By Neha Shamim
The Utzon Room of the Sydney Opera House became a site of dialogue, reflection, and celebration on March 26, 2026, as the global architectural community gathered for the launch of Rafiq Azam , Old Dhaka New Story: Architecture in Bangladesh. Held from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, the evening marked not only the unveiling of an important monograph, but also the beginning of a worldwide cultural initiative, Connecting Creativity (2026–2027), positioning architecture as a bridge between cultures, disciplines, and communities.
Published by Rizzoli International Publications in collaboration with SHATOTTO | Architecture for Green Living, the book presents an inspiring narrative of Bangladeshi architect Rafiq Azam. Raised in the tightly woven lanes of Old Dhaka, Azam’s journey began with an aspiration to become an artist. That sensibility never left him; instead, it found new expression in architecture, where watercolor, nature, cultural tradition, and Bengal mysticism converge to shape spaces of quiet depth and emotional resonance.
Deeply influenced by the mystic philosophy of Lalon and the literary vision of Rabindranath Tagore, Azam’s work emphasizes the ephemeral qualities of light, shadow, water, and air. His architecture moves beyond form, engaging the intangible, crafting environments that are alive, contextual, and intimately connected to the spirit of Bangladesh. His projects embody a philosophy of care and renewal: transforming polluted spaces into vibrant landscapes, reclaiming water as a life-giving force, and inspiring children to run after butterflies instead of drifting toward despair.
Although his work has been widely celebrated by the global architectural community, Azam’s trajectory is marked by a return to his roots. Recognizing that his true contribution remained incomplete, he re-engaged with his own neighborhood in Old Dhaka, working alongside communities to revitalize neglected public spaces. This ethos, of revival through creativity, connection, and collective participation,forms the philosophical core of the monograph.
Edited by Rosa Maria Falvo, the book features contributions from leading thinkers including Kenneth Frampton, Shamsul Wares, Fuad H. Mallick, Philip Goad, and George Kunihiro. Together, these voices situate Bangladeshi architecture within a broader global discourse. Distributed internationally by Rizzoli, the book will reach over 70 countries.
The Sydney launch,held on the Independence Day of Bangladesh,unfolded as a carefully curated program. It opened with an inaugural address by Architect Planner Farhadur Reza FIAB MPIA, global coordinator of the book, followed by a welcome speech from city coordinator Architect Iftekhar Abdullah FRAIA. The evening featured a screening of the docu-fiction film Between Earth and Light, directed by Shankha Das Gupta, offering a poetic exploration of Azam’s philosophy and practice.
An interactive book launch ceremony followed, with master architect Peter Stutchbury, architect David Holm, and Rafiq Azam himself. The keynote lecture by Professor Azam provided deeper insight into his work, while a panel discussion brought together a diverse range of voices, including Rosa Maria Falvo, for a dialogue that extended into an engaging audience Q&A session and a networking reception.
The program continued with remarks by Philip Cox and Philip Goad, followed by reflections from Rosa Maria Falvo and David Holm. A major highlight was the panel discussion featuring Architect Zannat Jui, Goodwill Ambassador of the monograph; George Kunihiro, Tokyo City Coordinator; and Iftekhar Abdullah, Sydney City Coordinator, moderated by Timothy Horton, Commissioner of the Land and Environment Court.
Closing remarks were delivered by Tammy Dickson on behalf of RAIA NSW and Samik Waiz representing Bangladeshi Architects in Australia (BaA). The evening reached a poignant conclusion with a special address by Glenn Murcutt, who described the monograph as “a reflection of a beautiful country,Bangladesh.”
The event was curated by Farhadur Reza, who also served as Master of Ceremony, and was hosted by RAIA NSW Chapter, Bangladeshi Architects in Australia (BaA), and SHATOTTO | Architecture for Green Living. It brought together a distinguished audience, including Peter Stutchbury, Louis Cox AO, Surma Zahid,recipient of one of Bangladesh’s highest civilian honors,and even the ten-year-old daughter of Rafiq Azam, Juwayriya Azam, who witnessed the evening’s significance.
The success of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of ‘ideas Architects, Sydney’ and team SHATOTTO, Dhaka. Special acknowledgement was extended to Abul Kalam Azad, Managing Director of Evergreen Trading International Ltd., for his presence as a valued sponsor, alongside Berger Bangladesh Ltd. (Platinum Sponsor), South Breeze Housing Ltd., Asian Paints, Porcelanosa Bangladesh, Penthouse Livings, and Tilottoma Bangla Ltd. Additional thanks were given to Channel I, musicians, and photographers for their support, as well as to the Sydney Opera House for its exceptional hospitality.
From its opening moments to the closing book signing, the evening resonated with a shared commitment to architecture as a humane, inclusive, and transformative practice,deeply rooted in culture, yet globally connected. It was not merely a launch, but the beginning of an evolving global conversation.
That conversation now continues beyond Australia. The next chapter of Connecting Creativity will unfold on May 13, 2026, in Tokyo at the International House of Japan, in the Iwasaki Koyata Memorial Hall (B1F), located just a five-minute walk from Azabu-juban Station. As the initiative moves into Japan, it carries forward the same spirit of exchange,inviting new dialogues that connect architecture, culture, and community across geographies, and reinforcing the vision of a shared creative future.
