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Institute of Architects Bangladesh Brings Pohela Boishakh to Life on Its Premises
The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) welcomed the Bengali New Year in vibrant style, hosting its first-ever Pohela Boishakh celebration on its premises. Titled “Esho Mati Notuner Ahobane”, the event was a colourful and cultural affair that reached beyond the architectural fraternity. Architects’ spouses, children, and extended family were warmly welcomed. The idea was simple: to celebrate the new year and the people who stand behind the scenes of every great architect. Festivities began at 3 PM, as the rhythmic beat of traditional dhol set the tone. Architect Asif M Ahsanul Haq, Convener of the Bengali New Year Celebration Committee, opened the event, inviting everyone into the heart of the celebration. With warm smiles and colorful attire, attendees embraced the spirit of community and enjoyed the laughter and tradition with their extended family. The IAB grounds were transformed into a festive fair, with interactive cultural corners drawing crowds throughout the day. Children gathered around clay artists and potters, their hands deep in clay, learning to mold traditional shapes. Nearby, shitol pati (cooling mat) weavers demonstrated their age-old techniques, encouraging young participants to try their hand at weaving. A painting zone was also set up, where children were free to create without the pressure of competition. Their artwork was later displayed, showcasing unfiltered creativity and color. Laughter echoed from the crowd gathered around the Putul Nach (puppet dance) and magic show, where entertainment delighted audiences of all ages and reminded everyone of the charm of folk performances. At the heart of the event was a bustling Meena Bazaar, alive with the flavors of tradition. Stalls served familiar favorites—muri, murki, naru, moya, samosa, beguni, lemonade, and kacha aam er shorbot—while architects and their families showcased their creative talents through stalls featuring homemade food, traditional sarees, books, paintings, and handmade crafts. It was a beautiful blend of personal passion and cultural pride. Major industry sponsors, including Berger Paints Bangladesh, Italiano Marble and Granite, Indigo Marble and Granite, Tilottoma Group, and Space Couture, added their own festive touch. Their vibrant booths offered free face art, portrait sketches, and a variety of Bengali snacks and refreshments, contributing to the lively spirit of the day. As the sun began to set, the stage came alive with folk songs and traditional dances performed by members of the architectural community. The soulful performance by Sadhu Songo, a renowned Lalon music troupe, captivated the audience with its spiritual melodies. The evening came to a heartfelt close with a collective rendition of “Esho He Boishakh,” followed by heartfelt closing remarks from Professor Dr. Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, President, and Professor Dr. Masudur Rashid, General Secretary of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh. The night concluded with a warm, memorable dinner under the open sky—an evening to remember. This landmark celebration was not just about welcoming a new year, it was about embracing shared roots, honouring cultural expression, and celebrating the bonds that make up the architectural community.
Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine, ArchiConnect honour two-time Aga Khan Award winner Architect Marina Tabassum
Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine, a publication of the Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), and ArchiConnect, a buildtech platform, honoured Architect Marina Tabassum on Saturday evening, November 8, 2025, Bangladesh’s only two-time winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture—one of the most prestigious awards in the world for architects. At the programme, held at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel, the globally acclaimed architect delivered a keynote speech titled “Between Erosion and Emergence”, highlighting different aspects of the projects that brought her international recognition. Before her keynote, Architect Jalal Ahmed, founder and CEO of ArchiConnect, explained why Marina Tabassum’s achievement should be celebrated and how significant it is. He said the Aga Khan Award for Architecture is considered the “Oscar for Architects,” and winning it twice is a phenomenal success for any architect in the world. Later, Marina presented details of her various projects worldwide. Bait Ur Rouf Mosque, completed in 2012 on the outskirts of Dhaka, was the project that earned her the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016. “Built with locally sourced brick and devoid of traditional Islamic iconography, it offers a contemplative space where worshippers are bathed in natural light,” she said at the event. “The structure is not just a place of prayer—it’s a refuge for a dense, underserved neighbourhood.” She also shed light on one of her most celebrated recent projects, Khudi Bari, a modular, lightweight shelter designed for ultra-low-income populations. The structure, made of bamboo and corrugated metal, can be assembled quickly and relocated as needed. Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in a public congratulatory message, echoed this sentiment: “We fondly recall your first Aga Khan Award in 2016 for the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Dhaka, a milestone that celebrated the timeless values of spirituality, community, and simplicity in architecture.” “That recognition marked the rise of a Bangladeshi voice of global significance, and your latest achievement further strengthens that legacy.” In 2025, Khudi Bari earned Tabassum her second Aga Khan Award for Architecture, making her the only Bangladeshi architect to win the honour twice. That same year, she was commissioned to design the Serpentine Pavilion in London—an international recognition of her ability to merge local wisdom with global relevance. Later, at the day, an engaging panel discussion was organised on “Marina Tabassum and the Aga Khan Award Legacy”. The session was moderated by Architect Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad, principal designer and director of DWM4 Architects. Distinguished