- What is your opinion about the architecture scene of Bangladesh right now?
Being the President of Institute of Architects Bangladesh, what I see is that Bangladeshi architects are excelling in the international and national arena and winning several prestigious award and honors. Just recently, there was a regional award for the excellence in architecture where all three awards were won by Bangladeshi architects, proving that they are taking a lead role in this sector. Winning those awards was a huge achievement and that gives me hope for the present vibrant architecture scene.
- What according to you is the future of architecture in Bangladesh?
I hope in 10 years time, in the rate that the country’s economy is growing, there will be a huge demand for architects, bringing in more competition, more challenges. Bangladeshi architects who are excelling internationally, they work on the context of Bangladesh, keeping in mind, Bangladesh’s history, the climate, the building materials, creating original works, not being influenced by the international style. It is about showing the international market what Bangladeshi architects can do for Bangladesh.
- A piece of advice for a young architect who want to build a career in this field
If you do good work , in this present context, it is very easy to be published or gain exposure because of social media, bringing awareness to what is good architecture, and who are the architects doing those works, they will be able to come up to the spotlight. But it takes time and patience. There is no shortcut to success.
- A quote that you swear by
Our mentor, the late Muzharul Islam, gave us a directive to follow: be original, honest and sincere to your clients.
About Architect
Architect Jalal Ahmed is the Principal Architect and Managing Director of J.A Architects. He has been elected as the Vice President, Asia of the Commonwealth Association of Architects for 2016-19 and is currently the Vice President (National Affairs) of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB). He also has served as Honorary Secretary of Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) during 2009-10. During the 32 years of his career, he has designed various projects ranging from large urban academic campuses to small rural training centres made of mud blocks and from multifamily urban apartments to low cost housing for the rural poor. He also has vast experience in industrial building designs.
