I often think about good and evil, virtue and vice, love and hatred. Yet these thoughts never lead me to a definitive conclusion. Throughout my life, I have never met someone who was entirely good or entirely bad. Yes, there have been people who treated me exceptionally well for no apparent reason, and others who treated me poorly without any reason at all. But how fair is it to judge people solely by the way they treat us? After all, anyone can be a hero in one person’s life and a villain in another’s. So can we truly judge people by the way they treat others?
At this point, I would like to talk about one of the architects whose work I admire most, Louis Kahn. As I began learning more about his life, I came across aspects that were difficult for me to accept. Louis Kahn’s personal life was just as complex as his architectural projects. Three different families, three children, many unfinished stories, and countless unanswered questions… To be honest, some of what I read was not easy for me to accept.
However, I realize that it is important to separate a person’s profession from their personality. I may disagree with his personal choices and may not consider some of his decisions to be right. But none of that diminishes the value of his contributions to architecture. Nor does it lessen my admiration for his work.
In fact, history is full of people whose personal lives I would not consider exemplary, yet whose creations I deeply admire. And I have come to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect person. Besides, how many of those who tried to live a perfect life have actually managed to leave a lasting mark on the world?
Bangladesh National Parliament Building
If Louis Kahn’s architectural philosophy had to be expressed through a single project, it would probably be the Bangladesh National Parliament Building. It is considered one of the most significant examples of modern architecture. The fundamental principles of modernism, such as functionality, simplicity, and the idea that form follows function, are clearly reflected in this building. Yet the project goes beyond simply representing modern architecture. It also embodies the history, culture, and national identity of Bangladesh.
One of the largest parliamentary complexes in the world, this building stands out for its monumental scale and distinctive architectural language. The project began in the 1960s. After Bangladesh gained its independence, the symbolic significance of the building became even greater. The architectural design of the complex not only provides an efficient organization of space but also creates a powerful visual impact. The large geometric openings, deep recesses, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow on the façades give the building its unique character. These elements both provide natural lighting and serve as the primary means of architectural expression.
The building’s aesthetic is shaped not by the conventional placement of windows, but by geometric openings in the form of triangles, squares, and circles across its façades. The dominance of these geometric forms allows natural light and ventilation to enter through light wells. The artificial lake surrounding the building on three sides not only enhances its visual appeal but also helps reduce the effects of the hot climate.
Even today, when looking at the building, one gets the impression that it was not built merely for a parliament, but for an idea. The space created by light, water, and geometric forms has preserved its relevance despite the passing of time.
Now let us return to the question posed at the beginning of this article: When evaluating a person, what do you think matters more: their character or their contributions to society?