million tonnes global textile waste (anually)
Bangladesh is the worlds 2nd biggest RMG producer
fiber Yarn Yarn to fabric fabric dyeing cutting sewing garments “Jhut” pre consumer fabric waste clippings
Delivery Storage Sorting Natai
Existing Shaoil Bazar plan
Dyeing
Coning
Handloom
Mats Net
Ropes
Bed linen Towels Winter blanket
Recycled products
Community makers workshp section
Dismental of the old buildings
Storage of old building materials
Natural dyeing community workshop
The natural dyeing boiling method involves extracting colour from natural sources, such as vegetables, by boiling them in water, then immersing the recycled threads into the dye bath to achieve the desired hue.
Circular construction methood
Finally, the last phase identifies how alternative modes of production and empowering of local weaving craftsmanship can go "Beyond Shaoil Bazar". To influence regional, national, and international actors’ various mediums of sharing the socio-material narratives are disseminated through the site itself, weavers, textile products, and digital media.
Makers community workshop
Vocational training school
Bazar
Beyond Shaoil Bazar
Industrial Urbanism
Design Studio, KTH/Group of 2
Location: Gävle, Sweden
Over the past years, countries around the world have faced rapid urbanization around the edges and deindustrialization in their cores. In response to these challenges, flexibility and physical planning are key mechanisms. Instead of putting industrial areas out of our sight similar to the death and birth of humans, we can create a new typology where city-industry are more integrated.
In these project we tried to applythe idea of industrial urbanism where typologies residential and other programmes can co-exist and get benefited from each other. Gävle is a small city in the north of stockholm and the city has lots of industrial area in the centre of the main city. Now they are planning to shift thouse industrial area and create new urban development. Our proposal takes a different approach, instead of replacing the whole residential area we proposed industrial urbanism. Where industry, residence and other mixed use function can coexist with each other. The project also proposed different level of integration and the green blue infrastructure and public life act as a binding agent to this new industrial urbanism.
In reference to that industrial urbanism can bring a change in the existing system of economy, built environment, and social and political life.
Conceptual Diagram
SEPARATION
Industry plays a major role but not well integrated in the
TRANSITION
Residences and work spaces with mixed industrial units.
ANCHOR
Residential with compatable small-medium industry.
INTEGRATION
Live + work + industry + retail + community Industry is integral to city fabric.
BINDING ELEMENTS
WEAVING CARE
Rågsved & Hagsätra Sports Family
Design studio, KTH /Group of 3
Location: Hagsätra & Rågsved. Stockholm
"People think of boxing as two people fighting, but here it’s different. Young people learn rules, respect, and to care for each other. They build self-esteem and become stronger." – Raman, Rågsved Boxing Club
At Rågsved Boxing Club, boxing isn’t about violence—it’s about building community and mutual respect. Through this project, we explored the club’s needs and values from a local perspective, seeing boxing as a means of fostering self-respect and connection. For the members, the club is a family, offering support beyond physical training.
Our proposal enhances this supportive network across Rågsved and Hagsätra in three phases. Phases one and two strengthen local links through a situated organization and an expanded cycle track. A “time bank” facilitates sharing facilities and resources across clubs, boosting collaboration. In phase three, we envision a “care platform” with an indoor sports facility, community café, outdoor gym, and multi-use sports area. The aim is to expand the care found within Rågsved Boxing Club into a network promoting inclusivity and belonging for the entire community.
Phase I & II: Local & Regional Network of Sports
Creating Situated Organisation
Phase III: Platform of Care
Reinforcing Cycling Cycle Track
Create node for the network
Indoor Sports Hall Outdoor Gym Cafe
Time Bank
Board Members
Facilitator Organisation
Actors
Rågsved Boxningsklubb Rågsved IF Älvsjö ju-jutsu
Älvsjö AIK
Stuvsta IF Tallkrogens IF
Sports-hall & outdoor space.
Encourage the youth to sports.
Raising & exchange resources.
Connected with school & surrounding area.
Climbing wall
Outdoor gym & yoga
Rågsved School
Rågsved Bollplan Cycle Track
Modhubag Playground & Bazar
Professional Work, Dhaka Role: project architect
As the project architect, I was involved with the development of this project from conceptual sketches to construction drawings. Currently under construction, the project addresses the critical shortage of public spaces and playgrounds in the bustling capital city of Dhaka. Initiated by the Dhaka City Corporation, the goal was to create a multifunctional public space that meets the diverse needs of the local community.
To ensure community engagement, we organized a public participation program and a Minecraft workshop to understand the specific needs and aspirations of the residents. One key intervention involved relocating the existing wet market (Bazar) from the front of the playground to the side, significantly enhancing connectivity and visibility. Preserving and enhancing the site’s greenery was a key priority. Existing trees have been retained, and additional trees have been planted to create a more inviting and sustainable environment.
This redevelopment project transforms the playground into a vibrant, multifunctional space, enabling diverse activities and fostering a stronger sense of community among local residents.
Conceptual sketch
Park & Playground
Bazar Elevation
Bazar Plan
Bazar
Nawab Heritage
12 story residential apartment
Professional Work, Bangladesh Role: project architect
UDDL, a prominent developer in Bangladesh, initiated the Nawab Heritage project, a 12-storied residential apartment complex with two basement levels, located in the heart of Dhaka. As the Project Architect, I was deeply involved in this project from the schematic design phase to the working drawing stage. This journey offered an enriching and rewarding learning experience, further shaping my professional growth.
The design concept emphasizes creating a sanctuary within the bustling cityscape. It seeks to harmonize the built environment with the surrounding natural landscape, providing residents with a serene and tranquil living space. The aim is to foster a sense of unity and balance, offering a harmonious coexistence between urban life and nature.
In my role as Project Architect, I played a pivotal role, from initial sketches to the refinement of designs. I collaborated closely with clients, engaged with various stakeholders, and coordinated with government authorities during the municipal drawing approval phase.
When I transitioned from my previous office in 2022, the project had entered the construction phase.
Everest Pharmaceuticals, needed to renovate their existing factory building. They purchased an old structure to transforming it into a functional space that included a cafeteria for the workers. I was the project architect for this endeavor, which I undertook as part of my personal practice.
The design concept focused on simplicity and minimalism, keeping in mind the tropical climate of Bangladesh and the need for social interaction. Cross ventilation was a key design element, ensuring that the facility remained cool and airy despite the hot, humid weather. The building's architecture was created to foster interaction and comfort for the workers during their meal breaks, providing a much-needed respite from the industrial surroundings.
This was my first built project, and I had the opportunity to develop it from the sketch stage all the way to the construction phase. I worked closely with clients and coordinated with various consultants to bring the vision to life. Through this experience, I learned invaluable lessons about design, problem-solving, and execution.
