The Institute of Architects Pakistan Expo (IAPEX) 2026, a premier building materials exhibition and architectural conference in Pakistan, once again served as a pivotal platform for architects, industry leaders, and innovators.
Organised by the Karachi Chapter (IAP-KC), the event was held from January 30 to February 1 at the Expo Centre Karachi, where renowned Bangladeshi architect Jalal Ahmed joined as one of the prestigious speakers.
The event was inaugurated with a welcome address by Chairperson Ar. Sohail Ahmed Chohan, followed by an opening speech by IAP President Ar. Fawad Sohail Abbasi.
Architect Jalal Ahmed, principal architect and managing director of JA Architects, is widely known for his insightful approach to contextual and sustainable architecture.
He delivered a compelling presentation titled “Between Regionalism and Resilience”. In his speech, he explored the unique cultural and environmental context of the Bengal delta, emphasizing the intertwined relationship between land, water, and people.
He addressed the challenges posed by climate change, highlighting how Bangladesh’s journey toward sustainability and economic viability is intricately linked to its resilience against environmental threats.
A key theme of his presentation was the rich brick-building tradition of the Bengal delta, evident in historic sites such as Mahasthan Garh, Paharpur Monastery and Temple, and the Khantanagar Temple—traditions that later inspired modern architectural expressions like the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Complex.
Architect Ahmed also revisited the legacy of the Chetana Study Group, a pioneering collective founded in the early 1980s by the late architect Muzharul Islam alongside prominent architects and creatives.
This group championed humanitarian design, green architecture, and climate-responsive projects such as Banchte Shekha in Jashore, the Training & Resource Center (TARC) in Faridpur, and Bogura.
His dedication to resilience is further exemplified by his involvement in critical projects such as the reconstruction efforts in the Karail and Saattola slums in 2016, the design of a Cyclone-Resilient Prototype House in Sathkhira, and several community-centric initiatives including Uria in Sreepur, Pashchim Belker Char, Charitabari, and the Community School in Paschim Belkar Char, Gaibandha.
Over the past decade, Jalal Ahmed’s firm, J.A. Architects, has advanced sustainable industrial and educational architecture, designing several LEED Gold–certified garment factories and contributing to the BRAC University Campus with WOHA Architects through climate-responsive tropical design.
Through his reflections on the Bengal delta and his body of work, Jalal Ahmed demonstrated how architecture can bridge tradition and innovation while responding to the realities of climate change.
The conference segment of IAPEX 2026 featured a lineup of speakers including celebrated Ar. Kamil Khan Mumtaz, Ar. Dr. Yasmeen Lari, Prof. Dr. Anila Naeem, Architect Farida Ghaffar, Ar. Mohammad Saifullah Siddiqui, Ar. Golnaz Bahrammi, Ar. Fateme Rezaei, Ar. Tanya Karim, Ar. Tariq Alexander Qaiser, and climate activist Masood Lohar, all of whom shared valuable insights on key issues such as sustainable practices, heritage conservation, climate-responsive design, and innovations in building materials.
Written By Tasmiah Chowdhury
