Five outstanding works of architecture get Berger Awards

Five architectural projects were recognised for their outstanding quality, path-breaking approach and contextual excellence by the 10th cycle of the Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture during an award-giving ceremony at a city hotel recently.

With this cycle, Berger is celebrating the glorious 20 years of the journey of this prestigious award. To make it more special, IAB and Berger jointly decided to invite projects under “Open Category” to open up new windows, said a press release.

A total of 5 awards were conferred on deserving projects and the winners were, Neer’ a Vacation House by Zishan Fuad Chowdhury (Janus Architects); Bon Er Bari (A Forest Retreat) by Md. Ishtiaque Zahir (VITTI Sthapati Brindo Ltd); and Rangs Babilonia by Khan Md Mustapha Khalid (Vistaara Architects (pvt) Ltd). The Statesman by Shahla Karim Kabir and Suvro Sovon Chowdhury from Studio Morphogenesis Ltd; and Hydropod Integrated water harvesting and Playscape facilities in Hill tracts by Rumman Mashrur Chowdhury and Shuvra Das from Chorcha Sthapatijog also received a commendation.

Besides, Berger Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on Mubasshar Hossain posthumously for his lifelong dedication and contribution to the field of architecture. Prominent architect, valiant freedom fighter and activist, Mubasshar Hossain transcended the boundaries of his country and earned repute internationally by dint of his phenomenal works.

Rupali Chowdhury, managing director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited; Prof Dr Khandaker Shabbir Ahmed, president of Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB); Mohsin Habib Chowdhury, chief sales and marketing officer of BPBL and Architect Qazi M Arif, award director of 10th Cycle of Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture 2022, were present at the event along with other officials, members of the award committee, jury members and distinguished architects and other professionals from the building industry.

Previously introduced as “Berger Young Architects’ Award” in 2003, the award was renamed the ‘Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture (BAEA)’ for widening the scope for both emerging and seasoned architects.

Architect Qazi M Arif performed the role of the Award Director of the 10th Cycle of Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture 2022 along with Dr Masud Ur Rashid and Moushumi Ahmed as deputy award directors. Naushad Ehsanul Huq, Nishat Afrose, SM Nazimuddin, Duangrit Bunnag of Thailand and eminent sculptor Prof Hamiduzzaman Khan were members of the jury panel. The permanent trophy of the BAEA award was designed by Prof Hamiduzzaman Khan.

On the occasion, Rupali Chowdhury, managing director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, said, “This year’s Berger Award is a momentous occasion as we are completing 20 years of its journey. Over the years, Berger has always been eager about acknowledging the contributions and efforts of emerging and seasoned architects. Berger will continue its efforts to recognize excellence in this field in the coming days through this award.”