- What is your opinion about the architecture scene of Bangladesh right now?
The professional practice or Architecture in Bangladesh is currently going through a significant growth in quantity and also in many cases quality also. Recently two Bangladeshi architects got the prestigious Aga Khan award for architecture simultaneously in the same year. Historically, Bangladeshi pioneer modernist architect Muzharul Islam showed the way of first-rate architecture during the decades of fifties, sixties and early seventies. Many prominent western architects also worked here during these times. Just after liberation, the whole nation was busy in nation-building activities. Later on, the long toil of developing our own architectural style was carried on by hundreds of Bangladeshi architects, the result of which we are starting to see now. In the background, the growth in different sectors like economy, education, health and infrastructure and also the factor of globalization has immensely influenced the shape of architecture practice in our country.
- What according to you is the future of architecture in Bangladesh?
For a long time, our architects were busy designing single buildings in individual plots. Now, everyone has become concerned about collective urban interventions. Architects and planners are working on whole swaths of urban, semi urban and rural lands comprising of not only many plots but also of urban amenities and infrastructure. Other new fields of works have emerged / emerging in a big way – such as community based participatory design, interior design, landscape design, heritage building conservation and many other fields. Many new architecture schools are churning out new batches of fresh architects each year. I think that in recent future, Bangladesh has a lot of various types of works to keep them all busy.
- A piece of advice for young architects who want to build a career in this field
The profession is being highly impacted by globalization. A number of international architecture firms are coming here to work and many Bangladeshi architects and students are going abroad for study and work. My suggestion to the young architects would be to attain and maintain an international standard of professional competence, especially regarding the technical skills. I would strongly suggest that the young architects who are going abroad; they should come back once their higher study and apprenticeship is complete. Another point is, previously Bangladesh architecture was confined in big cities, and especially in Dhaka. Now-a-days construction work is going on all over Bangladesh, in many smaller cities, towns and also in the village. The young architects should get involved in this wave of development activities.
- A quote that you swear by
A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work – Colin Powell
About Architect
Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed is renowned architect and architectural conservation specialist from Bangladesh. He served as the president of Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) for its 21st Executive Council (2015-2016). Some of his notable works include restoration of Baro Sarder Bari, Sonargaon, restoration of brick temple in Wari Vatweshar, restoration of Varendra Reseach Museum etc.
