Architecture

Spring 2022: Dhaka Studio: Dwelling in the Delta

A collaborative studio of Bengal Institute with Global Housing Studio of TU Delft

Learning from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture: Fall 2021 Session

Bengal Institute, with Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), is organising a special course on architecture that shapes our thinking and practice.

Bauhaus and Early Modernism – March 2020 Session

A two week long academic program, part of the Spring 2020 Sequence "An Archaeology of Modernism," focusing on the most important phase of the birth, influence and evolution of the Bauhaus movement.

February 2020 Session: Muzharul Islam and Bengali Modernism

For the first time an academic session will explore Muzharul Islam’s work, life and philosophies closely as well as covering the historical and cultural background surrounding the time.

Spring 2020: An Archaeology of Modernism

The role of modernity in the making of architecture in Bengal, and the nature of architectural modernism itself are topics that need a better understanding. This sequence will have three sessions focusing on some of the core philosophies of modernism.

স্থাপত্যের উপস্থিতি: কাজী খালিদ আশরাফ | The Presence of Architecture – Lectures by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf

The August 2019 Session was a unique format of three public talks each followed by a seminar on the topic, from 29th August to 6th September, 2019.

Space of Water: A Floating Workshop for the Bengal Delta

How can a working vessel help reshape the relationship between life, land and water? - A two week long workshop with Arijit Chatterjee and Asha Sumra

Architecture as Drama: March 2019 Session

Seminar at the Bengal Institute with Holger Kleine, HSRM, Wiesbaden/Germany, and Timmy Aziz, MICA, Baltimore/USA

Learning from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture: September 2018 Session

It was a special session focusing on the Aga Khan Award for Architecture winning projects. Faculties include former AKAA Secretary General Suha Ozkan, Moroccan architect, writer Hassan Radoine and AKAA winners.

Leplastrier-Stutchbury Master Class 2018 at Panigram, Jessore

BI provided the wonderful opportunity for professionals to learn from renowned architects and thought-leaders, in the form of intense activities, discussions and workshops.

Fall 2017: September – November Session: Scale Is Everything: LARGE/MEDIUM/HUMAN

A seven week long special session brought renowned architects, landscape architects and academics for a fantastic series of design workshops, seminars and other special events.

Fall 2017: August Session: Scale is Everything ‘LARGE’

From house compounds to neighbourhoods, and from villages to rice-fields and regions with rivers and rivulets, we organize our surroundings in shifting scales and scopes...

Spring 2017: April – May Session: Complex/ity & Landscape Operations

April-May Session invited architects and thinkers to present their thoughts and works on the making of complexes from both rural and urban situations.

Fall 2016: October – November Session: A for Architecture, C for City

The upcoming academic session at Bengal Institute is 'unmissable,' as Peter Buchanan, Balkrishna Doshi, Juhani Pallasmaa and several other important faculties are joining us at the classroom, design-studio and public events.

Fall 2016: September Session: Architecture in the Landscape

A month long special program designed to bring out the best thoughts around designing for Bangladeshi landscapes

Fall 2016: August Sesssion: “Theory?”

August Session: “Theory?” was organized as a special seminar on “Theories of Architecture and Urbanism”.

Spring 2016: April Session: House, Cluster, Matrix

The theme of “House, Cluster, Matrix” addressed the range of rural and urban housing forms

Spring 2016: March Session: Place/Form

The month of March was very special to us. Along with our academic programs we organised a three-day long international symposium “Architecture Now/Next,” the first of its kind event in Bangladesh. Renowned local and international speakers and panelists.

Fall 2015: November Session: Architecture and the City

The session began with exercises ideas of designing small towns, which continued as an elaborate studio work on designing Mymensingh as an example of a small town.

Fall 2015: October Session: Home and Dwelling

Some prominent architects, from both home and abroad, came to join us in forums to share their works and ideas about Home and Dwelling.

