‘Kathon’ invites you to this special event titled “A Language for the Delta: Muzharul Islam Re-visited” which will be held at the North South University Campus at Bashundhara. The event will span two consecutive days and also have an exhibition running parallel to the talks.  The event aims to bring the significant work and life of Shapatyacharya late Muzharul Islam to a new generation of aspiring architects. Architect Muzharul Islam is revered as the pioneer of modernity in Bangladesh. However, the philosophy behind his work has much deeper impact on the overall perception and understanding of architecture as an embodiment of its place. Starting from the design of the Fine Arts Institute in Dhaka in 1953, his profound body of work addressed the needs of an architecture that sought to rupture its previous domination of Mughal and Colonial influences. In a time where there were no precedents for a contemporary architectural expression Architect Muzharul Islam drew inspiration from a deep insight of local materials, context and climate. Muzharul Islam had created an architectural vocabulary that was completely modern and yet rooted in the uniqueness of the delta. His personal and political commitment to a secular Bengali identity has influenced all sectors of his life including the architectural manifestation of his time. The event is sponsored by PMG.

DAY 1:

Sub theme: Muzharul Islam – context, politics and architecture.

Major events:

1) Inauguration of Exhibition showcasing selected Reproduced Original Drawings of Architect Muzharul Islam courtesy of Muzharul Islam Archive, University of Asia Pacific. (Sky Gallery, Level 9 at 11 am.)

2) A Talk on Muzharul Islam and his association with context, politics and architecture. (Audi 801, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm)

Moderator: Ar. Md. Iqbal Habib, Director, Vitti Shapati Brinda

Speaker  Professor Shamsul Wares

Speaker Ar. Jalal Ahmed

Speaker Ar. Nuzhat

Followed by panel discussion.

DAY 2:

Sub theme: Muzharul Islam – today and beyond.

Major events:

1) A reflective critique on Muzharul Islam by young contemporary architectural practitioners and thinkers.                                                                      (Audi 801, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm)

Speaker. Ar. Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad

Speaker. Ar. Naushad Ehsanul Haque

Speaker. Ar. Abid Hasan Noor

Followed by panel discussion.

2) Closing of Exhibition by Architect Dr. Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed, Head, Dept. of Architecture, UAP.