THE PHILOSOPHY AND STYLE OF A BANGLADESHI ARCHITECT THAT I ADMIRE

Before studying architecture, I never looked up to any architects, search them, see their works,
etc. In fact, to me, architecture was simply meant to be crafting and outer design of a building. I
did not have any idea about the in-depth idea of architecture. But when I started studying
architecture, I got to know it is actually more than designing a building, and definitely not
crafting. Besides the design studio, architectural graphics courses made me more eager to know
about the master architects. See their sections, plans and graphic styles. Soon I searched up for
the native architects of my country. All the architects have different design philosophy and
different style of design. But one of the architects have truly struck me through their designs
and design philosophy. It is none other than Muzharul Islam.
Muzharul Islam was not just Bangladesh’s pioneer modernist architect, but also an activist
designer for whom architecture was more than just designing a place. It was more like an
effective medium for social transformation. His works and style of work simply struck me. I have
even visited his works and they seemed to be mind blowing. The conversion of the site, the
linking of the building with its surrounding site, connecting nature with the architecture-
everything seemed to be really fascinating to me. He is also considered to be the most
influential architect of Bangladesh. I didn’t know why, but now I know why.
His works and philosophy are widely discussed among the community of architecture. He never
needed to talk about his work, to publish his work, or promote himself in any way. He did not
even want to establish a separate architectural design philosophy. He always wanted to keep
his works simple and link them with nature. He avoided decorations and the theme was literally
to keep the materials in their own character, utilize geometry intelligently, proportion and
achieve efficiency. While being in trend with the contemporary architecture aspects, the goal
was always to stay faithful to the country’s climate and culture. That’s what I admire about him,
the most.
Talking about his works, we can never ever forget two of his projects that are claimed to be
masterpieces. The Fine Arts Institute and the National Library. His honesty towards his
philosophy is reflected in the above mentioned two projects.
The fine arts institute is said to be Muzharul Islam’s first work. The institute is dotted with
beautiful trees in a circular path at the end of the site. Bagan Bari is the scheme. The design
scheme also reflected the retention of all the trees in the site. A climate responsive design with
large balconies for experiencing the nature to the fullest. It also has lattices and perforated
screenings. To add with that, the sculptural stairs that were also designed by the architect
himself, connects the two levels of the building with a wonderful internal courtyard. The
ground is a noted place for gathering. The bricks and the terracotta designs were done by the
architect himself. When I visited the place, I was mesmerized to see how well the building
connected with its site. The internal court looked beautiful and the trees enriched the place. His
philosophy truly reflected in his work.
The National Library is also designed by Muzharul Islam. The site of the project is very near to
the Capital Complex. It reflects strong geometric configuration, along with its choice of
materials. The formal geometry of the library allows the building to make way for light and air
into the building. It does not only create wonderful arrangements in plan but also, visualizes the
building in a very beautiful way. I have visited this place as well, after studying about his work.
The spatial complexity and the quality of geometry has deeply affected me in a different way.
The process of the gradual distortion of the square struck me, that has been done deliberately
by the architect himself. Moreover, it is simply a complete package of what Muzharul Islam said
to be his design philosophy, which I admire about him the most.
He was always my most admired architect, and he’ll always be.