Iffat Mahmuda Khan

1) Why do you study at the Bauhaus University?

Bauhaus-University has always been renowned for its innovative ideas and design style. I find it fascinating that this university not only works to preserve the past but also attempts to make connections to the present. What makes me most excited is the collaboration of past and present challenges. Courses are designed to educate the students not only about history but also to take the responsibility of designing the modern world. With my experience in the construction field, I have seen how circumstances can change with a little deception. Therefore, the experimental construction design ideas are fascinating to me as I can contribute to this path as well.

2) What is special about your project, why is it relevant?

Project 1. X.stahl
Project 2 Recycled Plastic Shade
Our project lies in a deep appreciation for the Bauhaus legacy, which revolutionized the art and design world by blending creativity with functionality. Drawing inspiration from this ethos, we seek to reimagine materials and challenge preconceived notions of what contributes to a viable building source. Our exploration of recycled LDPE plastic not only pays homage to the Bauhaus spirit of experimentation but also showcases how innovation can emerge from repurposing waste. This approach reflects the spirit of the Bauhaus movement, fostering a mindset of learning by experimentation and designing. Through crowdsourcing materials and labor, we empower individuals to participate in shaping their environment and contribute to a circular recycling process. Our project showcases the potential impact of using plastic on multiple scales. Project 3 Thesis_ As well as serving the most marginalized in society, this can be climate-sensitive architecture. So, my approach is to create a modular housing system made from recycled plastic that is easy to use and affordable. This could be a great way to address plastic pollution and provide housing for those in need. Traditional building culture already responds to this risk as Bangladesh is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries, low-lying and easily flooded so my approach is to improve and refine those methods.

3) What characterizes your volunteer work in Weimar?

Recycled Plastic Shade: Harnessing Waste for Sustainable Space Making_ Our initiative aims to encourage the use of recycled materials, especially LDPE plastic sourced from everyday products, as an alternative to traditional fabric for creating shade. By leveraging simple and accessible techniques, we aspire to foster sustainable building practices while addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. X.stahl ikea bag fabric What happens with the iconic Ikea bags, after they served their purpose? The facade turns them into a design element, where they not only protect the facade from the weather but also plays with the stereotype of the student furnishing their room with only Ikea products.