Iftekhar Ahmed, PhD
Professor
Iftekhar Ahmed is trained in Architecture, Urban Design and Heritage Conservation. After receiving Bachelor of Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 2001, he worked at URBANA Architectural Consultants, Dhaka as architect for two years. In 2003, he joined BRAC University as a Lecturer. In 2005 he received the ADB-Japan scholarship to complete Master of Urban Design from the University of Hong Kong. He received his PhD from the Department of Architecture of National University of Singapore in 2012. His area of research was informal heritage management. He worked as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore in projects such as 'Benchmarks, Best Practices and Framework for Sustainable Urban Development and Cities'. His research and practice focus on participatory heritage management, affordable housing and sustainable development.
Address
Level: 5
Kha-224 Merul Badda
Dhaka 1212. Bangladesh
-
Education
+–- PhD, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2012.
- Master of Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2005.
- Bachelor of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2001.
- PhD, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2012.
-
Publications
+–Books
Ahmed, I., & Sultana, S. R. (Eds.). (2018). Bashirul Haq Architect. Ghaziabad, India: Copal Publishing Group. Retrieved from http://www.copalpublishing.com/book-detail.php?id=39
Ahmed, I., & Reza, M. H. (Eds.). (2018). Re-Imagining Bengal. Ghaziabad, India: Copal Publishing Group. Retrieved from http://www.copalpublishing.com/book-detail.php?id=34
Book Chapters
Ahmed, I. (2023). Amphibious housing as a sustainable flood resilient solution: case studies from developed and developing cities. In F. Pacheco-Torgal & C.-G. Granqvist (Eds.), Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering (pp. 349–370). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95336-8.00011-1
Ahmed, I. (2020). To ‘Float’ or ‘Not’: Cases of amphibious housing and their impacts on vulnerable communities of Jamaica. In I. Chowdhooree & S. M. Ghani (Eds.), External Interventions for Disaster Risk Reduction: Impacts on Local Communities (pp. 273–296). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4948-9_15
Ahmed, I. (2018). Bashirul Haq’s Architecture. In Bashirul Haq Architect (pp. 5–12). Ghaziabad, UP, India: Copal Publishing Group.
Ahmed, I., Khalil, A. L., Khan, T., Subrina, S., & Sharif, A. E. (2018). Early works. In Bashirul Haq Architect (pp. 13–89). Ghaziabad, UP, India: Copal Publishing.
Ahmed, I., Khan, T., & Subrina, S. (2018). Later works. In Bashirul Haq Architect (pp. 93–166). Ghaziabad, India: Copal Publishing Group.
Ahmed, I. (2018). Managing community based heritage: the role of social capital in participatory informal heritage management in Old Dhaka. In I. Ahmed & M. H. Reza (Eds.), Re-Imagining Bengal: Architecture, built environment and cultural heritage (1st ed.). Ghaziabad, India: Copal Publishing Group.
Reza, M. H., & Ahmed, I. (2018). Re-Imagining Bengal: Some critical thoughts. In I. Ahmed & M. H. Reza (Eds.), Re-Imagining Bengal: Architecture, built environment and cultural heritage. Copal Publishing Group.
Ahmed, I., & Ahmed, B. (2018). Learning from Panam Nagar: Lessons from the transitional hybrid houses of the colonial period in Bengal. In I. Ahmed & M. H. Reza (Eds.), Re-imagining Bengal: Architecture, built environment and cultural heritage. Copal Publishing Group.
Reza, M. H., & Ahmed, I. (2018). Assessing the risk and threats to Choto Katra: A strategic management plan involving the local community. In I. Ahmed & M. H. Reza (Eds.), Re-imagining Bengal: Architecture, built environment and cultural heritage. Copal Publishing Group.
