About the Project

Jute—renewable, biodegradable, and deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s agricultural and cultural identity—offers immense potential beyond its conventional uses. What if Bangladesh’s most familiar fiber could shape the architecture of the future?

This lab encourages architecture students to experiment with fibers, composites, and lightweight structural systems, discovering how this abundant material can be reimagined in contemporary architecture.

Participants will explore the intersection of traditional material knowledge and contemporary design research, developing innovative, sustainable, and adaptable architectural ideas. Rather than simply submitting a project, participants will engage in a process of research, experimentation, and collective design, exploring how a familiar local material like jute can inspire new architectural possibilities and the opportunity to build it in real scale.

The Design Challenge 

Participants are invited to conceptualize an innovative, modular pavilion using jute as the primary material. The structure should be lightweight, adaptable, and easy to assemble—a pavilion that travels, transforms, and responds to diverse environments. It should embody ecological sensitivity, bio-design principles, and leave a meaningful elemental imprint.

Design Requirements

• Module size: 3–10 m²
• Maximum height: 3 m
• Structure must be: 1. Lightweight 2. Easy to transport 3. Easy to assemble and disassemble

How the Competition Works

The Dhaka Jute Lab will unfold in two stages:

Stage 1 — Ideation (Individual | Remote) deadline 10 May 2026
Students submit a concept proposal for the modular pavilion.
The jury panel will shortlist participants based on creativity, feasibility, and innovative use of jute.

- Submission Requirements
Participants are required to submit one A1 sheet (portrait) that clearly presents the concept and design proposal for the modular pavilion. Submissions should communicate the design concept clearly through drawings, diagrams, and concise text.

The sheet should include:

• Concept Note – A short description explaining the main idea and design intention. 
• Material Strategy – Explanation of how jute will be used as the primary material in the structure. 
• Design Idea / Spatial Concept – Diagrams or sketches illustrating the pavilion concept. 
• Module Plan – A basic plan drawing showing the module size (3–10 m²). 
• Functional Strategy – Explanation or diagrams showing how the module functions (folding, assembly, mobility, etc.). 
• Modular Connection – Diagrams showing how multiple modules can connect or expand to form a larger pavilion structure. 

- How to Submit 
submission link: https://forms.gle/1nvdwXpZeurKSyiQ8  

Selected designs will move beyond drawings—the final pavilion may be built as a prototype and exhibited at different locations around the world. 

Stage 2 — Design & Make (Team | In-person) 

Shortlisted participants will join workshops and collaborative design sessions, working in teams to further develop their proposals under the guidance of mentors. Final designs will be presented during the in-person Bio Design Lab workshop session in Dhaka from 25th May to 30th June (weekends).

The lab will be guided by Lead Mentor Architect Marina Tabassum and Dr. Mubarak Ahmed Khan, with faculty members from BUET and BRAC University serving as associate mentors.

Who Can Apply 

Open to only Architecture Students (B.arch) currently enrolled in Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 at any architecture school in Bangladesh, as well as Recent Graduates (within two years of completing their B.Arch, 2024-2026).

Timeline (Key Dates)

• 15 April – 10 May 2026: Open call 
• 25 May – 30 June 2026: Weekend workshops (online + in-person, Dhaka) 
• July 2026: Design development
• 5 August 2026:  Final design submission 
• 21 – 28 August 2026: Final in-person Bio Design Lab session (Dhaka and Faridpur)

Awards & Opportunities

Participants will gain the opportunity to:

• Work with leading architect Marina Tabassum and mentors from BUET and BracU
• Receive stipend during the in-person session 
• Travel and present work in a regional South Asian Platform 
• Selected participants will get the opportunity to visit one of the exhibition venues in South Asia in 2027, where the outcomes of the Bio Design Lab will be showcased.

Jury Panel

Submissions will be evaluated by a distinguished jury panel consisting of:

• Fuad Hasan Mallick — Dean, School of Architecture and Design, BRAC University 
• Marina Tabassum — Architect and founder of Marina Tabassum Architects 
• Dr Mubarak Ahmad Khan — Scientist and pioneer in jute-based polymer and composite research
• TBA
• TBA

About the Lab

The Dhaka Lab is part of Elemental Imprints – Bio Design Lab South Asia, a regional initiative that explores how local materials and traditional knowledge can inspire new design approaches. The initiative is led by the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan South Asia in collaboration with the Bio Design Lab at Hochschule für Gestaltung Karlsruhe (HfG Karlsruhe).

For inquires: fatimanujhat.quaderi.extern@goethe.de