Fall 2015: September Session: Cities and Settlements

This session explored the fundamentals of human settlements, large scale designs and cities. The discussion also brought in topics of how funding organizations and local community get involved in a project like designing new villages from scratch.

“Exploring Muzharul Islam” Lecture Series: Ehsan Khan

“Exploring Muzharul Islam” Lecture Series: Kazi Khaleed Ashraf

Agency of the Brick: From South Asia to the Moon

Sthapatyachaya Muzharul Islam’s Birth Centenary

A special program was organized to celebrate the Centenary of Architect Muzharul Islam on 25th December, 2023.

The Muzharul Islam Birth Centenary: A Special Seminar

Bengal Institute plans a series of programs and events to mark the Centenary of Architect Muzharul Islam on 9th December, 2023.

A Sustainable Tropical Campus

“From My House to Your House” – An Exhibition on Indian Vernacular Architecture

Research Directions in Sustainability in the Built Environment

Minnette de Silva and A Modern Architecture of the Past

An Evening with the 2022 Aga Khan Award Winners

“Bengal Stream: The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh” Exhibition in Dhaka

Walk for Arcause: Our Cause, Our Responsibility: A Talk by Gita Balakrishnan

Curating Architecture Exhibitions as Critical Practice – A Public Talk by Andres Lepik

Two Talks and a Conversation: Rupali Gupte and Prasad Shetty

A Lecture by Dirk van Gameren

As part of the joint studio of TU Delft and Bengal Institute on Global Housing, on Thursday, April 28, an open lecture by Dirk van Gameren was organized. 

Conversation with Michael Manfredi, Marion Weiss and Kazi Khaleed Ashraf—BI Between 04

Michael Manfredi, Marion Weiss and Kazi Ashraf discuss the urban and landscape considerations to be made for any architecture project, their design philosophies and works in the riveting fourth episode of BI Between.

The Experience of Architectural Photography – A Lecture by Richard Schulman

শূন্যতার সন্ধানে, ন্যূনতার আহ্বানে – The Pursuit of “Nothingness” – Kazi Khaleed Ashraf

A public lecture by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf on 4th September at Goethe Institute, the last one of the series of three lectures with the overall theme of "Presence of Architecture"

আধুনিকতায় বাংলাদেশের স্থাপত্য – কাজী খালিদ আশরাফের লেকচার

A public lecture by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf

Sensual Analysis of Place-Specificity – A Lecture by David Sweere

Bengal Stream at German Architecture Museum in Frankfurt

Followed by the successful inaugural exhibition in Basel at the Swiss Architecture Museum, and in Bordeaux, France at Arc en Rêve, the "Bengal Stream-The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh" opened in Frankfurt, Germany on 6th June 2019

Inhabiting Interior Seas – A Lecture by Arijit Chatterjee and Asha Sumra

Arijit Chatterjee and Asha Sumra explore how interventions establish a fluid relationship between communities, land and water, and the shifting spaces in-between.

Building Landscapes – A Lecture by Dirk van Gameren

Dirk van Gameren speaks about landscape architecture and design at Chhayanaut Auditorium organised by Bengal Institute

What Is Good Architecture?

A public presentation and discussion with Professors Timmy Aziz and Holger Kleine and the participants of their academic program at the Bengal Institute.

Bengal Stream Exhibition in Bordeaux

The exhibition "Bengal Stream - The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh" organised by the Swiss Architecture Museum in association with Bengal Institute started off at Basel, Switzerland. Next, it traveled to Bordeaux, France.

Architecture in the Middle East – Public Lecture by Hassan Radoine

Professor Hassan Radoine from Morocco talked about the transformations of middle eastern architecture.

Creating Natural Change – A Lecture by Eike Roswag-Klinge

"Creating Natural Change for the Built Environment" - A public lecture by Eike Roswag-Kinge at Chhayanaut Auditorium on 12th September, 2018

Atmospheric Conditions: Architecture that Matters – A Public Lecture by David Leatherbarrow

Architecture Oriented Otherwise – A Forum with David Leatherbarrow

David Leatherbarrow shares his thoughts on the more subtle and less quantifiable aspects of architecture.

