The New Contextual Group is pleased to invite you to an online symposium titled “Reflections on New Contextualism: Voices from Practice and Academia.” Scheduled for Saturday, 16 August 2025, at 6:00 PM (Bangladesh Time), this virtual event brings together a dynamic panel of architects, educators, and researchers to engage with New Contextualism—a thoughtful architectural philosophy crafted by Dr. Mohammad Habib Reza.

About the Symposium  

New Contextualism emphasizes architecture that rises from — and speaks to — its cultural, ecological, and urban context. In a rapidly transforming world, this symposium provides a critical platform to rethink how we design with place and purpose in mind.

This event seeks to explore how architectural practice and pedagogy can harmonize innovation with cultural and ecological continuity. Through an international lens, speakers will reflect on context-sensitive design across varied geographies—spanning heritage sites, urban landscapes, and underserved communities.

Featured Presenters

Tanjina Khan, PhD Scholar at Bartlett, UCL & Assistant Professor at BRAC University

Tasmia Kamal Proma, MArch from UIUC & Design Coordinator at HDR

S M Kaikobad, MSc in Architecture Studies from MIT & Senior Lecturer at BRAC University

Nuzhat Shama, Executive Architect at Rancon Developments Ltd

Kazi Akif, MS in Architecture & Urban Design from Politecnico di Milano

Sohana Khan, MArch from London South Bank University & Architectural Assistant at Article 25

Rafa Mashiyat Zahid, MArch from the University of British Columbia

Host:

Upama Das, Lecturer at BRAC University

What to Expect

Participants will gain rich insights into contemporary approaches that root architecture in place-based narratives, ecological awareness, and socially-grounded design. Case studies and research-driven reflections promise to bridge academic theory with real-world application—a valuable intersection for professionals and students alike.

Who Should Attend

Architects • Urban Designers • Planners — seeking advanced perspectives in context-aware design

Academics • Researchers — exploring pedagogical links to global practice

This discussion is ideal for architecture students (Level 4 and above) seeking applied frameworks to enrich their thesis or studio projects.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025

Time: 6:00 PM Bangladesh Time

Where: Online via Zoom

Registration: Required — limited seats available, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XuiJu9u8uLb29XAAIw9Q088GQquxcJEOya0HjpL4Cz4/

Mark your calendars, register early, and join this compelling conversation that promises to redefine how architecture responds to contemporary challenges.

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