Arch Week 2019

The Department of Architecture at Brac University celebrated its journey of sixteen years through ‘Arch Week 2019’’ on 17^th to 20^th February, 2019 at the Chitrashala Enclave of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The event was organized in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Arch Week 2019, a four-day event included exhibition of student and alumni projects, Angan architectural Lectures, Arch.KIDs outreach program, Design Charrette student competition, launching of Folio 2, and a cultural event.

Arch Week 2019 was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor, Member of the Parliament and the former Minister of Cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh. Professor Vincent Chang, Vice-Chancellor, Brac University attended the event as the Special Guest. Along with the Chief Guest and the Special Guest, Professor Zainab Faruqui Ali, Chairperson, Department of Architecture and Professor Fuad H Mallick, Dean School of Design addressed the audience at the inauguration ceremony.

Folio 2, a compilation of creative works of the student and other related activities of the department, was launched at the inauguration ceremony.

The event began with an inter-university design competition titled “Window” on 15 February 2019. The participants presented innovative solutions through any media of their choice. A total of 71 participants competed in this competition. The submissions was judged by noted architects and academics Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad, Md. Emran Hossain and Nesfun Nahar Nipa.

The Department of Architecture at BRAC has had a long tradition of hosting Angan lectures presented by eminent architects and artists from all arenas of art. Arch Week 2019 hosted Angan lectures in three consecutive days of the event, presented by Wong Mun Summ of WOHA, Singapore, Foyez Ullah of Volumezero Ltd., Khondaker Hasibul Kabir of Department of Architecture, Brac University and Marina Tabassum of MTA.

Arch.KIDs, an outreach program of the Department of Architecture geared towards raising awareness in school and college students about the ecological balance in the natural and built environment, was held on 16 February 2019. 35 children from different schools participated in this activity under the theme "Right to Play". As a part of this outreach program, 60 Secondary School Students also visited this exhibition on 19 February, 2019.

In the Closing ceremony, Professor Mohammed Tamim, the Pro-Vice Chancellor Brac University gave the concluding speech. Professor Tamim then handed over the “Excellence in Design Award” for Fall 2018 to recognize academic excellence of students in design projects starting from 1^st through 5^th year design studios. 

The event concluded with an excellent cultural performance mainly by the students who presented dance, recitation, solo and chorus songs, along with playing various musical instruments. And all members of the faculty presented a chorus song in this event. ‘’Árch week 2019’’ was sponsored by Elite paint, Porcelanosa, Akij Ceramics, Mirpur & Khadim ceramics, Volumezero Ltd.