Two Talks by Richard Leplastrier and Peter Stutchbury

Two Australian stalwart architects and educators Richard Leplastrier and Peter Stutchbury will give two lectures on 18th April, 2018, Wednesday.

স্থপতি ক্রিস্টোফার বেনিনজার রচিত বইয়ের প্রকাশনা অনুষ্ঠান

Architecture in Bangladesh: Streams and Waves – A Conversation between Kazi Khaleed Ashraf and Niklaus Graber

Architecture in Bangladesh: Streams and Waves - A Conversation between Kazi Khaleed Ashraf and Niklaus Graber on 15th February, 2018, Thursday at Chhayanaut Auditorium, Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Bengal Stream: The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh at Swiss Architecture Museum in Basel

The first ever exhibition dedicated to the architecture of Bangladesh opened at the Swiss Architecture Museum in Basel, Switzerland

Bengal Architecture Symposium 3: In the Spirit of the Land – Anjalendran & Burgess

IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LAND Two Talks and a Conversation GREGORY BURGESS and C ANJALENDRAN

Ng Sek San: Off-Grid: Making in the Tropics

Ng Sek San is the principal of Seksan Design Landscape Architecture and Planning. He was invited to speak about his projects and give his unique perspective on design and planning.

Public Lecture 26: Prem Chandavarkar: “On Craft and Design Practice”

Form and Content – Public Lecture by Kevin Low

Kevin Low an architect based in Kuala Lumpur— a provocative, critical mind, who is redefining Malaysian architecture.

Neelkanth Chhaya – Responsiveness in Architecture – Public Lecture 23

Neelkanth Chhaya talks about the responsive approach to architecture and design and the importance of evolving and adapting the practice according to both the time and location.

Next Sylhet Exhibition

Next Sylhet: : Visions for a New Urban Future

The Talk by Balkrishna Doshi at Bengal Architecture Symposium 02

The scope of architecture now encompasses more than just creating buildings. In its extended sense, architecture now involves the design of towns and cities, the rearrangement of landscapes, and the provision of well-being of communities.

Empathic Imagination: A talk by Juhani Pallasmaa at Bengal Architecture Symposium 02

With an introduction by Marina Tabassum, Juhani Pallasmaa's talk transcends the boundaries of how we typically understand architecture to a phenomenological experience.

The Conversation with Balkrishna Doshi, Juhani Pallasmaa and Kazi Khaleed Ashraf

Followed by the talks by Doshi and Pallasmaa, the conversation continued with the interpretational and methodological processes involved with the act of drawing.

Bengal Architecture Symposium 02 – Doshi/Pallasmaa: Two Talks and a Conversation

The Second Bengal Architecture Symposium was organised by Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements and Bengal Foundation to honour the works and philosophy of two renowned architects, Balkrishna Doshi and Juhani Pallasmaa.

Forum: Architecture in the Landscape in Bangladesh

Lyndon Neri and Rosanna Hu: The Obsessions in the Works

Lyndon Neri and Rosanna Hu are Founding Partners of Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, an inter-disciplinary international architectural design practice based in Shanghai, China with an additional office in London.

Reciting Muzharul Islam: A Reading and Discussion

On 5th May, 2016, Kazi Khaleed Ashraf and Saif Ul Haque organised a reading - recitation from the conversations with Muzharul Islam followed by a discussion forum at Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts. Listen to the recording:

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Suha Özkan

Suha Özkan at Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Peter Buchanan

Peter Buchanan at Bengal Architecture Symposiums: Now/Next

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Panel Discussion: “What Next?”

