The 11th Cycle of Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture concluded on December 24, 2024, Tuesday, at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. During the event, six exceptional architectural projects, selected from 116 nominated entries, were recognized for their outstanding excellence, and the respective architects were honored with awards. A highlight of the event was the Lifetime Achievement Award to the distinguished educator, art critic, and renowned architect Professor Shamsul Wares, in recognition of his immense contribution to the field of architecture and his extraordinary artistic sensibility.
The event was attended by notable figures including the President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), Architect Professor Dr. Khandaker Shabbir Ahmed; General Secretary Nabi Newaz Khan; Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, Mrs. Rupali Chowdhury; Chief Operating Officer and Director Md. Mohsin Habib Chowdhury; member of the award directorate of the 11th cycle; jury members, distinguished architects, and senior officials from Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited (BPBL).
This year’s jury panel consisted of renowned architects – Ar. Abu Hydar Imamuddin, Ar. Bayejid Mahbub Khondker, Ar. Tamanna Sayeed, Ar. Gibson Rhie (South Korea) and Ar. Kamar Ahmed Simon (Filmmaker). Ar. Asia Karim served as the Award Director, with Ar. Abu Musa Iftekhar and Ar. Nazifa Tabassum serving as Deputy Award Director.
The six award-winning projects were selected through a rigorous two-stage evaluation process conducted by the jury. The winners: Ar. Rahat Ibna Hasan of Studio Gumtee Ghor for ‘A HOME FOR MEMORIES AND DAYDREAMS’; Ar. Fazla Rabbi of Perceive + ASP for ‘RUPGAON’; and Ar. Khondkar Nazmul Hassan, Ar. Khalid Ahmed Khan of Neoformation Architects for ‘Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited Unit -17 Multipurpose Industrial Building’ projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Rupali Chowdhury, Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited (BPBL) said, “With this year’s Berger Award, we are celebrating 22 years of our journey. For many years, Berger has played a pivotal role in recognizing the efforts and contributions of skilled and emerging architects. We are proud to celebrate architectural excellence, and Berger will continue this tradition in the years to come.”
Architect Professor Dr. Khandaker Shabbir Ahmed, President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) said, “The Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture fosters creativity and new initiatives in the field of architecture. It is not just an award, but a symbol of Berger’s unwavering encouragement and support for architects.”
The award was first launched in 2003 in collaboration with the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) as the “Berger Young Architect Award” to recognize exceptional work in architecture. Later, the scope of the award was expanded to offer more opportunities for talented and emerging architects, and it was renamed the “Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture.” This year’s edition marks the celebration of 22 years of this prestigious competition, now recognized as one of the most respected awards in Bangladesh’s architecture profession.
This award continues to enrich the possibilities for Bangladeshi architects and inspires them to move forward in their careers.