The Department of Architecture at American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) recently organized lectures and jury events for the Urban Studio of Fall 2025-26. The events were coordinated by studio mentors Farzana Siddiqua and Md. Sariful Islam.

The event began on December 14, 2025, with a guest lecture by Ms. Tahmida Afroze, held at the Urban Studio Annex 2.  Ms. Afroze, a distinguished expert in architectural conservation and museum studies, brought a wealth of global experience to the classroom. Her professional journey includes a decade-long tenure at the Bengal Foundation and a prestigious Graduate Internship at the Getty Conservation Institute (USA). During her lecture, she shared profound insights into heritage tourism. She focused on theories, meticulous documentation, and the art of strategic mapping. Her presentation encouraged students to adopt a sensitive approach toward cultural heritage, emphasizing how historical preservation can coexist with modern urban development strategies that incorporate heritage tourism.

Following the lecture's conceptual foundation, the students moved into the final phase of their design process. On January 22, 2026, the Final Urban Design Jury was held. The studio was honored to welcome back Ms. Tahmida Afroze alongside Architect Mouri Rahman as guest jurors. The panel meticulously reviewed the students’ semester-long projects, which ranged from large-scale urban interventions to localized heritage revitalization schemes. Both the jurors provided constructive critiques, challenging the students to refine their technical skills and broaden their theoretical perspectives.

These sessions were made possible through the dedicated support of Mr. M. Arefeen Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Architecture, along with the collaboration of university management. Their efforts have been instrumental in providing students with a platform to engage with industry experts and bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice.