This thesis addresses the challenges of poverty and environmental sustainability in Tanguar Haor, Bangladesh, by developing an innovative amphibious rural design. The project integrates critical elements of vernacularity, modularity, resilience, and self-reliance to enhance the livability of this flood-prone region.

Tanguar Haor, characterized by its unique wetland ecosystem, faces significant issues related to seasonal flooding, which aggravates poverty and interferes with sustainable development. The proposed design uses local building traditions to ensure cultural relevance and acceptance. It employs modular construction techniques to facilitate easy assembly, maintenance, and scalability, making it adaptable to the dynamic environmental conditions of the haor.

A key design principle is resilience, which aims to withstand and quickly recover from flooding events. Amphibious structures ensure that buildings can float during high water levels and return to their original positions as waters recede, minimizing damage and displacement. The design also places a strong emphasis on community self-reliance, incorporating features such as rainwater harvesting and local material usage. These elements not only enhance community autonomy but also reduce dependency on external resources.

Through a holistic approach that integrates traditional knowledge with innovative design principles, this thesis illustrates how an amphibious rural design can offer a sustainable and practical solution to improve the living conditions in Tanguar Haor, addressing both poverty and environmental challenges. The findings highlight the importance of this interdisciplinary approach, which has the potential to create resilient and self-sufficient communities in vulnerable regions, ensuring long-term success.

Contested heritage has become a topic of significant importance in recent years, particularly in preserving historical monuments. This thesis examines the challenges of contested heritage through the case study of the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, a religious monument recently recognised as a historical building despite its controversial past. Drawing on a variety of sources, including historical research, interviews, documentaries, and articles, the thesis seeks to address several questions related to the justification of recognising the Basilica as a historical monument, the impact of changing norms and values over time, and the role of social and political factors in the preservation of historical monuments. By exploring the various aspects of the Basilica’s history, significance, and contested heritage, this thesis contributes to a broader understanding of the challenges in preserving historical monuments while acknowledging their complexities. Furthermore, it provides insights to inform future preservation efforts and promote a more nuanced understanding of contested heritage.