Bashirul Haq facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bashirul Haq
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Haq at studio
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| Born | June 24, 1942 |
| Died | 4 April 2020 (aged 77) |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Alma mater | National College of Arts University of New Mexico |
| Occupation | Architect, Planner, Educator |
| Awards | IAB Gold Medal Aga Khan Award for Architecture Three times nominated |
| Practice | Bashirul Haq and Associates |
| Buildings | Bhatshala House Kalindi Apartments Chayanaut Bhaban ASA Head Office Building |
Bashirul Haq (born June 24, 1942 – died April 4, 2020) was a famous architect, city planner, and teacher from Bangladesh. Many people think he was one of the most important architects in South Asia. He designed many buildings that fit well with their surroundings and local culture.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bashirul Haq was born in Brahmanbaria, which is now a district in Bangladesh. His father was a government official, so Haq spent much of his childhood in the Sylhet area.
He studied architecture at the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan, finishing in 1964. Later, he received a scholarship to study in the United States. He earned his master's degree in architecture from the University of New Mexico in 1975.
A Career in Architecture
After getting his master's degree, Bashirul Haq worked for an architecture firm in the United States. He wanted to return to Bangladesh, his home country. Another famous Bangladeshi-American engineer, Fazlur Rahman Khan, advised him to stay in the U.S. because Bangladesh was still recovering from its war for independence.
However, Haq decided to return to Bangladesh. In 1977, he started his own architecture company called Bashirul Haq & Associates. Over his long career, he designed more than 300 buildings. He was greatly inspired by the works of famous architects like Alvar Aalto and Aldo Rossi.
Bashirul Haq believed that buildings should connect with nature and local traditions. He often used local materials like brick and wood. His designs were known for being simple, strong, and beautiful.
- Architectural works
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Chhayanaut, Dhaka
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MIDAS Tower, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
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Asra Apartments, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
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East West University, Dhaka
Notable Projects
Bashirul Haq designed many different types of buildings. Here are some examples of his important works:
Homes and Apartments
- Architect's Family Home and Studio, Dhaka
- Bhatshala House (his own village home), Brahmanbaria
- Kalindi Apartment Complex, Dhaka
- Asra Apartments, Dhaka
Office Buildings
- Association for Social Advancement (ASA) Head Office Building
- Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) Head Office
- MIDAS Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
- Community Development Centers for disaster preparedness in coastal areas
Educational Buildings
- Chhayanaut Bhaban, Dhaka (a cultural center)
- Sunbeams School, Uttara, Dhaka
- East West University, Dhaka
- Drik-Pathshala, Panthapath, Dhaka (a photography and media school)
Awards and Recognition
Bashirul Haq received many honors for his work. He was nominated three times for the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. This award recognizes buildings that successfully address the needs and aspirations of Muslim societies. He also served on the board of the Fazlur Rahman Khan Foundation.
See also
- Muzharul Islam
- B.V. Doshi
- Charles Correa
- Raj Rewal