Discussion: "What Next" at Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Panel Discussion: Education – Now/Next

Discussion: "Education - Now/Next": Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Syed Manzoorul Islam

Syed Manzoorul Islam at Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Adèle Naudé Santos

Adele Santos at Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Byoung Soo Cho

Byoung Soo Cho at Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Võ Trọng Nghĩa

Võ Trọng Nghĩa at Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Panel Discussion: Crafting Architecture

Discussion: "Crafting Architecture": Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Marina Tabassum

Opening remark at the Bengal Architecture Symposium by Marina Tabassum

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Kazi Khaleed Ashraf

Opening remarks by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf at the Bengal Architecture NOW/NEXT Symposium

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Abul Khair Litu

Opening remarks by Abul Khair Bengal Architecture NOW/NEXT Symposium

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Peter Stutchbury

Day 01 Peter Stutchbury at Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Bengal Architecture Symposium 01: Now/Next – Panel Discussion: Architecture that Validates

Day 01 Discussion: “Architecture that Validates” - Bengal Architecture Symposium: NOW/NEXT

Public Lecture 14: Philip Goad: Poetry in Section – The Architecture of Glenn Murcutt

It is a tribute to the Australian master architect Glenn Murcutt by Professor Philip Goad; with several beautiful examples, references, analogy and insights, leading to the fact that Murcutt is the poet of 'sections.'

Earth Architecture And Eco Villages: A Lecture by Iliona Khalili

Iliona Khalili speaks on Earth based sustainable architecture.

Public Lecture 12: Soumitro Ghosh: Thoughts and Works

James Timberlake: “Alluvium: Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the Crossroads of Water”

A Conversation with Michael Sorkin and James Timberlake: Re-fabricating Cities & Architecture

Discussions about the present and the future of our cities between two maestros of the theories and the practice...

Public Lecture 09: Andra Matin: Works

Context and Identity : A Contemporary Practice of Sri Lankan Modern Architecture – A Lecture by Channa Daswatte

Daswatte started with a comprehensive intro to Sri Lankan architecture, followed by some his best works in this lecture at Chhayanaut on 28th October, 2015.

Public Lecture 01: The Validation of Architecture – Suha Özkan

Suha Özkan was the coordinator of one of the most important architectural award programs, “Aga Khan Awards for Architecture” from 1982 to 2007...

Good Practices in RMG Factory Design Guidance

A guidance manual for ready-made garment factories in Bangladesh, the book presents examples of planning schemas for medium and large-scale factories in a a collaboration between the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements (BIALS) and the International Labor Organization (ILO)

BI / BAU Works: Tribeni Canal and Linear Park, Narayanganj, 2019

To revive and improve the bank of Tribeni Canal, Bengal Institute/BAU Design was entrusted by the Narayanganj City Corporation to propose a design.

BI / BAU Works: Phultola Community Center, Khulna, 2018

Intended to improve the social and economic status of the Dalit community of the Phultola area in Khulna, BI / BAU developed a conceptual plan in 2018. Currently, the project has been revived with the same program but a different location.

Kawran Bazar City Centre – A New Urban Fabric for Dhaka

A Concept Plan prepared by Bengal Institute / BAU Design Ltd for Dhaka North City Corporation, 2021

A New Urban District for Rasadnik, Skopje, in Macedonia Competition Entry 2022 (competition canceled)

Hazrat Shahporan Mazar Complex

Bengal Institute's proposal for the design of a complex of one of the most visited and spiritually significant places in Sylhet.

Hafiz Complex Intersection

Bengal Institute's proposal for a commemoration of an important and historically significant node in Sylhet

Mahmud Nagar Field and Canal Bank Development

Bengal Institute's proposal for creation of recreational park and development of canal at Mahmud Nagar, Narayanganj.

Reside Mumbai, Seaside Mumbai

Hypothetical Scheme for a Seaside Housing in Mumbai, India

Design for Preservation and Renovation of Dhaka Central Jail

Proposal for the open architectural design competition for preservation and renovation of Dhaka Central Jail premise.

Residential Campus for a University

Proposal to bring back the memory of a place

Bashirul Haq Studio: Works by Ahammad-Al- Muhaymin

Participants were assigned to design a residence for someone who came to Dhaka for work, (perhaps a garment worker, security guard or a shopkeeper). They got around 3-4 days to work on it and everyone presented their design ideas in hand-drawn sketches.

