Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting the various aspects of the glorious achievements of the IAB through colorful arrangements and interactive programs. The event was held at IAB Centre, Agargaon, on Thursday, 23 June, and Friday, 24 June.
The first day of the event was a Design Charrette for architect members and associate members ‘Under 40’. The event conducted seminar presentations on the second day by invited architects: Ar. Shirish Beri, Shirish Beri and Associates, India, Ar. Rizvi Hassan and Ar. Khwaja Fatmi, Bangladesh.
Architect Shirish Beri reflects his values and concerns about life through his works, which have become a landmark in modern Indian architecture since 1975. His concerns address the unfortunate fact of a man moving further away from nature, his fellow human beings, and himself. It is almost impossible from this visionary to separate and isolate anything that he does in life (especially architecture) from life’s comprehensive totality. For him, this essence is how we understand and live life.
Architect Rizvi Hassan, a Bangladesh citizen, graduated from BUET in 2017. Since the beginning of his practice, he has been exploring various roles as a design professional in unconventional fields. He has worked in Jhennaidah, Cox’s Bazar, Ukhiya and Teknaf for diverse Bangladeshi communities and Rohinga refugees. The key to his work process includes observation, materiality, environment, and co-learning, which are reflected in the construction and spaces.
Architect Khwaja Fatmi, an architect and humanitarian worker, after graduating from BUET in 2017has been working in various places in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Jhenaidah, Ukhiya, Whykong, Teknaf, etc. She focuses on creating platforms where other professionals and members of human and non-human communities can participate and share their perspectives. Human connection and different non-visual experiences are the key elements in her design practice.
Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni was present on occasion as a special guest. Md Shahid Ullah Khandaker, secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, was the guest of honor. Science and Technology Minister Architect Yafes Osman was also present at the event. He is the founding editor of IAB and the principal patron of the Golden Jubilee celebration board.
Presided over by IAB President Architect Mubasshar Hussain, the program was moderated by Qazi Mohammad Arif, convener of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Council.
