Exhibit Features Architecture Professor's Designs for Social, Economic Transformation in Bangladesh

Oct 26, 2023 Academics

“Architecture as Freedom” exhibit at the District Architecture Center highlights Architecture Professor Adnan Morshed's work to design socially and environmentally conscious buildings to promote human flourishing. The exhibit is free and open to the public until it closes Dec. 20.

University President Peter Kilpatrick and Architecture Professor Adnan Morshed pose for a photo at the “Architecture as Freedom” Oct. 18 exhibit opening. (Courtesy: Jay Mallin)

Architecture Professor Adnan Morshed is transforming the lives of people living in extreme poverty in his home country of Bangladesh through buildings he and his team designed for , the world’s largest nongovernmental development organization that is best known for addressing economic inequality through initiatives such as microfinancing.

“The task of designing new BRAC offices compelled us to ask a broader philosophical question: How do we create buildings that offer its primary clients — those living in poor, rural communities — an experience of hope?” said Morshed. “We believe that architecture can spatialize a spirit of freedom. This is very important for holistic and sustainable development.”

A new exhibit curated by Morshed of this project opened Oct. 18 at District Architecture Center, the regional headquarters for the Washington chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC). highlights how socially and environmentally conscious designs can promote human flourishing. The exhibit is free and open to the public until it closes Dec. 20.

At the exhibit opening reception, Morshed explained to the crowd of 150 invited guests that everything about the project — from the purpose, design, construction, and the resulting exhibition — is about supporting sustainable growth to meet the needs and aspirations of the communities served.

Asked by BRAC to design the next generation of eight regional offices that provide a diverse set of services to rural communities across the country, Morshed said he wanted to make places that reflected the mission. He created multiuse spaces where people from different faiths and backgrounds can gather for inspiration, collaboration, and transformation as they receive services to rise above poverty.

University President Peter Kilpatrick gave remarks at the gathering praising Morshed’s project as exemplifying ��ɫ��’s institutional dedication to social justice, human flourishing, environmental stewardship, and global development. He said Morshed made these commitments visible in every aspect of the project, from material sourcing to local involvement in the construction.

Among the reception attendees were the following featured speakers: Bangladesh Ambassador to the U.S. Muhammad Imran, former U.S. Representative Jim Moran, biographer of BRAC founder Scott MacMillan, Woodrow Wilson Center South Asia Director Michael Kugelman, Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning Mark Ferguson, and Architecture Professor Julio Bermudez. All shared Morshed’s sentiments about their experience of the resilient, entrepreneurial, and hardworking spirit of the Bangladeshi people.

The “Architecture as Freedom” exhibit was organized by ��ɫ�� School of Architecture and Planning with the Centre for Inclusive Architecture and Urbanism (Ci+AU) at BRAC University in cooperation with the District Architecture Center for the SIGAL Gallery.

Into the Deep: A Mission-Driven Research Quest

��ɫ�� is on a quest, a mission-driven research quest. What hurdles stand in our way, and where are we making great strides?
Clarity in the Mountains

Letters from abroad from students, a global vision that is is about finding connections and bridging gaps.
Board Chair Sees University as Light to Nation

Board chair sees University as light to the nation. Neal, the new chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, had no connection with the University until relatively recently, after a life-changing conversation.

��ɫ��

Let Us Help