The Department of Architecture at BRAC University partnered with the Embassy of Spain to organize a Spanish architecture lecture series this fall. A first time of its kind in Bangladesh, this series not only is an excellent way of bringing knowledge about international architectural and urban innovations and avant-garde thinking to Bangladesh, but also paves the path for greater cultural exchange between Bangladesh and Spain. This initiative contributes to the department’s pedagogical commitment to empower faculty and students with global thinking. By opening the lectures to a wider participation of design professionals and students, the lectures are expected to lay the foundation for a meaningful conversation between local and global design communities.
Architect Hector Fernandez Elorza, a Madrid-based internationally designer, presented the inaugural lecture of the series on October 17, 2017, at the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB). He shared his design philosophy through four of his built projects.
Professor Adnan Morshed, Chairperson of the Department, welcomed the audience by providing a background of the series and introducing Architect Hector Fernandez Elorza. Ms. Alejandra Lopez Garcia, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Spain, thanked the sponsors of the series. His Excellency Alvaro de Salas, Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh, emphasised the significance of the series as a platform for sharing knowledge. Dr. Syed Saad Andaleeb, Vice Chancellor of BRAC University, also addressed the audience and highlighted the importance of future-readiness in the university’s core pedagogy. Academics, designers, professionals, students, and members of the civil society participated in the lively and interactive event. The beautiful premise of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) provided a wonderful setting for the inauguration of the Spanish Lecture Series.
[ More photographs at Flickr ]