"Where in the World?!" Co-op Photo Contest, 2022

As my co-op was in the oil & gas industry, I was working on a project related to a pipe-laying barge. This barge lays pipes on the seabed for hundreds of kilometers so that petroleum and its byproducts can be transported from the ocean reservoir to the shore for refining. Basically, all the petrol and gas that we use in our vehicles are refined versions of the oil that is transported in pipes laid down by this barge.

This is SOS Social Center in Khulna, Bangladesh which was designed by Architect ‘Guru’ Uttam Kumar Saha. During my co-op in his firm, I visited this contemporary village which reminded me of my responsibility as an architect to be more sensible in choosing building material. 200 years of colonial rule stood in its way and yet the architect’s decision of replacing corrugated steel sheet and making the roof with concrete in the shape of our traditional thatched house has made it more sustainable and designing sky windows in it has made it more functional and contemporary looking. The whole appearance: brick structure, landscaping with local plants, shrubs and green playfield gives a sense of security and belongingness to the users who are a group of vulnerable children and mothers.

This photo, titled 'Table for Two' was taken in Yvoire, France during my international work term in Lausanne, Switzerland. This photo applies to the category ‘Living Together’ as it shows a typical scene in Europe, a coffee table for two with a view of the Alps. What this photo represents is the relaxed work-life culture I experienced in Europe, and it represents that sometimes you just need to take a coffee or tea break and enjoy life. Life is not always work and it is important to spend time with those closest to you, signified by the two seats at the table. The empty seats invoke an invitation to enter the garden, take a seat and enjoy the view of the Alps in the background.

This is a picture I took of the Golden Gate Bridge around midnight on July 1st, 2022. Myself and a group of my Canadian co-workers decided to take a trip to Southern California for the Fourth of July weekend this year, but had to make a stop to celebrate Canada on our way. After driving over the bridge, we pulled over on a small lookout and sat for a moment before continuing our trip. We wanted to take some time to be proud of the Country we were all from and recognize what it took to get to the place we were. It felt fitting to be sitting at the Golden Gate Bridge, a well know structure both in the minds of engineers and the hearts of artists. It also reminded us of our own bridge that started the tradition of the iron ring, bringing Canadian Engineers together and emphasizing the responsibility of our decisions. Fun fact, the fog is named Karl and covers most of San Francisco on a regular basis.

When I was on Co-op in Germany, I decided to hike Kehlsteinhaus, also known as Eagle’s Nest. After 4 hours of hiking, I finally reached the top and when I turned around this was the view I witnessed: large mountains piercing the clouds and lush green valleys surrounding them. This brought out a sense of gratitude in me. During WW2, the allied forces invaded the mountain as it was an important military post for the Nazis. I stood in the same spot as the allied soldiers, in awe at the beauty of the surroundings. However, after hours of hiking, the soldiers did not stand there in serenity looking at the beauty, they stood there looking at the enemy on the horizon. This put the sacrifices of the allied soldiers in a different perspective for me. Were it not for their daunting efforts that paved the way for today’s society, I would not have had the opportunity to stand at this spot, for which I am grateful.

Australia is much more in touch with their indigenous communities and cultures than Canada is. Numerous times during my term there, opportunities to learn and experience the stories and traditions of the indigenous people presented themselves, not simply as add-ons to standard tourist attractions, but as a standard part of the description of the Australian culture. This connection of the people is exemplified by this photo of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, atop which flies both the Australian flag, together with the Australian Aboriginal flag, side by side.

This image perfectly describes my outings outside of work with friends in LA. Events around downtown LA would serve a variety of dishes from many cultures, most of which I hadn't tried before. This was a perfect event to bring together all of the backgrounds of friends to enjoy a day out together and share cultural foods.

This is a cultural scenario of urban Dhaka, Bangladesh. One will find vegetables and spices vans in the corners of every neighborhood. Even in harsh climate such as heavy monsoon they will come up with fresh vegetables every morning. Although they earn their living by selling vegetables and there are many modern grocery shops, online marketing yet having a van-wala in your corner step gives a sense of reliability and people are still very much dependent on them. No online service can ever replace this van-wala to apartment dwellers bonding ever.