Events

The published announcement describes an online symposium bringing together architects, educators and researchers to engage with New Contextualism, ‘a thoughtful architectural philosophy crafted by Dr. Mohammad Habib Reza’ (Context BD 2025).

Speakers were to reflect on context-sensitive design across heritage sites, urban landscapes and underserved communities, and on how architectural practice and pedagogy can harmonise innovation with cultural and ecological continuity (Context BD 2025). Participants’ roles are listed as they appeared in the announcement.

The organisers posted updates through the New Contextual Group on Facebook.

The published announcement describes a workshop combining lectures, open to all, with hands-on exercises and discussions on: the principles of New Contextualism; the impact of context on design decisions; case studies of New Contextual projects; global practices adopting the approach; possibilities and challenges in contemporary design; and the approach’s potential and limitations (Context BD 2024a).

Ten alumni of the Department of Architecture were announced as mentors for the hands-on exercises (Context BD 2024a).

A report published after the workshop records an introductory session by Mohammad Habib Reza, followed by lectures. Tanjina Khan spoke on how contemporary architecture and urban design integrate New Contextual principles, and S M Kaikobad presented case studies of New Contextual projects worldwide. Mohammad Zillur Rahman set out the methodology of applying the approach to architectural and urban projects, drawing on earlier student work. Md Samiur Rahman Bhuiyan addressed its challenges and prospects, suggesting that it ‘could be termed SDG+ (Sustainable Development Goal Plus)’ (Arch-Bangla 2024c).

According to BRAC University’s report, the lecture series was given by academics and architects who had contributed to the development of New Contextualism. It covered the historical development of the approach, its theoretical framework, case studies and its interdisciplinary nature.

In the hands-on exercise that followed, participants worked in groups to apply its principles to a design challenge, considering the historic, cultural, social and environmental aspects of context (BRAC University 2023).