The Department of Architecture, Brac University, is pleased to announce that the organisation, ‘Paraa’, which is run by alumni of the department, has won the International Union of Architects (UIA) ‘Medal of Excellence’ for their ‘2020/2021 FRIENDLY & INCLUSIVE SPACES AWARD’ in the ‘PUBLIC & OPEN SPACES CATEGORY’ with their project ‘Bamboo Playspace’ which was an inclusive play space as part of their ongoing “Cycle of Care” project at Bosilla, Dhaka.
This is what the Jury had to say about the project: “A collaboratively designed and built spectacular structure that joyfully caters for children of all ages and abilities. The project is rooted in the process of learning about access to land, materials, environments and the ethics and politics of creating socially just space. “
Paraa is inspired by the recognition by the UIA award, as it shows the importance of a process driven design in creating open, public, inclusive safe spaces for urban city dwellers, especially in Bangladesh. Paraa has worked with LEEDO charity for many years now, initially with a small transition shelter space in Babubazar back in 2013-, to a small garden and performance space, to a mini ‘design build play’ workshop in 2017, and most recently the Bamboo Playspace in 2019 which was an impressive collaborative effort, laying testament to a learning and doing process that has involved young children, young architects, students and bamboo artisans.