How This Architect Is Combining Sustainable Design And Luxury
We sat down with the Principal Architect of SHATOTTO, Rafiq Azam, who is paving the way for a more eco-friendly future through ‘green living’
We often think sustainable living means compromising luxury, but globally-recognised Bangladeshi architect Rafiq Azam is challenging this notion. Rafiq’s humble beginning has led him to winning some of the world’s greatest awards, from the World Architecture Community Award in 2009 to the 2020 Eurasian Prize.
The architect’s firm SHATOTTO was established in 1995, taking its name from a poem by Michael Madhusudan Dutta from the 19th century. SHATOTTO means, “doing something continuously”, and the motto is ingrained at the heart of the firm, which aims to create a better environment for all.
To Rafiq, architecture is a fusion of tradition, nature and mysticism.
“The landscape of the Bengal Delta, its change of seasons, archeology and traditional typologies inspire me a lot in my design process,” he shares. “Moreover, my designs are influenced by the philosophies of Lalon (a 19th century Bangladeshi mystic minstrel), Rabindranath Tagore (a poet, musician and polymath), and Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose (a 19th century Bangladeshi plant physiologist and physicist). I always try to incorporate lush flora elements and a blend of various materials with a low carbon footprint and energy consumption in mind. I like to revive traditional elements favouring community solidarity by eliminating boundary walls and introducing glass walls.”
Majumdar Azim’s Residence – SHATOTTO
Born and raised in Old Dhaka, Rafiq’s perspective of the city became a learning and practicing point inspired by traditional architecture, nature and art. His recent projects include the Asif Zahir Residence and Huda’s Skyline, through which he has combined engineered gardens and water bodies.
The architect equally combines green living with luxury while appreciating nature, “I think we need to think laterally about the word luxury, in this most difficult time on Earth,” he expresses. “The meaning of luxury should be interpreted as creating a balance between human and nature for harmonious living which allows us to celebrate nature on our blue planet.”
Lead image credit: IDS Abiana Interior Studio Morphogenesis Architecture – SHATOTTO