S AM Bengal Stream Symposium

Symposium: When the Jamuna meets the Rhine  
Accompanying programme to the exhibition: ‘Bengal Stream. The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh’

Bangladesh and Switzerland could not be more opposite countries in terms of density, environmental challenges and wealth. But there are also similarities: both countries are strongly defined by their unique landscape and their relationship with water. When it comes to architecture, the leading architects of both countries show a high affinity to local, sustainable materials, an interest in structural authenticity and monolithic expression. Innovative building typologies providing natural ventilation and light in tight urban spaces, the rediscovery of sustainable, local materials such as mud and bamboo in rural regions and empowering collaborations with disadvantaged communities are just some of the ways Bangladeshi architects are using architecture as a tool to actively shape their country’s future. These current trends convey global meaning in the face of climate change and globalisation, topics that are becoming pressing far beyond the borders of Bangladesh. This symposium brings leading architects and thinkers from Bangladesh together with respondents from Switzerland, fostering an intercultural dialogue between the two countries.  

Location: Alte Universität Basel, Rheinsprung 9/11, 4051 Basel 
Language: English 
Admission: free

Programme:

09:30-10:00 H Coffee and croissants
 
10:00-10:15 H
Welcome speech by S AM director Andreas Ruby
10:15-11:00 H
Introduction lecture by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf
11:15-12:45 H
Presentations by architects Bashirul Haq, Ehsan Khan, Salauddin Ahmed, Nahas Khalil followed by a discussion with Johannes Käferstein and Andreas Ruby  

12:45-14:00 H Buffet lunch
 
14:00-15:45 H
Presentations by architects Jalal and Afroza Ahmed, Jubair Hasan, Kashef Chowdhury, Saif Ul Haque followed by a discussion with Martina Voser and Niklaus Graber  
16:00-17:00 H
‘Learning from Bangladesh’: Closing discussion with participants and guests  

17:00 H Reception, drinks and finger food