Balkrishna Doshi Passes Away (1927-2023)

Call for Volunteers for an International Exhibition

Apply ASAP to join in the ongoing work for an international traveling exhibition featuring exemplary works of modern and contemporary architecture of Bangladesh.

“Inclusive Architecture”: A Book on the 2022 Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Vibrant Award Ceremony for the 2022 Aga Khan Award for Architecture Held in Oman

Reincarnations and Independence: The Modern Architecture of South Asia

Published in An Architecture of Independence: The Making of Modern South Asia, edited by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf and James Belluardo, with an introduction by Kenneth Frampton (published by The Princeton Architectural Press and The Architectural League of New York, 1997). Publication was part of an exhibition of the same title, organized by The Architectural League of New York, 1997.

Contrapuntal Modernism: The Architecture of Muzharul Islam and Louis Kahn

“Sheltered Openness”: The Modern House in South Asia

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York has mounted a major exhibition on architecture in South Asia called "The Project of Independence: Architectures of Decolonization in South Asia, 1947-85." The exhibition is accompanied by a book of the same title, edited by Martino Stierli, Anoma Pieris and Sean Anderson. Kazi Khaleed Ashraf was invited to write an essay on the modern house in South Asia. We publish an excerpt from that essay.

Balkrishna Doshi to Receive the 2022 RIBA Royal Gold Medal

Panel Discussion: Saif Ul Haque, Eike Roswag-Klinge and Rupali Gupte

Building Community: Saif Ul Haque, Andrea and Eike Roswag-Klinge and Shahira Fahmy

Reviewing the City: Hasan-Uddin Khan, Howayda Al-Harithy and Adnan Morshed

A compilation of excerpts from talks by Hasan-Uddin Khan, Howayda Al-Harithy and Adnan Morshed on the broad theme of reviewing the city, for Bengal Institute's special course on 'Learning from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture'.

The Validation of Architecture: Suha Ozkan, Perween Hasan and Katharine Bartsch

A compilation of excerpts of talks by Suha Ozkan, Perween Hasan and Katharine Bartsch on the broad theme of validation of architecture, for Bengal Institute's special course on 'Learning from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture'.

Marina Tabassum Wins 2021 Gold Medal by the Académie d’Architecture

Kazi Khaleed Ashraf’s Talk at a “Teacher-to-Teacher Workshop”

Kazi Khaleed Ashraf spoke at a "Teacher-to-Teacher Workshop"

From Central Beheer to Willis Faber: Reflection on a Transitional Moment

Kenneth Frampton speaks on a special talk as part of the Bengal Institute-TU Delft joint studio.

Dwelling in a Time of Flux: Looking at Housing Issues in India Clips

Rahul Mehrotra gave a special talk as a part of Bengal Institute’s joint studio program with TU Delft.

A View from Geneva: Bengal Stream—the Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh

The former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva—Shameem Ahsan, writes on his experience and thoughts on "Bengal Stream—the Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh"—the exhibition.

Government vis-a-vis Architecture

Muzharul Islam, Kazi Khaleed Ashraf and Saif Ul Haque presented a second paper at the 1985 Aga Khan Seminar in Dhaka "Regionalism in Architecture." This text is another example of Muzharul Islam's clear thinking and writing on the role of the government, educational institutions and the professional body in the production of better architecture. Taken from the Proceedings of 1985 seminar.

Introducing Bangladesh—A Case for Regionalism

On the occasion of the 97th birth anniversary of Muzharul Islam, we republish here a text of a lecture presented by Muzharul Islam, along with Kazi Khaleed Ashraf and Saif Ul Haque, in 1985.

Marina Tabassum Receives Honorary Doctorate

Technical University of Munich's Department of Architecture conferred Marina Tabassum with an honorary doctorate.

