Launch night of 'PARA': A New Venture from London to Support Bangladeshi Communities

on Wednesday 01 June 2011 - 21:07:22 | by admin
A new organization is launching in London with a mission to enhance spaces for the community through multidisciplinary practice in Bangladesh. Architect Ruhul Abdin and his colleagues are the founder and the visionary of the organization, named PARA (পাড়া), the founders are Bangladeshi and British Bangladeshi and have identified a pressing need for architects to play a bigger role in the development of the country and its communities.
PARA is a social enterprise which will work to develop the built environment of various communities in Bangladesh as it is one of the least developed countries with a high density of population and is vulnerable to natural disasters due to climate change.
To allow for better understanding of communities and their needs they wish to conduct thorough research with multidisciplinary experts. They have adopted a process that engages local community members and international experts to participate in all the levels of the project.
They wish to get engaged with communities, hold research projects, raise funds, recruit volunteers and finally to create a 'School of Thought' in Bangladesh to complement PARA's ongoing practice and research.

And to mention, ArchSociety always wish to extend their help and support to PARA in all of their noble ventures.

Their First Project plan:
PARA will launch its first research project on the launch night, a learning resource center for the Urdu speaking Communities, living in permanent settlement camps known as the Bihari camps, in Dhaka. This community has recently been granted citizenship in 2008. They have fallen behind in the race for education due to a lack of access to resources and barriers inpolitical and socio‐economic conditions. Currently the community stands at a population of 250,000 throughout Bangladesh, with a majority in Dhaka, their living conditions are dire and this initial project will enable Para to develop and work with the community towards a long term goal of obtaining an equal footing in mainstream society.
The need to address issues in marginalized communities as well as respond to those needs will be a priority for Para. They will look to engage with practitioners in Bangladesh and the wider international community to address and push forward ideas.

PARA Launch Night in London:
PARA launching in London, architectural organization to support Bangladesh

The launch night is free and open to the public and will consist of special guests, live music, a unique workshop with Momenul Haque, poetry recital and 2 photography exhibitions. Ruhul Abdin will exhibit photographs from his recent tour of Bangladesh and Sunara Begum will exhibit photographs of the members from the Urdu Speaking community.
When: Saturday 11th June, Doors open at 17:30, doors close at 18:15
Where: Attlee Centre, Thrawl Street, London, E1 6RT (nearest tube: Aldgate, Aldgate East, Liverpool Street)
RSVP Requested as seats are limited: RSVP to para[at]archsociety.com email address.
To download the official press release, the event poster and a page about Para, CLICK HERE (300Kb PDF, Opens new window).
Comments (11)

9 Comments

  • DarlingK
    07 Sep : 00:44
    Reply to this
    Wonderfil stuff, a lot of communities also need help with drain repair
  • DarlingK
    07 Sep : 00:35
    Reply to this
    I also forgot to see way need a program like this in Victoria BC where much of my family migrated in 2016. For example, I'd love for there to be grants or awards for outstanding Bangladeshi families who serve the community through business or volunteer work. One struggling family I know there could really use a grant for drain repair and waterproofing. Winter is a round the corner and I'm assuming families in London need the same.
  • DarlingK
    07 Sep : 00:28
    Reply to this
    So glad you're taking extra effort to support minority communities in the world's greatest city!
  • maximone
    19 Jul : 06:52
    Reply to this
    Additionally, it's worth noting that ArchSociety continually strives to offer their assistance and support to PARA in all of their commendable endeavors. MN deck washing
  • DarlingK
    07 Sep : 00:43
    Reply to this
    That's definitely something to remember. So grateful for the service! And a lot of people need grants for drain repair nowadays.
  • maximone
    19 Jul : 06:49
    Reply to this
    residential power washing services MN

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