On Friday, an architecture exhibition titled ‘Learning from Puran Dhaka: Exploring the Future of Living Heritage’ began at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital’s Dhanmondi.
Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy, and Antonio Alessandro, Italian Ambassador in Bangladesh, were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Thijs Woudstra, Chargé d'affaires at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Bangladesh and Prof Dr Khandaker Shabbir Ahmed, President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh also joined the event.
This exhibition is the outcome of a two-week architectural research study by a group of architecture students from the universities of ENSA, Paris la Villette; BUET, Dhaka; BVCOA, Navi Mumbai; C.A.T., Trivandrum; and Mokpo University, South Korea.
They split into several working groups to investigate endangered heritage, circular economy, urban agriculture, innovation as part of traditional activities, informal sectors, public space distribution, and corporate culture in Puran Dhaka.
Amid its rapid growth, Dhaka risks losing its architectural and living heritage. An intricate relationship exists between Puran Dhaka and the river Buriganga, and this field workshop will explore this relationship and highlight the various aspects of living heritage still thriving in the old labyrinths of the city, according to the organizers.
A team of 44 students and 12 mentors worked together to map and document these aspects of the old city. This study encompasses various elements, including the evolution of Bara Katra from a residential area in Mughal times to an economic hub for the neighbourhood, albeit losing its original purpose.
It explores the hierarchy of public open spaces in the Armanitola neighbourhood and delves into the traditional craft of Shankhari bangle-making by learning from Shankhari artisans. Additionally, it examines the preservation of Bangla culture in Tanti Bazar, where the sheen of gold contributes to the swift transformation of the built heritage.
The study also highlights the enduring literary and cultural legacy in Bangla Bazar, the presence of Gol Talab as a rare oasis in densely populated Puran Dhaka, and the changes in the mansions of Zamindars in Mongolabash. Finally, it delves into the wood-to-paper connections in the Farashganj neighbourhood.
The efforts of this extensive and informative research project can be explored at the exhibition open to all at La Galerie till Friday, February 23, from 3pm to 9pm every day.
The opening was followed by a performance art titled ‘Gaaner Kuli’.