With the aim of encouraging the exchange of knowledge and ideas among professionals and students regarding the relationship between architecture and philosophy, as well as the underlying thoughts and perspectives that shape architectural practice, the third episode of the seminar series titled “Architecture and the Architect in the Mirror” was held on Thursday, 30 July 2026, from 6:30 PM onwards, at the Multipurpose Hall of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB).
The distinguished architect and academician Ar. Prof. Md. Khairul Enam was present as the speaker of the session.
Ar. Prof. Md. Khairul Enam is a well-known and highly respected name in the history of architectural education and architectural practice in Bangladesh. For several decades, through his remarkable dedication, creativity, and professional experience as a teacher, architect, and researcher, he has continued to enrich the architectural profession in the country. He is currently a Professor and Head of the Department of Architecture at Daffodil International University (DIU) and a former faculty member of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Approximately 210 architects participated in the event, while the presence of many senior architects of the country further enriched the occasion.
Ar. Prof. Md. Khairul Enam has made significant contributions to the design and development of a number of important architectural projects in Bangladesh. His notable projects include the Police Head Office Building, Fulbaria, Dhaka (1988–92); Biman Head Office Building (Bolaka) at Zia International Airport (1993–95); Railway Head Office Building (1988–91); and the Head Office Building of the Steel and Engineering Corporation at Kawran Bazar (1977–80), among many other works. Beyond Bangladesh, his architectural work has also received recognition internationally. His notable achievements include the International Architectural Design Award and the Fael Khair Award for School-cum-Cyclone Shelter, 2010. Throughout his long teaching career, he has become a source of knowledge, experience, and creative inspiration for countless students and young architects.
During the seminar, Ar. Prof. Md. Khairul Enam delivered a presentation titled “My Architecture Journey: The Searching Space for a Purpose and Inspiration,” through which he shared different chapters of his long architectural journey. His presentation covered his experiences in architectural education and thesis work, his thesis project, and his subsequent involvement in a range of significant design and competition projects.
Throughout his long professional career, he has worked on numerous important architectural projects, institutional buildings, residential developments, master plans, and competitive design proposals both at home and abroad. His architectural practice also extended beyond the borders of Bangladesh, with his involvement in international projects such as Nangarhar University, Afghanistan (with BCL, 2009) and Balkh University, Afghanistan (with BCL).
Over this extensive professional journey, he has not only designed buildings but has also left his mark through his experience and creative thinking across diverse fields of architecture, including education, administration, research, housing, transportation, disaster resilience, and urban planning. Reflecting the evolution of architectural thought in response to changing project types, time periods, and contexts, he presented nearly six decades of diverse professional experience to the participants through his presentation.
His work, philosophy, curiosity, and creative thinking became a unique source of inspiration for the architects, educators, and young professionals present at the seminar.
Following the presentation, the question-and-answer session was moderated by Ar. Naina Tabassum. During this session, participating architects raised various questions regarding Ar. Prof. Md. Khairul Enam’s long architectural practice, different projects, design philosophy, research, and professional experiences. Through this lively and engaging discussion, the speaker shared his thoughts on his experiences, architectural ideas, and various aspects of his professional life. The session provided participants with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of his long and distinguished architectural journey.
Overall, the “Architecture and the Architect in the Mirror” seminar series has emerged as an important platform for professional self-reflection, intergenerational dialogue, and reconsideration of the humanistic philosophy of architectural practice.
In the concluding segment of the seminar, Ar. Kazi Golam Nasir, former Chief Architect of the Department of Architecture, presented a commemorative crest on behalf of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) to the distinguished guest.
The overall coordination of the seminar was carried out by Ar. Saida Akter, Secretary, Seminar & Convention, 26th Executive Council, IAB, while the programme was moderated by Ar. Sunila Binte Ahsan. In the concluding part of the seminar, Ar. M Wahid Asif, Secretary, Profession, 26th Executive Council, IAB, delivered the vote of thanks.
IAB extends its sincere gratitude to Asian Paints Bangladesh for their valuable support and cooperation in organizing this inspiring seminar.
