CADSE 2024

Critical Architecture, Design and Sustainable Environments (CADSE) is a programme developed by Paraa, which is structured around a practical case study, resulting in realized projects through the student’s time on the programme. These case studies focus on a live project, placing learning through doing, at the center.

This year, the school focuses on Korail-City of Culture, a project by Paraa and Goethe-institute, Bangladesh, working on building an inclusive playspace and cultural hub for people of Korail, by the people of Korail. As a pragmatic and critical reflexive program, it enables students to understand how to develop methods and tools and apply them directly in relation to design, architecture and wider environmental concerns in Bangladesh.

'Korail- City of Culture' is an initiative in sustainable urban development, supported by the Creative Economy Programme of the Federal Foreign Office (Germany), in conjunction with the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Paraa, and German partner, Floating University Berlin. The project endeavors to foster sustainable cultural practices among the residents of Korail, enriching global and local discourse on urban development.

During the CADSE Winter School, students had the unique opportunity to learn and immerse themselves in the Korail community, as most classes were held right there. The programme combined theoretical learning with hands-on experiences, featuring workshops and activities in collaboration with Korail’s residents. Some of the participants themselves were from Korail, adding a deeply local perspective to the process.

The Korail youth team, who have been working alongside Paraa to create a cultural community space for Korail, played a vital role in offering deeper insights and understanding of the community’s needs. Theoretical classes covered ethics, design principles, and community values, while practical workshops encouraged students to engage directly with different community groups.

As part of the journey, students created zines, participated in photo walks, and designed workshops that reflected their learning and collaboration. The Snapshot exhibition was a mid-course showcase of their photo walks, offering a visual reflection of their understanding of Korail. 

The work of the CADSE Winter School participants has finally come to life in an exhibition titled Hoichoi(PUT LINK HERE). This exhibition marks the culmination of months of research, exploration, and collaboration with the Korail community. Through their time spent connecting with the people of Korail, the students have crafted ideas and projects that reflect the community’s spirit and resilience. Hoichoi offers a glimpse into the exciting work being developed, providing a preview of the concepts and visions that will unfold at the grand festival in Korail in December 2024.

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS:
Amina Rahman Raisa, Anamul Haque Shagor, Asma Akter, Esrat Jahan Onty, Farah Naz Nusrat, Farhana Islam, Farzana Faiza, Hasan, Hasib Sarowar, Imran Ahmed, Imran Bin Abdul Khalique, Jony Akter, Md. Rafiqul Islam, Monika Akter, Nujhat Jahan Khan, Ramisa Tasnim, Rimi Akter, Shaluk Islam, Shoheli Akter, Taorem Sananu.

CADSE facilitators: 

Kazi Arefin, Ruhul Abdin, Tarannum Nibir, Ayesha Rahman Chowdhury, Zaqiul Deep, Anis Rahman (Ace), Bareesh Chowdhury, Prof. Afsana Haque, Prof. Musleh Hasan Uddin, Puer Deorum, Minaal Choudhury, Samina Yasmin, Diana Meriline Chowdhury, Saidur Rahman