Architect Shamsul Wares
- What is your opinion about the architecture scene of Bangladesh right now?
Although Dhaka as well as other cities and townships in Bangladesh are largely unplanned and chaotic, majority of the Bangladeshi architects are exhibiting sensitive approach in developing plot-based built environment. Buildings designed by architects are gradually becoming aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly and experientially inspiring. But in contrast, our cities and towns are incrementally becoming unsuitable for human life and living because of the serious lack of effective road and traffic system, propoer utilities and services, sufficient open spaces and overall comprehensive planning. But it is also undeniable that many of the works of our architects are of poor quality. This is largely because of the lack of passion, commitment and professionalism of the architects concerned and also because of the clients who lack the understanding of the contemporary artistic sense and aesthetic values. Architecture in our country is also suffering for last few decades, due to the rise of nouveau riche and corporate culture that compel architects to express greed and false pride in architecture instead of true socio-cultural and ecological need.
- What according to you is the future of architecture in Bangladesh?
Architects everywhere in the world for last few decades are changing their attitude and policy due to climate change and global warming, caused by uncontrolled emission of carbon and other harmful gasses known as green house gasses (GHG). Building industry today is responsible for 40% of the total emission of GHG in the world. In this context it is necessary that our architects avoid ecologically harmful industrial products as much as possible. They also need to innovate new built-forms using natural elements (light, air, water, etc.) in order to reduce heat gain and to achieve comfort with minimum use of electro-mechanical devices. Some of our architects are already working in this regard. But many of these efforts seem to be effective only for low structures. Two projects that obtained “Aga Khan Award for Architecture” recently from Bangladesh achieving ecological and cultural wisdom are both one-storey buildings. It is now expected that in the near future our architects will be able to create ecologically successful buildings of different volumes suitable for our culture, society and people.
- A piece of advice for young architects who want to build a career in this field.
Architecture is a profession and not a business. An architect needs knowledge, creativity and experience not monetary capital to practice his/her profession. There are codes and ethics to practice this profession. Competent architects need passion and commitment towards the profession in order to ensure better life and living for the people. There is pleasure in serving people. There is also the need for a sense of sacrifice in this profession to do good to society. Architects must be good.
- A quote that you swear by
Life is lived forward but understood backward – Soren Kierkegaard
About Architect
Professor Shamsul Wares is a Bangladeshi born architect who worked under Louis I. Kahn, American Architect and his associate, Muzharul Islam, the father of Bengal Architecture. He is the Dean of the School of Environment and Design at the University of Asia Pacific, and an architectural consultant at Shisrikkhu Sthapati in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