Is There Good Architecture in Dhaka?

If we were concerned about the common good, about the greatest benefit for the most, and if we accept architecture as a collective art whose value is shared and benefitted by many, then it will be really futile to look for such things in Dhaka.

Five Years of Bengal Institute

Bengal Institute completes five years of its journey.

Letter to a Young Architect—Marina Tabassum on the Architectural Review

The Architectural Review asked Marina Tabassum to write an open letter to a young architect, it is originally published in their September 2020 issue.

The Regional Politics of East Pakistan and Architecture by Doxiadis

Farhan Karim uses Constantinos Doxiadis’s work as examples to show how the birth of nationalism is connected to other parameters. He provides historical background to the architect's work, details his works, and its influence during and after he was working in the subcontinent. He also provided context to the scene in which Doxiadis was working, his companions and intentions of the controversial architect.

Balkrishna Doshi in a conversation with Kazi Khaleed Ashraf

Kazi Ashraf and Balkrishna Doshi converse about the connections that bind us culturally and architecturally and where we go from here.

Footprints

Kerry Hill kindly shared this write up on his 2016 Utzon Lecture with us. Soon after receiving this article, we learned the sad news of his death on August 26, 2018. This article is part of the upcoming Vas-4.

Reading Relics

Muntakim Haque writes on the significance of ancient ruins based on the lectures at Bengal Institute by Nisar Hossain, Shahnaj Husne Jahan and Michael Meister

Kabir: An Architect of the Life-world

Kazi Khaleed Ashraf writes on the work process and methodology of Khondaker Hasibul Kabir, the article is to be published in the upcoming issue of Vas.

Renowned Chicago Based Architect, Stanley Tigerman Dies

The esteemed member of Bengal Institute's Advisory Board member, Stanley Tigerman, dies aged 88.

Global Housing Studio in Dhaka with graduate students from TU Delft

Bengal Institute hosted a studio of TU Delft by Marina Tabassum in Dhaka as part of their masters program.

Bangladeshi Projects Shortlisted for Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2017-2019 Cycle

Two projects from Bangladesh have made it to the short list for Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2017-2019 Cycle: The Amber Denim Loom Shed by Archeground and Arcadia Education Project by Saif Ul Haque Sthapati.

Mind Over Matter: An Architectural Exhibition by Salauddin Ahmed

Re-use of The Castle of Ripafratta – International Design Competition

An international architecture design competition is being organised for the re-use of the Ripafratta Castle, in San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy.

Marina Tabassum’s Works to be Exhibited at The Whitechapel Gallery in London

The exhibition titled 'Is This Tomorrow?', running from 14 February to 12 May 2019, will feature experimental propositions from some of today’s leading architects and artists responding to issues we face in the 21st century from natural resources and migration to technology and spirituality.

Can Space be Perceived?

Shamsul Wares at the Academic Session "Space is Society" discussed how perceptions are created and how space is a matter of perception.

Marina Tabassum to Speak at Barbican Centre

Barbican Centre to host Marina Tabassum's talk on 15th October 2018

JK Architect of the Year Awards and Symposium 2018

Saif Ul Haque, AKM Tanvir Hasan, Manifa Rehnuma and Nahid Akram from Bangladesh are among the winners of JK AYA; Balkrishna Doshi presided the ceremony, Kazi Khaleed Ashraf moderated a Symposium around the event.

Wisdom of the Land – Marina Tabassum’s Installations at the Venice Biennale 2018

Marina Tabassum and her team, curated various elements of the vernacular life of the delta to recreate and expose their traditional wisdom through the installations.

An Interview and an Essay on Balkrishna Doshi by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf

Marina Tabassum Joins the Steering Committee of Aga Khan Awards for Architecture

Marina Tabassum, the Director of the Academic program at Bengal Institute, has been named as part of the steering committee for the next cycle of the Aga Khan Awards for Architecture.

Marina Tabassum’s talk at the Aga Khan Program at Harvard Graduate School of Design