- What is your opinion about the architecture scene of Bangladesh right now?
Being a newer profession, the practice of local modern architecture has been emerged from the inception of the masterpiece of Louis I Kahn and with the works of the avant-garde architect, Muzharul Islam, and obviously has seen the limelight after the independence in 1971. Till early 90s, experimentations have been sorted both in positive and negative senses and finally it seems that the local architects are on a track befitting to time and context and they are producing commendable works with regard to the global context. Further, the clientele has also become more discerning and impacting the architecture practice and its outcomes have become a matter of pride among the neighbouring nations. Now it is the time to connect architecture more with the people and with the evolving culture.
- What according to you is the future of architecture in Bangladesh?
Being a comparatively young nation and being architecture a newer profession; I am quite proud of the achievements so far gained in the architectural realm of Bangladesh. Till the early 90s, there was only one school giving architecture training but nowadays there are more than 25 institutions all over the country providing architecture education. It is a great concern that the architecture pedagogies and the faculties are to be properly tuned with the practicalities to deliver a huge number of graduates who are stepping into the professional arena every year. For a developing nation, the scope of architecture practice is enormous and there is always a chance of pushing the prevailing positive trend towards a wrong direction. Hence, we need to be careful of the situation which may affect the current trend.
- A piece of advice for young architects who want to build a career in this field
Young architects are like ‘soft clay’ and during their early years at least for 5 years, they should mould themselves towards a trend that really would shape the overall architecture practice of the country.
Young architects should continue learning after graduation from the real world. They should study the great works of local and foreign architects to grab the positive knowledge from there.
- A quote that you swear by
Beauty is truth; truth is beauty
About Architect
Mustapha Khalid Palash is considered one of the leading contemporary architects of Bangladesh. His constructions are noted for their contemporary 21st century modernist style, verging on experimentalism. His approach towards architecture makes him peerless or practically singular in the country. He is the Principal Architect of Vistaara Architects (PVT.) Limited.
