The two-week intensive workshop titled "Learning from Puran Dhaka: Exploring the Future of Living Heritage," held from February 18, 2024, provided a unique platform for cross-cultural collaboration and exploration of urban heritage. As a mentor, I guided participants through comprehensive on-site surveys, employing diverse methods such as observations, drawings, and interviews.

The workshop brought together students and mentors from the Department of Architecture at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), along with distinguished institutions including École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris-La Villette, France; College of Architecture Trivandrum, India; Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture, India; and Mokpo National University, South Korea. Participants were divided into eight groups, each tasked with exploring different historic sites in old Dhaka, including Boro Katra, Armanitola, Goltalab, Banglabazar, Tanti Bazar, Shankhari Bazar, Mangalabash, and Farashganj.

Throughout the workshop, participants unraveled the rich cultural heritage of Puran Dhaka and examined its profound impact on the future urban landscape. The collaborative efforts yielded compelling insights into critical issues related to heritage preservation, the evolving dynamics of economic activities within the historic center, and the importance of preserving historical edifices. This workshop not only fostered a deeper understanding of the living heritage of Dhaka but also encouraged innovative approaches to sustainable urban development.