Architecture in Bangladesh Expands Its Global Journey
By Neha Shamim
Continuing its international journey, RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY, Architecture in Bangladesh arrived in India with consecutive launches in Bengaluru and Pune in June 2026, bringing together architects, educators, designers, students, and cultural practitioners through a shared exploration of architecture, creativity, and dialogue. Edited by Rosa Maria Falvo and published by Rizzoli New York in collaboration with SHATOTTO architecture for green living, the monograph has evolved beyond a publication into a platform for international architectural exchange, reflecting Prof. Rafiq Azam’s enduring commitment to design rooted in ecology, memory, and humanity.
Rooted in the historic neighborhoods of Old Dhaka, Prof. Rafiq Azam’s architectural philosophy is deeply informed by nature, water, light, and the lived experience of the place. His work embraces architecture as a humane and ecological practice, one that responds to climate, memory, and community while remaining grounded in Bengal’s cultural landscape. Through projects that merge environmental sensitivity with spatial poetry, Azam continues to demonstrate how locally rooted architecture can contribute meaningfully to contemporary global discourse.
The India chapter of the monograph’s international journey commenced on June 18, 2026, at Sabha, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, where more than 220 architects, educators, designers, students, and design enthusiasts gathered for the launch of RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY, Architecture in Bangladesh. Hosted by Fanzart, the programme was coordinated by Architect Bijoy Ramachandran, while Architect Asijit Khan, Coordinator of the Kolkata chapter of the international “Connecting Creativity” book launch series, was also present. The gathering celebrated architecture not merely as a profession but as a cultural practice capable of connecting people, places, and ideas.
The Bengaluru programme featured a keynote presentation by Prof. Md. Rafiq Azam, who reflected on more than three decades of architectural practice shaped by climate, landscape, and human experience. The official unveiling of RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY, Architecture in Bangladesh was led by renowned architect Ar. Sanjay Mohe, Principal Architect of Mindspace Architects. Audiences also viewed Between Earth and Light, a docu-fiction portraying Prof. Azam’s architectural journey and design philosophy, offering a poetic insight into the spatial, social, and emotional qualities that define his work.
The programme continued with a panel discussion moderated by Architect Bijoy Ramachandran, featuring Architect Soumitro Ghosh, Co-founder and Principal Architect of Mathew and Ghosh Architects, and Architect Akshara Verma, Director of ACE Group Architects. Together, they explored themes of contextual architecture, materiality, memory, climate-responsive design, and the cultural responsibility of architecture in shaping contemporary cities. A presentation by Tarun Lala, Co-founder of Fanzart, further reflected on the evolution of design and craftsmanship, enriching the evening’s dialogue.
Building on the momentum of Bengaluru, the monograph’s journey continued to Pune on June 21, 2026, where the Pune Design Show at Silver Palace became another platform for architectural reflection and exchange. Organized by A&i Digest in association with the Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association (AESA), the event was coordinated by Architect Tushar Kothawade, Pune Coordinator of the “Connecting Creativity” book launch series, bringing together architects, educators, designers, and students for meaningful conversations on architecture and the built environment.
The Pune programme opened with a keynote lecture by Prof. Md. Rafiq Azam, who explored how meaningful architecture emerges through a careful negotiation between people, place, and nature. The official unveiling of RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY, Architecture in Bangladesh marked another milestone in the monograph’s international journey, celebrating architecture as a shared cultural language capable of connecting diverse communities through creativity and dialogue.
An engaging conversation between Prof. Rafiq Azam and Architect Prasanna Desai expanded discussions on contemporary architectural practice, urban transformation, and contextual design, while contributions from Architect Ravi Gadre and Architect Tushar Kothawade highlighted the importance of climate-responsive architecture and sustainable urban development. A special moment of the evening was the felicitation of Prof. Azam by Architect Ravi Gadre and the Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association (AESA), recognizing his distinguished contribution to contemporary architecture. The ceremony was attended by Monica Danait, Amit Danait, B. L. Manjunath, Architect Andy Rahman, Architect Bijoy Ramachandran, and members of AESA.
Together, the Bengaluru and Pune launches reaffirmed architecture’s enduring ability to transcend borders while remaining deeply rooted in culture, place, and community. Bringing together leading architects, academics, designers, students, and industry professionals, the two programmes strengthened the growing international dialogue surrounding architecture as a medium for cultural exchange, environmental responsibility, and creative collaboration. As the international journey of RAFIQ AZAM: OLD DHAKA, NEW STORY, Architecture in Bangladesh continues, each new destination strengthens the global conversation surrounding architecture, creativity, and cultural exchange, carrying forward a vision that celebrates design as a bridge between people, places, and ideas.