Ahmed, I. (2017). Santal mud dwellings: Materials, construction and space typology. In C. Mileto, F. Vegas, L. García-Soriano, & V. Cristini (Eds.), Vernacular and Earthen Architecture: Conservation and Sustainability. Valencia Spain: CRC Press. Retrieved from https://www.crcpress.com/Vernacular-and-Earthen-Architecture-Conservation-and-Sustainability-SosTierra/Mileto-Lopez-Manzanares-Garcia-Soriano-Cristini/p/book/9781138035461
Journals
Ahmed, I., & Khan, T. (2023). Finding post-colonial identity through vernacular and climate responsive adaptations: the architecture of Bangladesh from 1947 to 1971. Open House International, (ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/OHI-03-2023-0064
Ahmed, I. (2019). Craftsman, informal heritage management and social capital in conserving chini-tikri work of Kosaituli mosque, Old Dhaka, Bangladesh. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 9(3), 334–351. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-07-2018-0050
Ahmed, I. (2017). Role of adaptive home based workspaces in coping gender inequality in Korail slum, Dhaka. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 5(5), 161–172. Retrieved from http://www.hrpub.org/download/20170930/CEA1-14810149.pdf
Ahmed, I. (2017). Community, heritage and social capital: Informal heritage management in Old Dhaka. Open House International, 42(1), 65–72.
Malone-Lee, L. C., Reese, M., Heng, C. K., Ahmed, I., & Shams, I. (2014). Evaluating food sustainability in the context of resource-constrained cities: Singapore as a case study. Food Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 2(4), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.18848/2160-1933/CGP/v02i04/40555
Ahmed, I. (2011). Lifestyle and affordability choices in traditional housing of old Dhaka. Open House International, 36(3), 74–84.
Ahmed, I. (2007). The heritage of Shankharibazar: Peoples participation in the conservation process to promote cultural tourism. BRAC University Journal, 4(2), 7–16. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10361/400
Ahmed, I. (2006). A participatory approach to conservation: Working with community to save the cultural heritage of Panamnagar. BRAC University Journal, 3(2), 25–33. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10361/568
Conferences
Ahmed, I. (2016, December 8). Coping gender inequality through home based work: a study of adaptive micro scale work environments in Korail slum, Dhaka. Paper presented at the 2nd NZAAR International event series on Natural and Built Environment, Cities, Sustainability and Advanced Engineering, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ahmed, I., Malone-Lee, L. C., & Heng, C. K. (2012, November 5-6) . Water-integrated urbanism: assessing how cities can be more water-secured through the ‘city as a catchment’ concept, using Singapore as a case study. Paper presented at the 1st International Conference on Urban Sustainability and Resilience, UCL, London.
Ahmed, I., Malone-Lee, L. C., Heng, C. K., & Lin, G. (2012, November 5-6). An assessment framework for urban sustainability with a focus on food security. Paper presented at the 1st International Conference on Urban Sustainability and Resilience, UCL, London.
Ahmed, I., L’Heureux, E.G., & Hakim, S.S. (2011, February 25-26). Opportunistic crises: A Hydrological Urbanism for Singapore. Paper presented at the 5th International Conference of the International Forum on Urbanism (IFoU) titled 'Global Visions: Risks and Opportunities for the Urban Planet', National University of Singapore, Singapore. Retrieved from http://globalvisions2011.ifou.org/Index/Group%203/FOUA00025-00046P2.pdf
Ahmed, I. (2010, May 23-28). The state of Religious heritage in Dhaka: challenges for maintaining authenticity in urban mosques. Paper presented at the International Conference on First International Conference for Urban & Architecture Heritage in Islamic Countries: Its role in Cultural & Economic Development, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed, I. (2009). Community participation in Sustainable heritage conservation: Integrating 'Sense of Place’ and Participatory conservation to save the heritage of Old Dhaka. Paper presented at the International Conference on ‘Heritage in Asia: Converging Forces and Conflicting Values’, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Ahmed, I. (2007). Panamnagar: A participatory approach of conservation to save the cultural heritage. In M. Rahman (Ed.), Society, architects, and emerging issues, Dhaka, April 2007 : Conference book (pp. 95–102). Dhaka, Bangladesh, London, UK: Institute of Architects & Commonwealth Association of Architects.
