Architecture in Bangladesh Opens a New Dialogue in Yogyakarta

By Neha Shamim

On July 25, 2026, the worldwide launch series of RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY, Architecture in Bangladesh arrived in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, bringing architecture, culture, and academic exchange together at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Held as part of MANTRA Expo 2026, the Yogyakarta chapter brought together architects, academics, students, and design professionals, creating a platform for conversations that extended beyond buildings and into questions of identity, community, culture, and place.

International Talkshow: Designing for Communities at Mantra Expo 2026 Yogyakarta

Organized by the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) D.I. Yogyakarta in collaboration with Qhomemart, the programme positioned the monograph within a broader architectural dialogue between Bangladesh and Indonesia. Edited by Rosa Maria Falvo and published by Rizzoli New York, RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY, Architecture in Bangladesh traces Prof. Rafiq Azam’s architectural evolution from the densely woven fabric of Old Dhaka to the international architectural stage, examining a practice shaped by nature, water, light, culture, and human experience.

The programme opened with Architect Talk Series 24, titled “Architecture Beyond Buildings: Shaping Identity, Culture, and Community.” Featuring Ar. Rebecca Vanessa D.L. Rellosa from the Philippines, Ar. Zannat Jui, and Ar. Alan Cheung from Hong Kong, the session explored architecture as a force that extends beyond physical structures. Moderated by Ar. Primavera Desta, IAI, the discussion considered the ways architecture can shape cultural identity, strengthen communities, and respond meaningfully to environmental conditions.

Opening the talkshow “Architecture Rooted in Place” at Mantra Expo, Yogyakarta.

Mantra Expo 2026 International Talkshow. (left to right). Henky Sampatti Huang (CEO of Qhomemart), Ar. Alan Cheung, Ar. Rebecca Rellosa, Ar. Zannat Jui, Ar. Primavera Desta

Mantra Expo 2026 International Talkshow by Qhomemart x IAI Yogyakarta Chapter. Speakers: Ar. Alan Cheung (Hong Kong), Ar. Rebecca Rellosa (Philppines), Ar. Zannat Jui (Bangladesh), Moderator Ar. Primavera Desta (Indonesia)

Speakers and Participant of International Talkshow: Designing for Communities at Mantra Expo 2026 Yogyakarta

The conversation established an important foundation for the evening that followed, where Prof. Azam’s own architectural philosophy took centre stage. The evening programme began with a screening of Between Earth & Light, the documentary exploring his architectural journey and creative vision. Through film, audiences were introduced to an approach in which architecture is closely connected to landscape, memory, culture, and the lived experience of place.

The screening was followed by keynote lectures from Ar. Yori Antar, IAI, Prof. Md. Ar. Rafiq Azam, and Ar. Yulianto Prihatmaji, IAI. Moderated by Ar. Putu Risca Adi K, IAI, the presentations brought together perspectives on architecture as a cultural practice rooted in its surroundings. Across the lectures, contextual and climate-responsive design emerged as central concerns, reinforcing the importance of creating architecture that responds to both the environment and the communities it serves.

Prof. Azam’s presentation offered audiences a closer look into the ideas that have shaped his practice over more than three decades. Rooted in the cultural landscape of Bengal, his work explores the relationship between people and nature through water, vegetation, light, openness, and movement. Rather than treating architecture as an isolated object, his practice considers buildings and public spaces as part of a larger ecological and social environment.

Prof. Ar. Rafiq Azam with Ar. Yori Antar, IAI at Special Talkshow Mantra Expo 2026 Yogyakarta

Prof. Ar. Rafiq Azam signing his book for Ar. Erlangga Winoto, IAI, AA, Chairperson of IAI Yogyakarta Chapter.

The Book Launch Ceremony brought the evening’s conversations into focus, with the participation of Goodwill Ambassador of the worldwide launch series Ar. Zannat Jui and Yogyakarta City Coordinator Ar. Primavera Desta, IAI, alongside distinguished speakers and invited guests. The official unveiling transformed the monograph from the subject of architectural discussion into a shared point of cultural exchange, connecting the experiences of Bangladesh and Indonesia through ideas of design, heritage, and contemporary practice.

The launch was further enriched by a panel discussion and audience Q&A, allowing the architectural questions raised throughout the programme to develop into a wider exchange of perspectives. The presence of practitioners and students created an intergenerational dimension to the event, reflecting the importance of dialogue in shaping the future of architecture.

International Talkshow: Designing for Communities at Mantra Expo 2026 Yogyakarta. Speakers: Ar. Zannat Jui, Ar. Alan Cheung, Ar. Rebecca Rellosa

Ar. Putu Risca Adi Kurniawan is joining the discussion at Mantra Expo 2026 International Talkshow by Qhomemart x IAI Yogyakarta

Alongside the discussions, a special exhibition of selected works by Prof. Azam offered a visual introduction to his architectural practice and philosophy. The exhibition explored his approach to the relationship between people, nature, culture, and the built environment, allowing visitors to encounter his ideas through architectural works rather than through the monograph alone.

The exhibition was curated by PDC — SHATOTTO architecture for green living, led by Shehab Rahmania, Head of PDC (Research & Curatorial Lead). Exhibition design was undertaken by Fabliha Al Tawaffin and Fariva Ferdous Oishi, whose spatial interpretation helped translate Prof. Azam’s architectural language into a curated visual experience. Together, the exhibition and the wider programme created a complementary relationship between architectural presentation and critical discussion.

The evening concluded with the official unveiling of the book, followed by a signing session and networking reception. What began with a conversation about architecture beyond buildings ultimately became a broader reflection on what architecture can represent: identity, memory, environmental responsibility, and the relationships that connect people to place.

The Yogyakarta launch reaffirmed the central spirit of RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY, Architecture in Bangladesh—that architecture can remain deeply rooted in its own cultural landscape while entering into meaningful conversations with the wider world. In bringing together voices from Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, the event demonstrated how architectural exchange can cross geographical boundaries while remaining grounded in the particular histories, climates, and communities that give each place its character.