A new publication by British Council and Bengal Institute explores sustainable architecture practices across Bangladesh, documenting climate-adaptive design approaches, case studies, and policy recommendations to strengthen resilience and innovation.
The British Council and the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements have launched a research and insight publication titled “Sustainable Architecture Practice” at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi.
The event was attended by architects, planners, researchers, policymakers and built environment professionals, according to a press release.
The publication is based on a nationwide research initiative commissioned by the British Council and led by the Bengal Institute.
According to the organizers, the research documents sustainable and climate-adaptive architectural practices across Bangladesh at public, private and grassroots levels and includes policy recommendations for the sector.
The launch programme included opening remarks by Bengal Institute Director General Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, a documentary screening, and presentations by Atiqur Rahman, Ripin Kalra and Khondaker Hasibul Kabir.
Speaking at the event, Kazi Khaleed Ashraf said: “Sustainability presents a new paradigm in thinking and practice, especially in what we do as humans, on the Earth and to the Earth. What we might today call sustainable architecture has in fact existed for centuries in how people lived across different geographies and climates, using distinctive materials and social resources to make their dwellings.”
British Council Deputy Director in Bangladesh Maarya Rehman said: “We are proud to support this crucial research initiative, which highlights Bangladesh’s diverse and innovative approaches to sustainable architecture and reflects the strength of collaboration between UK and Bangladesh expertise in addressing climate challenges through design.”
She added: “This publication not only amplifies local knowledge and practice but also contributes to global conversations on climate resilience and the creative economy. We hope that, by showcasing practical locally rooted solutions, it will help inform future policy and inspire innovation across the built environment sector.”
According to the organizers, the publication analyses architectural practices from 2015 onwards through case studies, a scoping report and policy recommendations developed with guidance from an advisory board on sustainability and resilience.
The initiative is part of the British Council’s broader efforts to support the creative economy, climate resilience and professional capacity-building in Bangladesh.
