Fascinated by the design processes of habitats on a deserted island in Robinson Crusoe as a child, Rifat spent years entrenched in both art and STEM studies before dedicating herself to practice architecture. After completing a Bachelor of Architecture at North South University in 2012, Rifat sought unorthodox training through an experimental institution at the Southern California Institute of Architecture in 2015. Inspired by louis kahn's monumental, Peter Zumthor's minimalist, and uttam saha’s unpretentious approach towards architecture Rifat prioritizes sensibility in design above all else.

Unabashed in her quest to design deliverable projects no matter what the scale OR time or other limitations, By her practice, she aims to change the status quo psychology behind the average STANDARD SUCH AS A 5X4 window.

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"After all, who needs standard sizes when you can customize it or you can tear down the entire wall to maximize light, wind and provide shading, privacy and comfort at THE SAME TIME?"

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“Traditionally we use glass and think it will be see through, but eventually we realize it's not transparent enough. it is always illusive. How can we increase integrity in our practice while we know glass blocks out 60% of photons but we promised to bring in 100% nature for its user?”

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Rifat has recently graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo, Canada. She is undergoing training to practice architecture with heightened awareness, focusing on adaptive reuse of the existing built environment to reduce carbon footprint. Her design philosophy integrates indigenous perspectives with global politics to create culturally sensitive and socially responsible contemporary designs.

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publication:

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https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/20280

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Portfolio:

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https://issuu.com/rifataraislam/docs/portfolio_2024

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https://archinect.com/people/cover/150202631/rifat-ara-islam

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https://issuu.com/rifataraislam/docs/6_9_2018_rai_a

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https://vimeo.com/manage/421888137/general

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https://vimeo.com/manage/421887049/general

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https://issuu.com/rifataraislam/docs/islam_rifat_portfolio_march

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https://issuu.com/rifataraislam/docs/binder

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exhibition:

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Robotic Clay, Material Syntax Artifact project exhibited at the Glass and Clay Museum, Canada, 2023

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"affordable housing" - competition entry project was exhibited at Iab, DHAKA, 2019 

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M.arch 2gbx - public appearance project  was exhibited at SCI-Arc "spring show", Los Angeles, 2016

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Participant of Inter-University photography exhibition curated by NSU Canvas Club, Dhaka, BD, 2014

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b.arch thesis - school of architecture project was exhibited at

national museum of Bangladesh, 2013

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