- What is your opinion about the architecture scene of Bangladesh right now?
In the last decade, the architecture of Bangladesh has improved greatly, but it is mainly in the form of aesthetic vision of the western concept and the technological excellence. It has dynamic visual expressions with no space; hence, carrying our own thoughts seems to be lifeless. Improvements are very much visible but the manifestation of the nature of thousand years old lifestyle of Bengal; the unshakable consciousness of vernacular elements of architecture is still unseen – though we have a few mind-blowing exceptions. I think our works need to be more intimate with those common factors like people, their society and culture, the soil-sun-air and rain they have to face every day.
- What according to you is the future of architecture in Bangladesh?
Despite the totalitarian aggression of Architecture as a Product, some architects like Bashirul Haque, Saiful Haque, Marina Tabassum, Kashef Mahbub, Jalal Ahmed etc. are trying to discover the language of our land. All of them are consciously nationalist in their practice, at the same time well-connected with the recent global theories. They have done archetypal works for us and I hope their efforts as well as struggles will have great impressions on the future architects.
- A piece of advice for young architects who want to build a career in this field.
Architect Laurie Baker’s Advice what I remember all the time and want to say to my juniors:
“Above all, use COMMON SENSE. (I think you had better not ask me what ‘common sense’ is!)”
- A quote that you swear by.
“Follow your bliss and the universes will open doors for you.”-the most influential thinker of 20thCentury Professor of Literature and comparative mythology of America Joseph Campbell‘s most repeated phrase.
About Architect
Rajon Das is an architect who is serving as an Associate Professor in Leading University, Sylhet. He likes working on small projects to remain true to his reality and not get commercialized. He received an award at ICE-Today Aqua Paint Interior Design Award 2009 in Restaurant Category. Some of his prominent works include; Sylhet Club Ltd. at Boroshola, Sylhet, Woondaal, a restaurant at Sylhet, ‘Liberation War Monument’ at Government College, Sylhet, multiple residences and also, Academic Building of Faculty of Agriculture Engineering at Sylhet Agricultural University.