panelists included Architect Professor Fuad Hassan Mallick, dean of the School of Architecture and Design (SoAD) at BRAC University; Architect Professor Zainab Faruqui Ali, chairperson of the Department of Architecture at BRAC University; and Architect Nahas Ahmed Khalil, principal designer at ARC Architectural Consultants. The event concluded with closing remarks by Moynul Islam, president of BCMEA. “We always look forward to creative minds like architects and the brilliance of Architect Marina Tabassum deserves to be celebrated.” Following the panel discussion, mementos were presented to the distinguished panelists and to Architect Moushumi Ahmed, the gracious host of the evening. The honorees—Architect Marina Tabassum, Architect Jalal Ahmed, and Moynul Islam, President of BCMEA—received exquisite woodprint artworks created by renowned artist Professor Anisuzzaman Anis of the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka Written by CBM Desk
Brac University launches design competition to reimagine community spaces
Brac University’s Department of Architecture, in collaboration with Elite Paint Bangladesh Limited, has announced a student design competition titled Architecture for Unity: Redesigning Community Spaces. The initiative invites architecture students to reimagine public spaces as inclusive environments that celebrate cultural diversity and foster meaningful interaction. The competition is exclusive to students enrolled in Brac University’s Department of Architecture and aims to empower future architects to design with empathy, inclusivity, and sustainability at the forefront. Designing for Diversity and Dialogue According to the official brief, participants are tasked with redesigning a community space—either real or hypothetical—that encourages cross-cultural engagement. The goal is to transform such spaces into vibrant hubs where people from different backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and celebrate shared humanity. The design criteria are both ambitious and socially grounded. Proposals must reflect the cultural richness of the community they serve, integrating elements that honour various traditions while promoting inclusivity. Spatial flow is a key consideration, with layouts expected to guide visitors through the space in ways that encourage movement and exchange. Functional diversity is also central to the brief. The redesigned spaces should accommodate a range of activities—from social gatherings and collaborative projects to quiet reflection—allowing individuals to engage in meaningful ways. Aesthetic appeal, while not the sole focus, remains important. Organisers are looking for innovative architectural techniques and visual storytelling that inspire curiosity and wonder. Sustainability is a non-negotiable component. Students must embrace environmentally responsible design principles that minimise ecological impact, including thoughtful choices in materials, lighting, and energy use. Submission Requirements and Format Participants must submit a comprehensive design proposal that includes conceptual sketches, spatial layouts, and explanatory notes. The drawing submission must be formatted as one A0 portrait sheet in PDF, with a resolution of 300 dpi and a maximum file size of 15 MB. In addition to the visual material, students are required to submit a text document—also in PDF format—describing the idea behind the project, its inspiration, tentative outcomes, and materiality. The written component must not exceed 500 words. All submissions must be in English. File names should follow a strict format: Student’s Name_Student’s ID_Enrolled Semester (e.g., Akibur Rahman_16208023_Fall 2023). Both the drawing and the text document must be uploaded via the designated online submission link before the deadline. Key Dates and Deadlines Registration Deadline: September 1, 2025 Submission Date: October 11, 2025 (by 5.00pm) Jury Date: October 26, 2025 Results Announcement: November 10, 2025 Students can register via the official link: https://forms.gle/ecZtUpRBmVo1jC7M7 Final submissions must be uploaded to: https://forms.gle/z5zhNK88uvH5ncU49 Awards and Recognition The competition offers substantial incentives. The first prize winner will receive BDT 50,000 and a certificate. The second and third place winners will be awarded BDT 25,000 and BDT 15,000 respectively, along with certificates. However, organisers stress that the real reward lies in the opportunity to contribute to a broader conversation about architecture’s role in social cohesion. “This is an ideas competition,” said a faculty member from Brac University’s Department of Architecture. “We’re not asking students to build anything physically. Instead, we want them to think critically and creatively about how architecture can serve as a tool for unity.” Industry Collaboration and Real-World Impact Elite Paint Bangladesh Limited’s involvement adds a layer of industry relevance to the competition. Known for its commitment to sustainable and community-focused projects, the company’s collaboration with Brac University signals a shared vision for inclusive urban development. “This is not just about buildings or parks,” said a spokesperson from Elite Paint. “It’s about creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and build a sense of unity. We believe architecture has the power to shape social behaviour, and this competition is a step towards that vision.” Student Response and Anticipation As the submission window opens, anticipation is building across the Brac University campus. For many students, this competition represents a chance to showcase their design philosophy, engage with pressing social issues, and contribute to a vision of Bangladesh where public spaces reflect the country’s rich cultural mosaic. “We often talk about unity in abstract terms,” said one third-year architecture student. “This competition challenges us to make it tangible—to design spaces where unity is not just an idea, but an experience.” Architecture as a Bridge Between Cultures With its emphasis on cultural celebration, spatial intelligence, and environmental stewardship, Architecture for Unity is more than a student competition. It is a call to action for the next generation of architects to build not just structures, but bridges—between communities, cultures, and futures. Written by Nibir Ayaan