Cubeinside Design bags DNA Paris Design Awards 2025
Cubeinside Design Ltd, a prominent Bangladeshi architectural and interior design firm, has earned international acclaim after being named one of the winners at the DNA Paris Design Awards 2025—an internationally sought-after recognition for architects and creative people. The award-winning project, Bait Ur Rayyan, is a small-scale mosque designed by Cubeinside, located near the banks of the mighty Arial Kha River in Bangladesh’s Madaripur. The Bangladeshi firm was the consultant for the project, built for the Rokeya Feroza Foundation on a land area of 7,346 square metres. Cubeinside says: “This particular design is an exercise of abstract interpretation of basic symbolism of Islamic architecture. Geometry has been the principal tool for this abstraction in terms of transforming both the form and spatial quality.” The DNA Paris listed Khandaker Ashifuzzaman and Shakhawat Hossain Rocky as the lead designers of Bait Ur Rayyan, which won the award in the Public Architecture category. The annual awards also mentioned Mehri Farnaz, Anis Khan Shanto and Abdullah Al Jaber as members of the mosque’s design team. About the mosque, it was noted on the DNA Paris website: “A human-centric approach created a space for community, keeping the scale sacred yet intimate, using local materials like red bricks, while lights played the most vital role to uplift the spiritual entity of this mosque.” “The concept of ‘Abstract Semiotics’ was applied in measurable mass and space, and other immeasurable aspects with a deeper perceptual level.” DNA Paris, which celebrates the best in global design from over 70 countries, recognises excellence in Architecture, Landscape, Interior, Product and Graphic Design, with entries divided into ‘Professional’ and ‘Emerging’ categories. The latter is reserved for outstanding student work. Farmani Group, a global authority in architecture, design and photography curation, in partnership with In Between, a Paris-based collective of creatives and thinkers, jointly organise the DNA Paris Design Awards. In addition to typology-based subcategories, the most distinguished entries across all five disciplines and both sections are awarded the Grand Prix—the highest honour of the programme. Recipients of the Grand Prix receive a trophy created by Studio Briand & Berthereau, designed to strike a balance between form and function, while addressing the financial and environmental constraints faced by every project. All submissions are evaluated by an expert jury of design luminaries. The jury committee is comprised of designers, editors and creatives who are devoted to true excellence in design. The juries come from different countries, including the UK, the USA, Spain, Argentina, Japan, Sweden, France, Kenya, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, South Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, Greece and Saudi Arabia. The evaluation of entries is based on a range of criteria that are constantly adapted to current standards. DNA Paris has already announced all winners across different categories for this year, who will be honoured at an event in Paris on October 24. Written by Nibir Ayaan
Urban October 2025: IAB Organises Daylong Event, Three-Day Exhibition
The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) on November marked Urban October 2025 with a day-long celebration at its Multipurpose Hall, bringing together students, professionals, and policymakers to reflect on the future of urban design in Bangladesh. Timed to coincide with World Architecture Day, World Habitat Day, and World Cities Day, the event began at 10:30 am with the opening of a three-day exhibition showcasing student urban design studio projects from architecture departments across IAB-accredited universities. Participating institutions include Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh University (BU), BRAC University (BRACU), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), North South University (NSU), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Khulna University (KU), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Daffodil Institute of IT (DIT), Southeast University (SEU), Stamford University, State University, and the University of Asia Pacific (UAP). There was a roundtable discussion on “Shaping Cities: The Role and Future of the Urban Design Profession in Bangladesh” led by academicians. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the next generation’s vision for Bangladesh’s urban future, with models and visualisations of cityscapes, transport corridors, and public spaces. At 4:00 pm, the main programme commenced with a roundtable discussion titled “Interference to Planning: DAP”, led by Team Environment & Urbanisation from IAB’s 26th Executive Council. The session addressed concerns surrounding the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and its implications for sustainable development, zoning, and citizen engagement. The theme for this year’s World Cities Day — “People-centred Smart Cities” —guided the evening’s discussions. A documentary presentation highlighted month-long Urban October activities, including editorial seminars and conventions. Experts and stakeholders then joined a panel discussion, followed by speeches from the chairperson, the chief guest. The event concluded with a vote of thanks. Held under the banner of Urban October, the celebration reaffirms IAB’s commitment to shaping inclusive, resilient, and well-planned cities. As Bangladesh continues to urbanise rapidly, today’s gathering serves as both a showcase and a call to action — urging architects to lead with vision, integrity, and public purpose. The World Cities Day 2025 event ended with the distribution of certificates. Programme Schedule: Location: IAB Office Date: November 1, 2025 Time: Exhibition: 10:30 am Main programme: 4:00 pm Written by Nibir Ayaan
