Architecture of Transition: a talk by Marina Tabassum

A research project in 2019 brought Marina Tabassum Architects' focus to the displacement of people within Bangladesh and cross-border from Myanmar. The displacement of people is posing a major crisis induced by climate change, disparity in human conditions, war and conflict, to name a few. People are living in transition for an indefinite period of time, while 'life is being lived'. As Architects, what can we offer as dignified living and how?

Questions such as the above prompted Marina and her team to take on their part of the responsibility through research, education, and practice.

For the last six years, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA) and their Foundation for Architecture and Community Equity (FACE) have built mobile housing and community spaces for marginalised communities, while working with women from these communities to strengthen livelihood opportunities.

These works and projects received local and international attention including receiving the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2025.

In this lecture, Marina will primarily focus on these works that define her design thinking, and the development of her 'language of architecture'.

Following the lecture at 7.45pm, we invite you to join the exhibition launch of 'Architecture for Empowerment: Lessons from Diverse Geographies', showcasing the 2023-2025 cycle of the Aga Khan Architecture Awards in the Atrium, Level 1, Glyn Davis Building.