Affordable Housing For the Bede Community

The Bede people are easily recognized by locals due to their distinctive attire. They are well known in Bangladesh for their unique lifestyle and professions. In the past, they lived as nomads on boats, earning them the moniker "water gipsies." However, due to rising wood prices and river erosion, they were forced to move to land. According to anthropological studies, this transition is referred to as "static sedentism." After living on the land for several years, a part of the community settled permanently, resulting in full sedentism.

For the design of affordable housing for the Bede community, a comprehensive survey and research were conducted on their settlement in Kharia, Louhajong Thana, Munshiganj Upazila, Bangladesh. The author aimed to study the indigenous housing characteristics and settlement patterns of the Bede people. In their settlement, a specific type of housing known as "Dera" is prevalent. The dera closely resembles their boats in both spatial and functional aspects. Typically constructed with bamboo, wood, and locally gathered or reused materials, the dera features an arched canopy directly connecting to their boat lives. The linear form of the Dera, however, creates a privacy issue in the middle rooms. A cluster of deras forms a "dera bahar." Four to six dera bahars combine to create a "Baharguccha," and three to five Bahargucchas together constitute a "Gucchagram." This hierarchical scheme reflects the Bede's traditional settlement pattern and their community's organizational structure. This study aims to inform the design of affordable housing by incorporating Bede's indigenous architectural elements and settlement practices, ensuring cultural relevance and community resilience in the new housing solutions.

After conducting the study, key cultural elements were identified and integrated into the design. It became evident that to create a sustainable community, the Bede people must reconnect with their indigenous practices. Thus, the goal of this design is encapsulated in the concept of "adaptive heritage dwellings."

Given the various sites provided by the authorities, a prototype housing design was developed to suit any location, taking into account the climate. The Bede traditionally build their settlements near water, and the given sites are also located near water or in flood-prone areas. These considerations were incorporated into the design.

In addition to rehabilitation, the economic development of the Bede community was also prioritized. The program was designed not only to provide housing solutions but also to enhance economic opportunities. The Bede will cultivate medicinal herbs, a practice historically significant to their community, and sell them to improve their livelihoods. This approach ensures that the community remains connected to its cultural heritage while also fostering economic growth.

The program suggests a comprehensive design for Dera, Derabahar, and Baharguccha structures, as well as essential services for each Derabahar. A housing pattern has been developed to address the needs of both Abas (temporary stays) and Porobas (trading season), ensuring the design is adaptable to various site sizes, accommodating both small and large communities by introducing programs into two categories- small community and large community.

For large community designs, a multipurpose module is included. This module serves multiple functions: it is used for training sessions, and government and NGO programs, and during Abas, it accommodates the influx of people returning from trading activities. This module doubles as a communal space, fostering social interactions and community bonding. Such spaces were identified in the settlement study, but the new design offers a more structured and versatile approach to community spaces.

In addition to the housing, the design includes provisions for educational and healthcare facilities in the multipurpose module. This holistic approach ensures that residents have access to essential services within their community. The layout also incorporates green spaces, cultivating lands for medicinal herbs and areas for social gatherings, reflecting the Bede's cultural emphasis on communal living and interaction. and all these will be controlled by the headman of the community.

Furthermore, the design takes into account the Bede's historical connection to water by incorporating flood-resilient features and sustainable building materials. The structures are designed with bamboo, wood, and other locally sourced and reusable materials, maintaining a low environmental footprint while honouring traditional building practices.

Overall, this housing design not only addresses the immediate need for shelter but also supports the long-term sustainability and resilience of the Bede community. By integrating their cultural heritage with modern sustainable practices, the design ensures that the Bede can thrive both economically and socially in their new settlements.