Muzharul Islam, the pioneer of architecture in Bangladesh once said, "Architecture in Bangladesh would be based on light, air and water." Building on this fêted architect Ziaul Huq Chowdhury known as Zia has said that architecture of this riverine country has to have open space and considerations for the six seasons. In every one of his projects he tries to maintain the patterns of weather, climate and nature of this country.

Zia has some acute observations about the current architecture scene of Bangladesh. According to him, the practice of modern architecture here emerged through the masterwork of Louis I Kahn and with the endeavours of the ground-breaking Bangladeshi architect, Muzharul Islam, and obviously has seen the limelight after the independence in 1971. Till the early 90s, experimentations were sorted both in positive and negative senses and finally it seems that the local architects are on a track befitting time and context since they are producing commendable works suitable for the global context. Further, the clientele has also become more discerning and impacting the architecture practice. Thus its outcomes have become a matter of pride among the neighboring nations. Now it is the time to make architecture more engaging for the people and their lives and adaptive to the evolving culture, climate and settings.

Zia gets excited when he visits a site where a new building is due to be established or constructed. He said, "Another worldly thing happens when I pace backward and forward around it. The site talks to me - it tells me about its history, the context, the landscape, setting, the climate, every single aspect that affects the place. I find myself listening to the site and getting engrossed about learning from it; then I fall in love with it and that is how the project kicks off."

Zia's works bear the approach of modem architecture. He does not like decoration in his work. Lucidity and plentiful light, both are significant features in his architectures. The distinctness of his work is easily noticeable.

At present Zia is the managing director at Architects Limited. He has designed many buildings in different categories like corporate offices, industrial buildings, residential apartments, hospitals and more. His refreshing approach towards architecture is really praiseworthy. His constructions are distinguished for their modem style and experimental approach. The recurrent aspect of his architectural work is plain view and easy accessibility of air and light.

Projects finished by him include Rupganj Tati Bazar of Narayanganj, Bangaldesh Sangbad Sangstha office of Paltan, TMR Knit Fabrics Factory of Rupganj, Rupa Composite Knit Dying Factory of Tongi, South Land Center Shopping Complex of Agrabad in Chattogram, Prime View of Gulshan, PBL Tower Building, Basundhara Group's Office, Chairman Bari of Bakerganj in Barisal, Atahar Uddin Hawlader College, South Pride Apartment of Dhanmondi, Navana Homes of Banani, Chhaya Pallab Apartment in Pallabi, Babylon Group's showroom at Shimanto Square of Zigatola, Rapper Fast Food of Uttara, Sultana Dream, Garib-E- Newaz Villa, Factory of Rupa Knitwear Private Ltd, Atahar Uddin Hospital of Bakerganj, Mayakunja Apartment of Pallabi, Amera Corner Apartment of Uttara, DFO Resident for Bangladesh Forest Department Financed by World Bank, Staff dormitory for Bangladesh Forest Department Financed by World Bank, SEBA Tower at Motijheel, A Vacation Home at Bashundhara, CRP-Khulna Akij Center at Khulna for Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) and more.

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