Ahmed, I. (2006). Working with people: A Proposal for Community Participation in Conserving the Cultural Heritage of Panamnagar. Paper presented at the 1st Urban Design International Congress (UDIC1), Isfahan, Iran.
-
Professional Activities
+–Academic appointments
- Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2018 to 2023.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2015 to 2018.
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 2013 to 2014.
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2007 to 2015.
- Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore (2011 to 2013).
- Teaching Assistant (Part time), Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2010 - 2012.
- Research Assistant (Part time), Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, in Research Project: 'Hydrological urbanism' with A/P Erik Gerard L’Heureux, Singapore, 2009-11.
- Research Assistant (Part time), Research on City Hall Conservation (with Architectural Restoration Consultants, Singapore, 2009
- Research Assistant (Part time), Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, in Research Project: 'Water Margins (Phase I)' with Dr. Hee Limin, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2008-9.
- Lecturer, Department of Architecture, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2003 to 2007.
Professional appointments
• Architect (2001 to 2003)
URBANA Architectural Consultants, Dhaka, Bangladesh. - Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2018 to 2023.
-
Courses Taught
+–Design Studios of various levels
Graphics Communication I & II
Working Drawing I & II
History of Art & Architecture
ARC 231: Concepts in planning
ARC 232: Urbanism
ARC 331: Urban Design
ARC 511: Seminar I
ARC 512: Seminar II
-
Conferences, Talks, and Speaking Engagements
+–Conferences:
- Presented paper in 'SOStierra2017 International Conference on Vernacular Earthen Architecture, Conservation and Sustainability', organized by Universitat Politacnica De Valencia, Valencia, Spain, 14-16 September, 2017.
- .Presented paper, Chaired a session and received the best paper award in 'The 2nd NZAAR International event series on Natural and Built Environment, Cities, Sustainability and Advanced Engineering', organized by NZAAR, Kuala Lumpur, 8 December, 2016.
- Attended: 'Engage Dhaka': International Architecture Conference, organized by Bengal Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 15-17 January, 2015.
- Attended: ‘Comparative Urbanisms’: Conference organized by the Future Cities Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 7 February, 2013.
- Attended: ‘Sustainable Cities’: Annual Conference of the Consortium of Asian and African Studies (CAAS), National University of Singapore, 28-30 January, 2013.
- Attended: '4th International Network for Tropical Architecture Conference' (iNTA 2012), Organized by Centre for Advanced Studies in Architecture, Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, 12-14 December, 2012.
- Presented Papers: ‘1st International Conference on Urban Sustainability and Resilience’, UCL, London, November 5-7, 2012.
- Attended: 'Foraging a Sustainable Future for Asian Cities: Case studies on Urban Regeneration', organized by CSAC, SDE, National University of Singapore, 20-21 September, 2012.
- Attended: 'NUS-GAI Inaugural Signature Conference 2012: Transcending boundaries of geography and knowledge', organized by GAI, National University of Singapore, 28-29 June, 2012.
- Attended: 'Cities in search of their hinterland: Designing Sustainable Food Systems Symposium', organized by ETH, National University of Singapore, Friday 9th December, 2011.
- Attended: Conference on 'Historical Fragments in SE Asia' At the Interfaces of Oral History, Memory and Heritage, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. Organized by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and Singapore Heritage Society, 23-24 June, 2010.
- Presented Paper: International Conference titled ‘First International Conference for Urban & Architecture Heritage in Islamic Countries: Its role in Cultural & Economic Development’, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 23-28, 2010.
- Attended: NUS DOA-URA seminar titled 'Continuity and Community', organized jointly by NUS Architecture – URA at URA Centre, Singapore, 6 November, 2009.
- Attended: International Seminar and roundtable discussion on the recipient projects of the 'Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2007' for architectural projects of excellence, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 21 May, 2009.
- Presented Paper: International Conference on ‘Heritage in Asia: Converging Forces and Conflicting Values’, organized by the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 8-10 January, 2009.
- Attended: International Conference 'GASS 5: 5th Great Asian Streets Symposium - Future Asian Space', organized by Asia Research Institute: Asian Cities Cluster of School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 5-7 December, 2008.
