Today one of the pioneers in shaping the architectural identity of Bangladesh and contemporary architects' community, Aga Khan Award winner architect Bashirul Haq (H-008) took his last breath at Gonoshasthaya Hospital on April 4, 2020. 

Bangladeshi architects mourn the passing of Bashirul Haq, one of the most respected architects of Bangladesh, and a beloved mentor to many.

Architect Nuru Rahman Khan said: "His architecture is not about being visual. It is about content. He is a modernist and a rationalist. His integrity, competence, and dedication towards architecture are unparalleled."

Architect’s Family Home & Studio. Image © Al Amin Abu Ahmed Ashraf (Dolon)

"He has not created the luxury iconic image for you in this city but wonderful places for families, for children and it is all about creating that community which is important in a housing complex," he said.

"Architect Bashirul Haq, being one of the most critically acclaimed architects of South Asia is an unbound source of inspiration for our young architects. His works have been widely discussed and praised both nationally and internationally," stated Context Design Architecture Culture.

Bashirul Haq is Bashirul Haq & Associates Ltd's Chief Architect. He graduated from the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan in 1964 with a bachelor in architecture. Haq finished his Master of Architecture degree in 1975, after his degrees in John Heimrich Tuition, Scholarship and Teaching Assistant degree at the University of New Mexico, in 1971. His reluctance to operate in the United States to develop a practice in Dhaka has also been stated as motivation for young graduates.  His works have been critically acclaimed for sensible and environment-responsive architectural style.

"The future of architecture is hinged on what constitutes sustainable architecture – an architectural footprint that trod carefully in nature," quoted by Bashirul Haq. 

Architect’s Family Home & Studio. Image © Al Amin Abu Ahmed Ashraf (Dolon)

[ Watch Knowing Bashirul Haq – An Architect, a Thinker, a Critic and More ]

Biographical timeline of Architect Bashirul Haq

1942: born 24 June in Brahmanbaria

1964: completed his Bachelor of Architecture from National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan

1971: received John Heinrich Tuition, Scholarship and Teaching Assistantship at the University of New Mexico, USA

1975: completed his masters in architecture from the University of New Mexico, USA

1977: established Bashirul Haq & Associates

1989: visited Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an invited design critic.

1999: co-authored the book Battling the Storm – Study on Cyclone Resistant Housing

2018: Bashirul Haq Architect, a monograph of his works and philosophy was published.

2020: took his last breath on 4 April.

Early Works

[Source: Bashirul Haq architect, Editor: Iftekhar Ahmad & Sheikh Rubaiya Sultana]

1978-82: Chowdhury residence

1979-81: Architect’s family home and studio

1983-87: BCIC Head Office building

1989: Bhatshala House

1989-92: Kalindi Apartment complex

1991-92: Shabuj Shona center

1992-94: Community development center and Cyclone Shelter

1994-97: Dhansiri apartment complex

1995: Gulshan pride apartment complex

1998-99 Cyclone shelter / School for DASCOH

Later works

[Source: Bashirul Haq architect, Editor: Iftekhar Ahmad & Sheikh Rubaiya Sultana]

2000-03: ASRA apartments

2003: Traning centre for Nijera Kori

2004-06: Chhayanaut Bhaban

2006-07: Sunbeam school

2009-12: East-West University

2010-15: A K Khan Ain Bhaban, Chittagong University

Top image: Bashirul Haq via Wikipedia. 

> via Context Design Architecture Culture