Designed Humanitarian

Problem solving is at the core of design thinking. You take a complex problem and develop a solution that balances the needs of everyone involved. Architect Mohammed Rezwan has identified a huge human right problem after growing up in Bangladesh, one of the wettest climates in the world. Heavy rains in the monsoon season combined with global warming, is causing extreme flooding. This extreme weather makes daily activities practically impossible, often forcing schools and other key services to close or be inaccessible.

Rezwan has developed a brilliant solution to allow students to adapt to these extreme conditions – by bringing these school to them. These solar-powered floating schools, libraries and hospitals provide education and medical services. They also act as community hubs, providing internet access and solar-power that can recharge battery lanterns to replace the existing, expensive and dangerous kerosene lanterns.

As scientists predict that 17% of Bangladesh will be under sea-level by the year 2050, forcing 20 million people to become environmental refugees, Rezwan has several other projects on the way, such as floating multi-family homes, and floating gardens. He’s already received tremendous acclaim and awards for his work, and is a testament to the impact one person can make with a vision and ability.