| From the Architect |

The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, who visited Bengal in the 7th Century, mentions some 30 Mahaviharas or Universities in the region. The proposed Academy could be imagined to have been one of these many archeological sites and be developed as a landscape with the essence of archeology. Paharpur or Maynamati, as examples of these institutions, were an effort to create an educational environment surrounded by student’s cells. The Aga Khan Academy is also trying to create a Sanctuary for Education.

The classical Master plan layout is derived from our studies of the original Buddhist universities of the region. The character of the Academy is defined by the massing and materiality of brick buildings situated on a sculpted and heavily planted landscape base, on all four sides of the calm, central Maidan (open field). This is the spiritual, recreational and social heart of the school.

A cohesive campus is achieved by creating a hierarchy of special spaces and features within a strong brickwork language developed from local Bangladeshi brick traditions, using appropriate local technologies wherever possible. A language of brick patterning and artistry has been developed here by learning from local precedents and expertise.

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