| Sanjida Hasan |
30th of November, 11.30am. Department of Architecture, CUET, was exalted by the presence of one of the preeminent architects of Bangladesh, Ar. Mohammad Foyez Ullah and his prudent conversation on ‘Theory Vis-A-Vis Practice’, based on the relation of theory and its application in professional field. The seminar was coordinated by Assistant Professor, Ar. Sajal Chowdhury and Lecturer Ar. Amit Imtiaz at the presence of Dean and Head of the department, CUET. Honorable VC of CUET Prof. Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Alam was the chief guest of the seminar.
Ar. Foyez Ullah, former academician in BUET, started his professional life as the co-founder of Vistara Architects and eventually he grew his unique ideology and established Volume Zero Ltd. as an individual entity.
He drew his inspirations from Louis I. Kahn, F. L. Wright, Le Corbusier, Tadao Ando, Shamsul Wares, Muzharul Islam etc. He expressed how deeply Ar. Louis I. Kahn has influenced his work through his several quotes and explained them easily to the students to perceive. While explaining the name of his firm ‘Volume Zero Ltd.’ he referred to Kahn saying; “Go back to the beginning”, Exploring and discovering the phase of nothingness is the motto of the firm.
Ar. Mohammad Foyez Ullah directed the discussion over the dilemma of theory and its application and strived for its answers in professional practice. His design philosophy is influenced by Sullivan-“Form follows Function” in some extent. Through the years he has developed a flexible, context oriented, modernist work style. ” Theory is abstracted practice, and practice is applied theory“, said Ar. Foyez. He displayed his student projects and portfolio and inspired students to take advantage of hand-drawing to convey emotions in design but not to ignore the blessings of technology. He has also exhibited some of his projects from the time of Vistaara Architects and Volumezero Limited as well. He explained how architects can work in collaboration with professionals of every department, while sustaining their individuality. Some of his renowned works are Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, GP House, Simpletree Anarkali, Akij House, International Convention Centre Bashundhara etc.
He has started the practice of sustainability through energy efficiency, waste water management and rainwater harvesting etc. He shared his views about sustainability through design and materialism in his projects, such as country’s First LEED Gold certified commercial building ‘Simpletree Anarkali’ project at Gulshan Avenue.
He conducted a very informative question/answer session and summed up the seminar by quoting from Kahn, ” Form is what, Design is how. “
He was awarded a crest by the honorable VC of CUET, who thanked him for his presence and valuable speech. Ar. Foyez Ullah expressed his gratitude to the audience for their patience and active co-operation. After a photo session , Coordinator, Ar. Amit Imtiaz thanked the audience for their effort, enthusiasm and hard work to make this seminar a success.
Sanjida Hasan is the student at Dept. of Architecture, CUET.
Photo Credit : Farhan Ishrak Shoumo, Kazi Fahim Nasir, Sheikh Fahim Shahariar Shuvo
