Future of architecture bright in Bangladesh

The conversation began with a question- how important architecture is? And the answer was pretty convincing.

"There are analogies where people frequently compare the father of a nation to an architect. This is how important architecture is," said Mubasshar Hussain, president of the Commonwealth Association of Architects.

During a conversation with The Business Standard, he talked about the transformation of the architectural scenario of Bangladesh, evolving from the early seventies.

Evolution of architecture in Bangladesh

"In 1972, I met one of my relatives who was planning to build a house. I offered to design it for him, but it left him awestruck. He asked me why he should build his house according to my taste," said Mubasshar while describing the how it was for architects in the past.

But the situation has changed with time.

"After independence, this sector has brought the highest number of international medals for Bangladesh," he said.

There were prominent figures like Muzharul Islam who contributed to this transformation. He had some brilliant projects executed during the 60s-70s.

Mubasshar Hussain thinks our architects are doing excellent works around the globe solely because of their talent.

No one has pitied Bangladesh, he said, it is the achievement that she has got because of her brilliance. Sadly, most of us are not aware of the fact.

"Safe roads along with wide footpaths and beautiful parks make a healthy nation."

Responsibilities of an architect

Mubasshar Hussain recollects the memory of the struggling time when they first decided to take the students abroad to participate in an international programme.

They had to go to the parents of female students and convince them in person by promising to take full responsibility. He revealed that once he had to drive 14km to the female students' hotel at 12 am because their parents were worried and wanted to talk to their daughters. In that time only he had a cell phone in the entire team.

These struggles became happiness with the student's success, he said.

"After researching people and places, architects plan a city, roads, spaces and buildings. With such great responsibilities, architects have to be percipient," he added.

What happens if they are not so?

The man took a moment and put off his glasses.

"Bangabandhu suggested not to have navy or air force headquarters in the capital. Now, after all these years, we are realising the importance of decentralisation."

Addressing the current situation of the capital he said safe roads should be the pre-condition of a developed country.

"Safe roads along with wide footpaths and beautiful parks make a healthy nation."

He said seven ministries are involved in maintaining the roads of Dhaka city. Lack of synchronisation among them is the result why there are light posts in the middle of the footpaths.

He mentioned how unplanned flyovers are making the situation worse rather than reducing the traffic jam.

For an enlightening future

When the focus was shifted to buildings from roads this correspondent asked him about his concept of spaces and use of red bricks in his designs.

"I always wanted to be innovative in my designs. Space has a psychologically soothing effect," he answered.

According to him, the materials he uses save you from maintenance cost every year making it cost-effective in the long run.

Mubasshar Hussain thinks the future of architecture is bright in Bangladesh no matter how the events turn out as people here are naturally talented. Still, a few suggestions can boost progress.

He said the budget had been a crucial problem in its way. But this can be solved easily if we know our work.

If you respect your work you will know the value it contains and it will lessen the chance to be exploited, he said.