In a bold step towards shaping the future of Bangladesh’s built environment, BSRM hosted a thought-provoking two-day international architecture conference titled “Architecture : Where To Go?” on May 9-10, 2025, at the Aloki Convention Centre in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The event served as a dynamic platform for architects, academics, students, and design innovators to collectively reflect on the trajectory of architectural discourse, sustainability, and urban development in the region.
Designed to inspire critical reflection and forward-thinking action, the conference tackled pressing concerns such as climate-responsive architecture, urban density, cultural preservation, and social transformation through design. The event’s overarching theme encouraged participants to interrogate the future of architecture in a rapidly changing world while considering the particularities of the Bangladeshi context.
The conference brought together a remarkable lineup of international and local voices in architecture. Among the keynote speakers were Ar. Wong Mun Summ of WOHA (Singapore), known globally for his work in sustainable tropical architecture, Ar. Farooq Ameen of City Design Studio (USA), whose practice intersects urbanism and community development, and celebrated Bangladeshi architect Ar. Saif Ul Haque, noted for his socially engaged design work.
Together with eminent local figures such as Ar. Nurur Rahman Khan, Ar. Luva Nahid Choudhury of the Bengal Foundation, and Prof. Dr. Mohammed Mahbubur Rahman of AUST, the panels addressed timely topics including Sustainable Urban Design, Architecture in the Age of Climate Crisis, Regional Identity vs. Global Influence, and The Role of Architecture in Social Transformation.
Session chairs ensured rich, nuanced conversations that connected architectural thought with real-world challenges. Ar. Kazi Khaleed Ashraf of the Bengal Institute notably emphasized the need to redefine architectural education and practice in light of global environmental shifts.
A major feature of the event was the Architecture Exhibition, which showcased final-year thesis projects from architecture schools across Bangladesh. The exhibition, curated with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and civic engagement, highlighted the fresh perspectives and creative solutions offered by the next generation of architects.
An award competition ran parallel to the exhibition, where projects submitted by nominated students were evaluated by a jury panel led by Ar. Jalal Ahmed. Recognizing work produced between April 2024 and March 2025, the competition celebrated ideas that pushed boundaries while remaining contextually grounded.
Through engaging discussions, cross-generational dialogue, and celebration of academic excellence, “Architecture : Where To Go?” marked a significant moment in Bangladesh’s architectural journey. By hosting the event, BSRM reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing intellectual leadership and fostering a sustainable design culture. The conference did not merely ask where architecture is going, it sparked the kind of critical conversation that might help define where it ought to go.
In amplifying voices, encouraging innovation, and bringing key issues to the fore, the event set a benchmark for architectural discourse in the region.
