The world’s longest natural sea beach, Cox’s Bazar, will serve as a key backdrop for the upcoming “Discourse by the Shore: Tourism Architecture Summit 2025”, to be held at Mermaid Beach Resort on July 11-12, 2025. Curated by internationally renowned architect Marina Tabassum, this summit will focus on eco-friendly tourism and climate-responsive design, with a special emphasis on Bangladesh’s context.
Over the two-day summit, discussions will center on how architecture can support sustainable tourism while preserving ecological balance and cultural heritage. Bangladesh’s top architects will explore topics like sustainable tourism, place-making, coastal resilience, and architecture rooted in local realities.
The event will kick off with a panel discussion on “Eco-Tourism and Sustainability in Architectural Practice”, featuring Marina Tabassum, Khondaker Hasibul Kabir, and Ehsan Khan. In the afternoon, seven architects will present their work, followed by a guided sunset meditation, encouraging reflection on design awareness in harmony with the natural environment.
On the second day, ten more architects will present across two sessions. The summit will conclude with an open-floor panel discussion, moderated by Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad and Nahas Khalil, and will end with closing remarks by Marina Tabassum.
Anisul Haque Chowdhury Shohag, Managing Director of Mermaid Beach Resort, stated, “As Cox’s Bazar is still in the process of development, such a summit holds significant importance for its future.”
The eco-conscious Mermaid Beach Resort will host architects working in coastal, cultural, and sustainable contexts. They will collaborate to reshape the role of architecture in tourism-driven development.
The “Discourse by the Shore” summit aims to bring a new perspective to architectural discussions in Bangladesh, one that is inspired by environmental responsibility, ethical principles, and a deep connection to place.