Reviving the Roots: Conservation & Restoration Progress Reflections by Conservation Architect Abu Sayeed M Ahmed
At the anniversary celebration of Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine, esteemed conservation architect and heritage specialist Abu Sayeed M Ahmed presented “Reviving the Roots: Conservation and Restoration Progress”—a heartfelt journey through two decades of architectural conservation across Bangladesh. With vivid images and powerful anecdotes, he reminded the audience that conservation is not about romanticising ruins—it is about safeguarding identity, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity in a nation at risk of forgetting itself. “Every day in Dhaka, a piece of our heritage vanishes. Buildings are bulldozed in the name of development. But without roots, how can we grow a future that is truly ours?” Bringing History Back to Life Nimtali Deuri & Naib-Nazim Museum, Dhaka Abu Sayeed M Ahmed’s first major restoration was the late Mughal-era Nimtali Deuri in Old Dhaka. Hidden under layers of plaster. The restored gateway now houses the Naib-Nazim Museum, commemorating the deputy governors of Dhaka and reflecting a revived connection between the city and its Mughal past. Uttar Halishahar Mosque, Chattogram This 200-year-old mosque was facing demolition for modern expansion. Upon assessment, its authentic Mughal character became evident. Abu Sayeed’s team removed inappropriate cement layers, dismantled an added veranda, and re-clad it in traditional lime and surki. Locals now call it a “Gayebi Mosque”—as if it reappeared by miracle. Nearby, a new mosque by Architect Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury respectfully contrasts the old, echoing its jali motifs in modern concrete. Hanafi Jame Mosque, Keraniganj Once a modest family-owned mosque, it gained global recognition after restoration—winning a UNESCO Award. A new mosque built adjacent to it by Architect Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury, with full visibility of the old structure—offers a striking example of architectural dialogue between past and present, tradition and transparency. Rediscovering Rural Heritage Buraiich Maulvi Bari, Faridpur Neglected and engulfed by vines, this ancestral home seemed destined for ruin. Through sensitive restoration, it has been transformed into a heritage Airbnb, preserving its traditional character while offering economic sustainability. Period furniture, handpicked materials, and contextual storytelling give visitors a window into Bengal’s rural past. Mithamoin Kachari Bari, Kishoreganj This decaying administrative house—once thought beyond repair—was restored to reflect its original civic purpose. From a wild, overgrown ruin, it emerged as a dignified reminder of regional governance and colonial-era architecture, now serving as an active public building. Urban Civic Revival Narayanganj Municipal Building Among Bangladesh’s earliest municipal structures, it was at risk of being replaced. A dual solution—preserve the old and integrate it into the new. Today, it functions as the entrance to the new Nagar Bhaban (City Hall), and plans are underway to convert its upper level into a civic museum. Baro Sardar Bari, Sonargaon A Mughal-Colonial mansion from the Baro-Bhuiyan era, this structure was revived through corporate social responsibility. South Korea-based Youngone Corporation led the project under the leadership of CEO Kihak Sung, who has familial roots in the region. This model highlights how private sector investment can play a crucial role in cultural restoration. Reviving Lost Icons Dhaka Gate (Mir Jumla Gate) Once a neglected and overgrown monument, the historic city gate has been revitalised with its original grandeur—complete with a replicated fire cannon that signals its defensive legacy. Rose Garden Palace, Tikatuli, Dhaka A jewel of Dhaka’s architectural heritage, the Rose Garden was meticulously restored—from stained-glass panels to ornamental plasterwork. Where pieces were missing, they were reconstructed based on archival records, ensuring authenticity over imitation. Hammam Khana, Lalbagh Fort Perhaps the most complex restoration, the Mughal-era bathhouse had suffered colonial and post-colonial misuse. Funded by the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund, the project uncovered a breathtaking pavilion structure, restored lighting from above (true to hammam tradition), and reestablished the original spatial and sensory quality of the Mughal bathhouse. Crafting the Future with the Past Reviving Chini Tikri Ornamentation A rare local tradition, Chini Tikri—the use of broken ceramic dinnerware to form decorative motifs—was resurrected. The team digitally reconstructed patterns, reproduced the plates, broke them and reapplied them by hand. This craft was even adapted into a contemporary mosque in Noakhali, designed by Architect Mamnoon Murshed Chowdhury and Architect Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad, using waste ceramic products donated by Monno Ceramics. These projects demonstrate what is possible when craftsmanship, community, and conservation come together. They are not just restorations—they are cultural revivals, offering spaces where memory, faith, and identity continue to live. Written by Samia Sharmin Biva
