Mehnaj Tabassum is a Lecturer in the Department of Architecture at North South University, where she has been teaching since 2018. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Design from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a Bachelor of Architecture from BUET. Her research and teaching interests lie at the intersection of urban design, public space, and sensory experience, particularly within the context of South Asian cities.
She has led and contributed to funded research projects supported by organizations such as the British Council and NSU-CTRGC. Her recent work explores themes including urban green spaces, park legibility, place identity, and the sensory dimensions of urban environments. She has published in peer-reviewed international journals such as The Senses and Society, and continues to engage in interdisciplinary research that combines spatial analysis, design thinking, and cultural theory.
In addition to her academic work, Mehnaj is actively involved in studio teaching, curriculum development, and community-engaged urban design initiatives.
1. Tabassum, M. (2024). Understanding urban green spaces through lenses of sensory experience: A case study of neighborhood parks in Dhaka city. The Senses and Society, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/17458927.2024.2392960
2. Carracedo, O., Tabassum, M., & Nayak, N. (2021). Reinstating nature – Resilience Score Index. In O. Carracedo (Ed.), Design Resilience in Asia: Thinking the Unpredictable, Designing with Uncertainty. Actar Publishers; National University of Singapore School of Design and Environment.
3. Tabassum, M., & Awal, N. (2019, October). Re-examining the history of Mymensingh through architectural evidence [Poster presentation]. Architecture Exhibition, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Research Grants and Funding
1. NSU CTRGC Research Grant (2024–2025) for the following funded projects:
- Assessing the Multi-Sensory Qualities of Historic Places: A Methodological Approach for Enhancing Visitor Experiences in Urban Heritage Sites in Mymensingh (Principal Investigator)
- Factors Influencing Visitors to Urban Heritage Sites: A Case Study on Mymensingh and Muktagacha (Co-Investigator)
- Preserving Mymensingh’s Twin Temple and Alexander Castle Through Photogrammetry and Virtual Reality (Co-Investigator)
2.Conference Travel and Research Grant (CTRG), North South University – January 2024 for the following funded projects:
- The Influence of Urban Park Legibility on Social Interaction in Neighborhood Parks of Dhaka City: Mediating Roles of Perceived Safety and Time Spent (Principal Investigator)
- Durga Puja Festival in Mymensingh: Temporarily Transformed Urban Spaces and Their Influence on the Town (Co-Investigator)
3. Researcher Connect Grant, British Council – March 2022
- Understanding Urban Green Spaces through Lenses of Sensory Experience: A Case Study of Neighborhood Parks in Dhaka City (Principal Investigator)
Design Competitions and Exhibitions
- Finalist, Designing Resilience in Asia – IV International Symposium and Design Competition, NUS, Singapore – August 2018
- Final Year Project Presenter, CityEx 2018, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Singapore – July 2018
- Final Year Project Presenter, Urban Thinkers Campus, BUET – November 2015
Academic Distinctions
- Merit Scholarship, for outstanding academic performance in undergraduate semesters – 2009–2015, BUET
- The Daily Star Award, for excellence in Edexcel A-Level Examinations – 2008, Dhaka
- Master of Arts (Urban Design)
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore | August 2017 – May 2018
- Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design
Interior Design Institute (IDI)
Singapore | April 2016 – January 2017
- Merit Certificate in 3D Studio Max
Palin School of Arts and Design
Bras Basah, Singapore | January 2016 – March 2016
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
Dhaka, Bangladesh | Graduation: September 2015
- Advanced Level (A-Level)
Maple Leaf International School
Dhaka, Bangladesh | Graduation: 2008
- Ordinary Level (O-Level)
Maple Leaf International School
Dhaka, Bangladesh | Graduation: 2006
Lecturer (Full-Time)
Department of Architecture, North South University, Bangladesh
September 2018 – Present
Teaching Responsibilities
Design Studios (Core Studio Courses):
- 5th Year: Comprehensive Building Design
- 4th Year: Urban Design Studio, Housing Studio
- 3rd Year: Complex Function Studio
- 2nd Year: Function & Analysis Studio, Dimension & Product Studio
- 1st Year: Form & Composition Studio, Artistic Development Studio
- Interior Design Studio
Theory and Technical Courses:
- Graphics Communication I & II
- Graphics IV: Working Drawing
- Introduction to Urban Design & Environmental Planning
- Construction I: Materials and Methods
Academic Contributions:
- Studio Coordination: Led thematic studios focused on urban design and housing, including socially responsive site-based projects in Dhaka and Mymensingh.
- Curriculum Development: Contributed to syllabus design.
- Student Mentorship: Supervised undergraduate projects and mentored student teams for academic exhibitions.
- Field-Based Learning: Organized and led academic field visits for heritage and housing documentation.
- Research-Integrated Teaching: Integrated outcomes from funded research projects into studio pedagogy and design critiques.
Design Research
BillionBricks, Singapore
January 2017 – May 2017
- Worked on social impact-driven housing projects aimed at addressing homelessness and climate resilience.
- Assisted in design development, research documentation, and spatial planning for low-cost housing prototypes.
- Contributed to multidisciplinary teams focused on integrating sustainability and community-based solutions in architecture.
Design Studios
- 5th Year: Comprehensive Building Design
- 4th Year: Urban Design Studio, Housing Studio
- 3rd Year: Complex Function Studio
- 2nd Year: Function & Analysis Studio, Dimension & Product Studio
- 1st Year: Artistic Development Studio, Form & Composition Studio
- Interior Design Studio
Theory and Technical Courses
- Graphics Communication I & II
- Graphics IV: Working Drawing
- Introduction to Urban Design & Environmental Planning
- Construction I: Materials and Methods
- Craft and Design – Observation and Documentation
Membership:
- Member, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)
Design Practice and Consultancy:
- Residential and Interior Design Project – Noakhali, Bangladesh (Ongoing)
Working on the architectural and interior design of a private residence in Noakhali. The project integrates climate-responsive design principles, efficient spatial planning, and locally sourced materials to create a comfortable and context-sensitive living environment.
- Legibility and social impact of urban parks
- Sensory experiences in urban green spaces
- Heritage conservation and visitor engagement
- Cultural transformations of urban spaces
- Digital technologies in cultural conservation (e.g., photogrammetry, VR)
- Factors influencing visitation to heritage sites
- Holistic approaches to urban resilience
- Architectural heritage documentation and analysis
