Narayanganj Jute and Textile Experience Center, Tarabo, Rupganj, Narayanganj

Abstract

Jute, the Intangible Heritage and the Golden Fiber of Bangladesh. With rapid modernization and shifting economic priorities, Bangladesh’s jute and traditional textile heritage is gradually losing public visibility, craft continuity, and cultural relevance. Once central to Narayanganj’s identity as a river-linked industrial hub, jute and textile practices now face decline due to industrial transition, reduced artisan platforms, and limited educational and research engagement. As a result, both tangible industrial memory and intangible craft knowledge are at risk being detached from contemporary life. This project report proposes the Narayanganj Jute and Textile Experience Center at Tarabo, Narayanganj as an integrated museum, training, and research center that preserves and revives the jute and textile heritage while supporting future innovation. This project integrates permanent and temporary galleries, archives,live demonstration areas, craft shops and interactive learning spaces with workshops, training studios, research facilities, a library, seminar hall, and public amenities to create a living platform for artisans, students, researchers, and visitors. By translating the narrative of jute from raw fiber to finished product into spatial experience, the complex aims to strengthen cultural tourism, empower local artisans and craft communities, and promote jute as a sustainable material for contemporary production. The experience center positions architecture as a bridge between history and community using experiential storytelling, community engagement, and climate-responsive strategies to sustain heritage while enabling innovation in jute-based, eco-friendly production.