Architecture & Design Finalist

Homes of Haor documents the vernacular architecture of Ashtagram, Kishoreganj, in Bangladesh’s Haor region. Here, homes are built on naturally raised mounds that become islands during the monsoon, surrounded by seasonal floodwater, and boats become the primary means of travel. From above, the settlements form distinct patterns shaped by elevation, water and function. Elevated roads, clustered dwellings, and carefully arranged livestock spaces reveal how rural communities design and adapt their built environment to a landscape defined by water.

Joy Saha specialises in capturing compelling human and environmental stories through the lens. His projects highlight daily life, vulnerable communities and the impacts of climate change, using photography as a powerful tool to shift perspectives and inspire action.