Feature

The Annual Exhibition at the Department of Architecture, BRAC University Exhibiting
Works of strong, creative minds

Tamara Zafar

“Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward; they may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.” Goethe

For architects and architecture students alike, exhibiting their work is an opportunity to exhibit their ability in this field. It also promotes a healthy competition and is a way for many to get peer appreciation on a wider scale.

An architecture exhibition is unlike walking through art galleries or photography exhibitions. It is much more like walking through Alice's wonderland, where all craziness and rationality are put on display for you to experience. The projects on display can be something that can be interpreted in many ways depending on the beholder, or it could be as simple as looking into a mirror straight forward and simple.

The projects of the first year students provide interesting insights into fresh pools of creativity. Free from restrictions and limitations, these projects were representatives of the carefree freshmen year. Simple compositions with basic elements and playful use of colours show how these young minds can turn something ordinary into extraordinary.

Moving onto exhibits, the projects from second and third year students were more practical, and at the same time had the power to conceptualize innovative ideas. Concepts and inspirations give life and understanding to buildings and spaces.

Projects contributed by fourth year students and final year students are more professional and practical. However, the creative ideas are what make these projects worth exhibiting. Inspirations from Aztec and Mughal marvels to simple leaves lying on the ground give life to large scale projects such as resorts, cultural centers, airports, etc.

The architecture week exhibition is not only special for students who get to exhibit their hard work, but it is also a time when the whole Architecture department of BRAC University come together and work to make everything perfect for fellow students, architects and those who are interested in architecture. Visitors not only experience the array of thought provoking projects, but
also enjoy the wonderful environment. Students are seen buried in their work in studios that are filled with model making materials, some sit on the stairs - singing ballads to a beaten guitar, and some stare on blankly, tea in their hands, searching for the next big clue.

Arrangements such as Arch Kids and a public lecture are added attractions. The Arch Kids is an outreach program for primary school children, where they are taken on a tour through the department and are given games to play and artworks to create. This programme is aimed at raising awareness about good city environment among the young participants.

The Annual exhibition has been taking place in BRAC University regularly since its inception. It surely is something not to miss. Whether you are an architect, an artist, a business person or simply someone who still has not found his or her aim in the professional field, the architecture week at BRAC University can be a place for you to explore.

(Writer is a 4th year student of Department of Architecture, BRAC University)