A total of seven students from the Department of Architecture, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), participated in the International Summer School 2026 organized by the University Institute of Architecture, Chandigarh University, India. The group of students from AIUB includes Towsita Tahrim Mitusi, Nazneen, Most. Fatema Tuj Jahora, Sumiya Rahman Anika, Sabikunnaher Fahima, Mazadul Haque Arzu and Nashra Anan. The ten-day programme, held from September 7 to 16, focused on “Reimagining Chandigarh’s Neighborhoods” and brought together architecture students from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Slovakia, and South Africa.
The students of the Department of Architecture, AIUB took part in the programme under the benefits offered by existing MOU between AIUB and Chandigarh University. The programme gave the students an opportunity to experience architectural education in an international environment and to learn alongside students from different countries.
The programme included several academic sessions, field visits, workshops, and group activities. One of the memorable experiences was visiting Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex and seeing the works of Le Corbusier in person. The visit helped the students understand Chandigarh’s modernist planning and architecture beyond what they had previously studied through books and academic courses.
A major part of the programme was the fieldwork at Sector 22, Chandigarh. The AIUB students were assigned to Sector 22C, where they worked on “Accessibility and Street Connectivity.” Through site observation, mapping, documentation, and data collection, they studied the existing street conditions, pedestrian movement, accessibility, connectivity, and public spaces of the neighborhood.
One of the most valuable parts of the programme was the opportunity to work in groups with students from different countries. Working together with students from different academic and cultural backgrounds gave the AIUB participants a chance to exchange ideas, understand different ways of thinking, and practice communicating and working as a team in an international setting. It also gave them a better understanding of how architectural education and teamwork can take place beyond their own country.
Chandigarh University also provided accommodation for the international participants in their dormitory throughout the programme. The AIUB students appreciated the support and hospitality they received during their stay. The university staff and organizers were very helpful and cooperative, and the overall service and arrangements made the students feel comfortable during their time there.
The programme concluded with final presentations and jury evaluations, followed by the Valedictory Function and Certificate Distribution Ceremony. The ten-day experience gave the AIUB students valuable exposure to international architectural education, field-based learning, and collaborative work.
Overall, participating in the International Summer School 2026 at Chandigarh University was a meaningful learning experience for the AIUB Architecture students. It helped them gain a broader perspective on architecture and urban design, experience academic activities in another country, and develop the confidence to communicate, collaborate, and work with students from different backgrounds.
The Department of Architecture appreciates the support provided by both Chandigarh University and AIUB authority that made this international academic experience possible for the students.
