Architect Kashef Mahboob's book 'Meditations in Entropy' unveiled
A book, 'Meditations in Entropy', written by renowned Bangladeshi architect and Aga Khan Award recipient Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury, was unveiled at the Crown Plaza Ballroom in Gulshan of the capital today (31 January).
Addressing the event, he said the book draws on nearly two decades of experience working on climate-sensitive social projects.
The architect explained that the book focuses on current climate crises, design strategies under budget constraints, the use of light and shadow as primary design tools, rural-oriented thinking, and initiatives encouraging a return to villages amidst urban migration. It also reflects on his experience with small-scale social projects.
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"This book is not a celebration of architectural forms; rather, it is a reflection of a process -- where architecture emerges from restraint, context, and empathy," he said, summarising the ideas and perspectives behind the book.
Published by Switzerland-based Park Books, the book is the first comprehensive monograph on the work of Kashef Chowdhury. Spanning over 500 pages, it documents nearly 30 years of architectural practice through sketches, designs, photographs, and analytical essays. The book also chronicles the history of 18 realised projects across various scales and typologies.
Internationally acclaimed architectural photographer Helen Bin contributed to photographs, while critical essays by Kenneth Frampton, William JR Curtis, Robert McCarter, Ainun Nishat, and Philip Ursprung are also included.
Education Adviser Professor Abrar said Chowdhury's work demonstrates how architecture can engage deeply with social and environmental realities, responding intelligently and sensitively to challenges posed by climate change and urbanisation.
Switzerland Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Ringli, climate expert Professor Ainun Nishat, eminent architect Professor Shamsul Wares, the Institute of Architects Bangladesh President Dr Abu Said M Ahmed, architects, educators, urban planners, students, and cultural figures, among others, were present at the unveiling ceremony.
