01/03/2024
On February 18, 2024, the two-week intensive Indo-Bangla-France workshop, "Learning from Puran Dhaka: Exploring the Future of Living Heritage," came to a close. The exhibition, which ran until February 24, 2024, at Alliance Française de Dhaka, displayed the participants' insightful insights and joint efforts. Another exhibition is on display in the Hamidur Rahman Community Centre in Zinzira, Keraniganj, Dhaka, till March 10, 2024.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in comprehensive on-site surveys, employing various methods such as observations, drawings, and interviews. Notably, students and mentors from the Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), alongside counterparts from prestigious institutions including École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris-La Villette, France; College of Architecture Trivandrum, India; Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture, India; and Mokpo National University, South Korea formed eight groups. These groups meticulously explored eight different sites (Boro Katra, Armanitola, Goltalab, Banglabazar, Tanti Bazar, Shankhari Bazar, Mangalabash, and Farashganj) in old Dhaka, unraveling the rich cultural heritage of Puran Dhaka and its profound influence on the future urban landscape.
The workshop yielded compelling insights, shedding light on critical issues surrounding heritage preservation, the evolving dynamics of economic activities in the historic center, and the preservation of historical edifices.
The inauguration event witnessed the distinguished presence of esteemed personalities, including Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, Ambassador Charles Whiteley of the European Union in Bangladesh, Ambassador Marie Masdupuy of France to Bangladesh, Ambassador Antonio Alessandro of Italy in Bangladesh, Chargé d'affaires Thijs Woudstra of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, and Prof. Dr. Khandaker Shabbir Ahmed, President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh.
The students and mentors from the Department of Architecture (DoA), BUET, played a pivotal role in this international endeavor, showcasing their expertise and dedication to addressing pressing urban challenges. Their contributions underscore DoA, BUET's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in the realm of architecture, urban studies, and heritage conversation.