Students from the Bachelor of Architecture program at American international university-Bangladesh (AIUB) received first-hand historical insight during a day-long study trip at Sonargaon on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The visit was arranged as a key component of their course, “Society and Architecture of Bengal.”

Carefully arranged by the Course Instructor Ajmeri Nusrat Shoma, the trip was designed to provide students with a tangible connection to the architectural theories discussed in the classroom. The cohort, along with assisting faculty members Rashed Hasan and Mehedi Amin, explored the historic sites of Panamnagar and Boro Sardar Bari.

The primary intention of the visit was to offer a firsthand study of the unique British-Mughal architectural style that flourished in Bengal from the 13th to the 19th century. The streets of Panamnagar, a once-thriving merchant town, served as an open-air museum for the students. They meticulously examined the decaying grandeur of the colonial-era buildings, noting the fusion of European and Mughal design elements, intricate facades, and the urban layout that spoke volumes about the socio-economic history of the region.

Following their exploration of Panamnagar, the group visited the majestic Boro Sardar Bari, a classic example of a wealthy Zamindar's residence from the late 19th century. The building provided invaluable insights into the lifestyle, social hierarchy, and domestic architecture of the era.

To cement the learning process, students were assigned on-site tasks that emphasized on documenting and analyzing particular architectural features on the existing buildings. This hands-on activity encouraged them to develop a critical eye for detail, from the construction techniques and material use to the ornamentation and spatial organization that define the period's architecture.

The academic initiative received full support from the Head of the Department of Architecture, M. Arefeen Ibrahim, and the AIUB authority, underscoring the university's commitment to providing a holistic, experiential learning environment.

The "Society and Architecture of Bengal" course continues to be a pivotal part of the curriculum at AIUB's Department of Architecture, fostering a deep appreciation for the region's built heritage and inspiring a new generation of architects to draw from the past as they design for the future.