Reflections on New Contextualism: Voices from Practice and Academia

An International Dialogue Bridging Design, Culture, and Context. The New Contextual Group is set to host a unique and timely online architectural symposium, “Reflections on New Contextualism: Voices from Practice and Academia,” on Saturday, 16 August 2025, at 6:00 PM Bangladesh Time. This event will bring together a diverse panel of architects, educators, and researchers from leading global institutions to discuss, debate, and share insights on New Contextualism — an architectural philosophy developed by Dr. Mohammad Habib Reza that aims to bridge innovation with cultural continuity.

What is New Contextualism?

New Contextualism is more than a design approach; it is a way of seeing architecture as deeply rooted in the layered realities of place, people, and planet. It advocates for design that is responsive to cultural, historical, ecological, and social contexts while embracing forward-looking innovation. This philosophy is particularly relevant in today’s era of rapid urban transformation, climate change, and cultural homogenization.
About the Event The symposium will feature voices from both practice and academia, offering a rare opportunity for participants to engage with perspectives that cut across geographies and disciplines. Discussions will explore how New Contextualism is being interpreted and applied in different contexts — from urban regeneration and heritage preservation to sustainable design and community-led initiatives.

New Contextualism Presenters:

● Tanjina Khan — PhD Scholar at Bartlett, UCL, UK; Assistant Professor at BRAC University; Prime Minister’s Fellow (Bangladesh)
● Tasmia Kamal Proma — Master of Architecture, UIUC, USA; Design Coordinator at HDR, USA; Former Lecturer at BRAC University
● S M Kaikobad — MSc in Architecture Studies, MIT, USA; Senior Lecturer at BRAC University; Co-founder of Shoho Sthapon Design Studio
● Nuzhat Shama — Executive Architect at Rancon Developments Ltd; Former Design Associate at Ci+AU
● Kazi Akif — MS in Architecture and Urban Design, Politecnico di Milano, Italy; Project Manager at ReWET
● Sohana Khan — MArch, London South Bank University, UK; Architectural Assistant at Article 25, UK
● Rafa Mashiyat Zahid — MArch, University of British Columbia, Canada

Host:
● Upama Das — Lecturer at BRAC University

Why You Should Join

This symposium is designed for architects, urban designers, planners, academics, and students who are passionate about context-driven design and are eager to learn from
international perspectives. The session will be particularly useful for senior architecture students (ARC 401, 402, 501, and 502), offering them first-hand exposure to critical design thinking that can be applied to studio projects.

New Contextualism Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM Bangladesh Time
📍 Venue: Online (via Zoom)
📝 Registration (limited seats — first come, first served): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XuiJu9u8uLb29XAAIw9Q088GQquxcJEOya0HjpL4Cz4/
Seats are limited due to Zoom restrictions.
We encourage you to register early to secure your place in this important conversation about the future of architecture and urban design.

For more updates, follow New Contextual Group on:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GZh8vtrZb/

#architectural_webinar_on_New_Contextualism #New_Contextualism #New_Contextualism_Club #architectural_workshop