It is our great pleasure to inform that, 4^th Year 2^nd semester students of AUST (Design Studio VIII, Fall 2012, Name & St. ID: Fajlur Rahaman Nishan: 09.01.01.031; Moshfequa Ifat: 09.01.01.032, Sinthia Zahangir:  09.01.01.049, Farah Nusrat: 09.01.01.053), have been awarded with an honorary mention at the CAA 9^TH International Student Competition titled WISE (Welcoming Inclusive Spaces for the Elderly) Design competition. The award was handed over to them by Dr. Dipu Moni, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh on 23 February 2013 at the closing ceremony of the CAA Conference held at the Hotel Ruposhi Bangla, Dhaka.

Design theme:

Flood shelter for the elderly people in rural areas of Bangladesh

Concept and Design approach:

The main concept is to build a safe and sustainable dwelling for flood-affected zone considering elderly people's psychology and accessibility. Special consideration has been given to universal accessibility maintaining the tradition, culture and rural people's living style of Bangladesh having a central courtyard with extended families. The shelter will serve dual purposes, using the space in a multifunctional way. For instance, in normal situation, they can use it for their various employment works to earn money and during flood; it will be used as flood shelter. The homes will be designed in such a way that they will be able to do vegetation on the platforms & even fishing, so their food crisis will be eliminated to some extent. The idea is to create a space, which is smooth for their circulation, and help them to perform their social and economical activity. As natural calamities cannot be prevented, so we should be ready to face it with proper supporting elements before it comes. This is how the idea, sketches & concept has been developed, regarding the basic & important activities of the elderly people during such a problematic condition, so that they never feel alone, helpless & neglected.