SHINDHUTORI is a proposed floating resort and craft center located on Char Kukri Mukri, a small island near the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. This project, developed as part of a student thesis by Jarifa Nasil from North-South University, seeks to blend the island’s rich cultural heritage with sustainable tourism. The plan is not only to create a recreational hub but also to preserve the traditional boat-building craftsmanship that has been largely forgotten as motorized boats have taken over.
SHINDHUTORI offers a fresh perspective on how to engage with a place’s history while addressing contemporary environmental challenges, making it an innovative approach to eco-tourism.
One of the main aspects of Jarifa’s project is the focus on the boat-making traditions that once thrived in the Bhola district. In the past, the people of this area were famous for their skill in crafting wooden boats. These boats, which were used for transportation and fishing, were finely made, each one a piece of art. However, as motorboats became more popular, the demand for handcrafted wooden boats declined. Today, many types of traditional boats are close to extinction, and the craft itself is at risk of disappearing.
To preserve this valuable heritage, Jarifa’s plan incorporates these traditional boats into the resort’s accommodations. The floating resort will feature three types of traditional boats—Ghasti, Gosti, and Bathnai—that were once common in the area. These boats will be transformed into floating rooms for guests to stay in, giving them the chance to experience a part of Bangladesh’s past while supporting the continuation of the boat-building craft. By incorporating the boats into the design of the resort, Jarifa hopes to revitalize interest in these beautiful and historically significant vessels.
Given Char Kukri Mukri’s vulnerability to natural disasters, including frequent cyclones and high tides, Jarifa has ensured that the resort’s design takes these factors into account.
The floating boats will allow the resort to adapt to changing water levels, ensuring that the accommodations are not affected by flooding or storms. This feature also provides a practical benefit—during cyclones, the boats can be easily moved through the nearby waterways to cyclone shelters, providing safety for guests and staff.
In addition to the floating accommodations, the project incorporates sustainable materials like bamboo for construction.
Bamboo is lightweight, durable, and easily available in the region, making it an ideal material for the resort’s infrastructure. The use of bamboo also minimizes the environmental impact of construction, ensuring that the project is both eco-friendly and in harmony with its natural surroundings.
The Char Kukri Mukri area is home to a rich ecosystem, including mangrove forests and a variety of wildlife. As part of her thesis, Jarifa has studied the local environment and chosen plants for landscaping that will support the regeneration of the mangrove forests. The project aims to extend the volume of these forests, which are vital for the protection of the area against erosion and storms. Visitors to the resort will be able to experience the island’s unique natural beauty through various activities, such as kayaking, hiking through the mangrove forests, and birdwatching, especially during the migratory season.
Another key element of SHINDHUTORI is the boat craft center. This space will serve as a hub for learning and preserving traditional boat-building techniques.
Local craftsmen will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, repair boats, and showcase completed projects. The craft center will also feature a display area where visitors can learn about the history of the boats, and even try their hand at boat-building techniques. Jarifa’s plan is to make the craft center an interactive space where cultural education meets hands-on experience.
SHINDHUTORI is a project that blends heritage preservation with sustainable development.
Through this thesis, Jarifa Nasil has presented a concept that not only provides a unique tourism experience but also contributes to the conservation of Bangladesh’s traditional boat-building craft and its fragile ecosystem. By creating a space that respects and works with the natural environment, SHINDHUTORI offers a model for future development in vulnerable areas, proving that it’s possible to balance ecological, cultural, and economic needs in one cohesive plan.
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