Bangladeshi architects have once again demonstrated their creative strength on the global stage, securing multiple honours at the prestigious VII Baku International Architecture Award.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan, with the endorsement of the International Union of Architects (UIA), the biennial competition has become a landmark event in the architectural calendar.
This year’s edition attracted 270 applications from 38 countries, underscoring its reputation as a truly international platform for design excellence.
The award is open to all qualified architects worldwide, offering opportunities for recognition across diverse categories. Against this competitive backdrop, five projects from Bangladesh stood out, earning accolades that highlight the country’s growing influence in contemporary architecture.
BANGLADESHI WINNERS ACROSS CATEGORIES
In Category B – Best Implemented Project of Residential Architecture, Architect Zishan Fuad Chowdhury won second prize for Neer – Vacation House, a project that blends modern design with contextual sensitivity.
In the same category, Architect Mohammad Masud secured third prize for Meghrod – Sun and Cloud, a residential concept that celebrates light and openness.
Bangladeshi architects also excelled in Category C – Best Implemented Interior. The Coca-Cola Office Interior by Architect Sharif Uddin Ahammed won second prize, recognised for its innovative approach to workplace design.
Architect Shams Sanjida earned third prize in the same category for the Mak Design House, a project praised for its aesthetic coherence and functional elegance.
In Category D – Best Non-Realised Project, Architect Sarawat Iqbal won second prize for Masjid Al Luqman, a design that reimagines sacred space with contemporary architectural language.
These achievements reflect the breadth of Bangladeshi talent, spanning residential, interior, and conceptual design.
STRUCTURE OF THE AWARDS
The competition is divided into seven categories:
A – Best implemented project of public architecture
B – Best implemented project of residential architecture
C – Best implemented interiors
D – Best non-realised project
E – Best implemented project in landscape architecture
F – Best implemented project in rehabilitation and reconstruction of historic buildings
G – Best publication in the field of architecture
Each category recognises excellence in both realised and conceptual projects, ensuring that innovation at every stage of design is celebrated.
PRIZES AND RECOGNITION
The awards carry significant recognition and financial rewards. First prize winners receive 4,000 AZN (€2,240), a first-degree diploma, and a symbolic cup. Second prize winners are awarded 2,500 AZN (€1,400) and a second-degree diploma, while third prize winners receive 1,000 AZN (~€560) and a third-degree diploma.
Beyond monetary value, the awards provide international visibility, positioning winners within a global network of architects and institutions.
JURY AND CEREMONY
The jury for the 2025 edition comprised distinguished architects from around the world:
• Antonio Riverso (Italy), Professor, International Academy of Architecture
• Michel Barmaki (Lebanon), Chairman of Barka Sarl
• Nikos Fintikakis (Greece), UIA Jury Representative
• Young-Keun Han (South Korea), President of the Korean Institute of Architects
• Elbay Gasim-zada (Azerbaijan), Representative of the Organisers
The results were announced at a ceremony on October 2 this year at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event reinforced Baku’s role as a hub for architectural dialogue, bringing together professionals from across continents.
LEGACY AND GLOBAL REACH
Since its inception in 2013, the Baku International Architecture Award has attracted architects from 53 countries, with more than 1,200 projects submitted between 2013 and 2023.
Winners have hailed from Portugal, France, USA, Slovenia, Georgia, Japan, Russia, Morocco, Croatia, Italy, Bangladesh, Spain, Ukraine, Germany, Vietnam, Singapore, Kyrgyzstan, Greece, Malaysia, South Africa, Egypt, China, Iran, Kenya, UAE, Mexico, Romania, Poland, India, Brazil, and Azerbaijan.
A unique tradition of the award is the symbolic gesture of sending a cup identical to that awarded to first-prize winners to France, where it is safeguarded at the headquarters of the International Union of Architects. This act underscores the award’s international spirit and its commitment to architectural heritage.
Written by Nibir Ayaan
