Bengal Stream. The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh.

An exhibition on the architecture of Bangladesh in Basel, Switzerland.

From 2 December 2017 until 6 May 2018, the Swiss Architecture Museum will host an exhibition on the architecture of Bangladesh in Basel, Switzerland. A unique occasion to present the stunning beauty of Bangladesh’s architecture and landscapes.

Only a few of us are likely to be familiar with current architectural developments in Bangladesh’s tropical delta region. This area, blessed with cultural and scenic riches, has so far barely been present on the architectural world map, but that may change in the near future, due to excellent works emerging from a vibrant architecture movement. The output of this ‘Bengal Stream’ is not just highly controversial in a spatial and architectural sense, it also bears witness to the high societal relevance of architecture as a discipline. Via local action, carefully developed from the country’s specific history and geography, current trends in Bangladesh are taking on global significance.

With ‘Bengal Stream’ S AM is the first museum worldwide to present an exhibition on Bangladesh’s architecture and brings together more than 60 projects by over 40 established and emerging architects. Internationally acclaimed photographer Iwan Baan has been commissioned for the documentation of the projects. In addition, in its Basel venue, it will display original drawings by Muzharul Islam for the first time outside of Bangladesh. Its aim is to disseminate the excellent work of architects in Bangladesh in the world. The exhibition is planned to travel to multiple stops before arriving back at its final destination in Dhaka in a couple of years. Besides the exhibition itself, there will be an accompanying program consisting of guided tours, talks, workshops and a symposium.

This exhibition would not have been possible without Friendship team’s input to collect and produce material, coordinating, helping out and answering the questions of the curatorial team of the Museum. Runa Khan, Friendship’s founder and Executive Director, will be giving a lecture in March and present Friendship’s work.

Find more information about the exhibition and its events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schweizerisches.architekturmuseum

General information about the exhibition is available on the website: http://www.sam-basel.org/en/ausstellungen/aktuell