‘From brick and mortar to bold megaprojects, Bangladesh's construction industry soars. Explore its data-driven rise and discover the future it's building’
Bangladesh's architectural landscape, like its dynamic history, has undergone a remarkable transformation. From the terracotta grandeur of ancient temples to the contemporary glass giants dotting Dhaka's skyline, the narrative of design reveals a fascinating interplay of cultural heritage, technological advancements, and evolving market forces.
Evolution of Architectural Design in Bangladesh
From Partition to Progress: The Post-Independence Era (1971-2000)
Nation Building & Socialist Roots: Post-independence, focus shifted to functionality and affordability. Public housing projects like the Mohammadpur Residential Model Town (1960s) prioritized planned settlements and basic amenities.
Brutalist Boom: Brutalist architecture, with its raw concrete aesthetics, gained traction in civic buildings like the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (1982). This style reflected a focus on strength and resilience.
The 21st Century Transformation: Data Shaping Design (2000-Present)
Economic Surge & Design Diversification: Rapid economic growth has indeed fueled a construction boom in the 21st century. Economic diversification is a key challenge for most developing countries. It involves shifting an economy away from a single income source toward multiple sources from a growing range of sectors and markets. This diversification and rising per capita incomes go hand in hand. The diversification of the economic system has involved other activities and institutions, which have profoundly affected the economic system.
Data-Driven Decisions: Technology and data are increasingly influencing design choices. Data-driven construction approaches are being used to create better products, serve customers more effectively, and see increased ROI. For instance, construction companies are using data to improve their best work practices. They are analyzing the data available to them to predict the risk of future accidents and make changes ahead of time to eliminate safety risks.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) software: BIM software offers a model-based process for designing and managing buildings and infrastructures. It advances construction drawings to generate a digital representation of the functional properties of a facility. BIM software is now an indispensable technology for building design. It allows architects, engineers, construction managers, and others to collaborate during design.
Sustainability certifications like LEED: Sustainability certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are gaining prominence. LEED, issued by the U.S. Green Buildings Council, is the most easily recognized sustainable building certification. It's a key element of economic development in which a country moves to a more diverse production and trade structure. A lack of economic diversification is often associated with increased vulnerability to external shocks that can undermine prospects for longer-term economic growth.
Market Trends & Future
Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development, both large-scale and small-scale, and urbanization are the main drivers of the construction sector, which accounts for nearly 8% of GDP growth. Also Including rail, road, and bridge infrastructures.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage: As environmental concerns mount, green architecture or green building practices are gaining momentum. Data reveals a 45% increase in LEED-certified projects in Bangladesh from 2021 to 2023 (USGBC). Initiatives like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient materials are finding wider adoption.
Smart Cities Rise: The government's "Smart Bangladesh" vision emphasizes technology-integrated infrastructure. Architects are incorporating elements like smart grids and IoT-enabled systems, with investments expected to reach $5 billion by 2025.
Mixed-Use Developments Thrive: As urban populations swell, demand for integrated communities with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within one development is rising. Data from real estate consultancies shows a 20% increase in mixed-use development projects planned for 2024.
The future of architecture in Bangladesh looks promising:
Market Size: In 2023, the Bangladesh Construction Market size was estimated at USD 30.38 billion. The market size is expected to reach USD 44.13 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.42% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Architecture Solution for Growing Population
Architecture in Bangladesh has evolved significantly to address the needs of disadvantaged populations. Here are some key developments:
Community Engagement: A group of young architects in Bangladesh have worked alongside low-income communities to develop a practical, hands-on guidebook to help residents manage the impacts of the virus. This approach of community engagement ensures that the architectural solutions are tailored to the specific needs and resources of the community.
Inclusive Design: Bangladeshi architects are increasingly working for disadvantaged populations who were previously unserved by modern architecture. This shift towards inclusive design is providing solutions to everyday and longstanding problems facing the country and its people.
Low-Cost, Self-Help Solutions: The Platform of Community Action and Architecture (POCAA), a network of community architects in Dhaka and other cities, has been working with marginalized communities to develop low-cost, self-help solutions to housing and environmental problems.
Rapid Response to COVID-19: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, architects and community members developed guidelines for managing their own isolation spaces and caring for their own community members who became infected.
Stories of Change
Architect Yasmeen Lari's work in disaster-prone areas: Yasmeen Lari, recognized as the first female architect in Pakistan, has had a significant impact both in her home country and internationally due to her innovative and socially conscious approach to architecture. She works directly with marginalized communities by supplying the technical knowledge and training for people to take charge of their lives and build structures that are resilient to and prepared for frequent extreme weather.
Zahiruddin Ahmed's "Earth Houses": Earth houses, also known as earth-sheltered houses, are a type of architecture that uses the earth as a major component of the building structure. These houses are built using traditional materials and processes, which makes them affordable and sustainable. However, there seems to be a lack of specific data on Zahiruddin Ahmed's Earth Houses.
Studio URB Architects' "Bamboo Skyscraper" proposal: CRG Architects have proposed a Bamboo Skyscraper, which is an attempt to draw a sustainable parallel to the modern-day concrete jungles. This design is based on the natural concept of bamboo culms found in tropical forests, and these helical towers soar as high as their concrete contemporaries.
Bangladesh's architectural evolution, as the data reveals, is one of continuous adaptation and progress. By embracing data-driven approaches, incorporating sustainable practices, and drawing inspiration from its rich heritage, the nation is poised to build a future where innovation meets tradition, creating architectural marvels that are not just visually stunning, but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.
