A BIOGRAPHY OF KASHEF MAHBOOB CHOWDHUURY

Following his work with architect Uttam Kumar Saha, Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury founded the architecture firm, URBANA, in partnership with Marina Tabassum in 1995. Since 2005, he has served as the Principal of the firm.

Chowdhury prioritizes historical context, climate, materials, and both natural and human environments in its designs. His firm dedicates ample time for research to achieve innovation and unique expression in its projects. These projects include a diverse range of building, from the conversion of ships and low-cost housing settlements, to training centers, mosques, art galleries, museums, single and multi-family residences, and corporate headquarters.

Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury, an expert in sustainable and green architecture, has served as a visiting faculty member at both North South University and BRAC University in Bangladesh. He has also been a judge for final year critiques at universities in Dhaka.

In addition to his work in architecture, Chowdhury has a keen interest in art and in 2004, he presented a series of lectures on “Aspects of Contemporary Art in Germany” at the Goethe Institut in Dhaka. He has also worked as a professional photographer, and has held seven solo exhibitions. He has also authored three books; “Around Dhaka” in 2004, “Plot Number Fifty Six” in 2009 and “The Night of Fifteen November” in 2011- which is a photographic and recorded account of some survivors of the Cyclone Sidr in the coastal areas of Bangladesh.