- Attended: Seminar on 'Methods & Methodologies in Urban Studies' organized by Dept. of Social studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore, February, 2008.
- Attended: Seminar on ‘A study into Relevancy, Feasibility and Applicability of Formal Product Design Education in Bangladesh’ by DTC (Design and Technology Centre, A joint venture of Germany and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce) Dhaka, Bangladesh, September 2003.
Research:
• 'Benchmarks, Best Practices and Framework for Sustainable Urban Development and Cities', Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, 2011-13 (as Research Fellow).
• PhD Dissertation: ‘A study of architectural heritage management by the informal community bodies in traditional neighborhoods of Old Dhaka’, National University of Singapore, 2012.
• Projecting Singapore: A Case Study for Hydrological Urbanism with Erik Gerard L’Heureux, National University of Singapore, 2010-11 (as Research Assistant).
• Research on City hall Conservation, with Architectural Restoration Consultants, Singapore, 2009 (as Research Assistant).
• Water Margins (Phase I) with Dr. Hee Limin, National University of Singapore, 2008-9 (as Research Assistant).
• Architecture Education Survey (for Bangladesh at the level of school, college or faculty), funded by The AGA KHAN Trust for Culture with Dr. Fuad Hassan Mallick, BRAC University, Dhaka, 2006-7.
• URA Project - Wanchai Building Typology Study, Hong Kong, 2005 (as Research Assistant).
• Master of Urban Design Dissertation: ‘Edge defining elements and the vitality of Urban Public space’, The University of Hong Kong, 2005, - Presented paper in 'SOStierra2017 International Conference on Vernacular Earthen Architecture, Conservation and Sustainability', organized by Universitat Politacnica De Valencia, Valencia, Spain, 14-16 September, 2017.
-
Awards, Honors
+–Academic Scholarships
• Research Scholarship to study Doctor of Philosophy at the Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environment of National University of Singapore, Singapore (January 2008 - January 2012).
• Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship to study Master of Urban Design at the Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (September 2004 - September 2005).
• University Merit Scholarship, Bachelor of Architecture Program, BUET, 1996 -2001.
Awards
• Pubali Bank Worker Welfare award, 2004. -
Membership
+–- Member, ADB-Japan Alumni [ADB-Japan Scholarship Programme].
-
Research Areas/Interests
+–• Informal heritage management and public participation
• Sustainable urban development
• Affordable housing -
Workshop/Seminar/Conferences
+–• Attended: Sustainable Urban Living (SUL) R&D Roadmap Workshop organised by the URA and HDB to develop a roadmap for R&D in 'Improving food resilience and security in the face of uncertainty', Singapore, 23rd November, 2011.
• Attended: International Workshop on 'The Origin and Future of South-East Asian Coastal cities: Links, Layering and Transformations', organized by Asia Research Institute: Asian Cities Cluster of School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore, March, 2008.
• Attended: International Workshop on Urban Regeneration through Conservation titled 'Old but new new but old', organized by British Council Library and North-South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, March, 2007.
• Attended: Workshop and Seminar for Selection of possible 'sites' to establish an urban design & planning seminar series and Curriculum Development in 4 regions of South-East Asia (a project of UN-Habitat in collaboration with Department of Architecture, Katholic University of Leuven, Belgium) held at Department of Architecture, BRAC University, Bangladesh, August, 2006.
• Attended: Workshop on ‘Wanchai: A management Plan to Conserve People and Place’ held at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, April, 2005.
• Attended: Workshop and Public forum on ‘Kai Tak review’ held in Hong Kong, October, 2004.
• Attended: 2 month long workshop on ‘Improving language & communication skills’ for teachers organized by the British Council Library at BRAC University, July - August, 2004.
• Attended: ‘Faculty Development Workshop’ organized by BRAC University, September, 2003.
• Attended: Workshop on ‘Product Design’ by DTC (Design and Technology Centre, A joint venture of Germany and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce), Dhaka, Bangladesh, June. 2003.