I am Tarek Islam, an Architect, a Photographer. What I have learned till now is not only inspired by my academic and professional life, but also It starts from the beginning. It belongs to my childhood where I was born, its environment and how I’ve learned in my life.

I was born in a city where I found the longest natural sea beach called “Bay of Bengal” for inspiration. If you ask me what is your favorite between mountain and sea, the answer is always sea and blowing in the wind. Sea has lot of physical elements constant with water, sand and sea creatures but it has an infinite horizontal plane which reacts with wind according to its nature. I found the sea as my friend who gives inspiration.

After getting admitted in cadet college, discipline has given me a strict lifestyle but it also taught me the learning of survival in extreme condition. Although It was a tough time, it helps me to identify what I really want to do in my life. A lot of painting competition, wallpaper competition and letter writing made my life thoughtful and colorful from the beginning.

The responsibilities of an architect are not easily defined, and as architects, we must each and our own way. Our strict professional role can be reasonable discharged, even accepting the often unrealistic practical and commercial pressures. Expectations on the other hand, those of society and our own making, are not so easy to fulfill. I believe, Architecture is the compilation of microscopic memories and experiences from one’s whole life. To complicate matters, the act of making architecture is one of complex collaboration and directed creativity. It is not an isolated practice, but one that must engage not only with the diverse participants but also with its location and most importantly with the vague and often poorly articulated expectations of society.

My thirsty mind was looking into new places, new environment and new peoples. I have traveled all over my country from one side to another. It was a great experience and gave an opportunity to mixed with the soil, wind, environment and people of my country. My country is my inspiration for my photography. it helps me to go out from home and searching for nature, people, river, weather and environment. by this background I travel a lot even outside of the border.

Now I am searching for that truth, I am searching for myself through my mind and my camera.

TAREK ISLAM

Architect / Photographer

Bangladesh