The BRAC University Campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh, designed by WOHA in partnership with Transsolar Energietechnik and J A Architects, redefines sustainable architecture in a tropical urban setting. Completed in 2023, the campus transforms a former swampland into a functional, energy-efficient space for 20,000 students, integrating passive cooling strategies like cross-ventilation and landscaping to reduce reliance on air conditioning. The design prioritizes both environmental and social sustainability, featuring green spaces and communal areas that foster community interaction and well-being. Recognized with the Holcim Foundation Award, the project has become a benchmark for sustainable development and was later featured in the Foundation’s “Words with Winners” series, highlighting its innovative approach to urban challenges.
The BRAC University Campus, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, stands as a pioneering example of sustainable educational architecture. Designed by Singaporean firm WOHA in collaboration with Transsolar Energietechnik and J A Architects, this project reflects an ambitious vision to address pressing urban, environmental, and social challenges. Completed in 2023, the campus is a vital addition to Dhaka’s dense urban landscape, offering an inclusive and biophilic space that accommodates 20,000 students while fostering community interaction and environmental stewardship.
The campus was developed under the visionary leadership of BRAC’s late founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, whose nonprofit organization has long championed education, empowerment, and sustainable development. The project reclaims a once-polluted swampland and transforms it into a lush, functional urban oasis. In a city where green spaces are scarce, the BRAC University Campus introduces landscaped courtyards, shaded walkways, and communal areas that serve both the academic community and the public. The architects emphasized social sustainability by creating shared spaces that bring people together while offering quiet, reflective areas for study and relaxation.
WOHA’s approach incorporates its innovative concept of “breathing architecture,” designed to address the tropical climate of Dhaka. Passive design strategies, such as cross-ventilation and horizontal breezeways, are integrated throughout the campus to ensure natural cooling and airflow. Classrooms are arranged in parallel, forming breezeways that channel wind, while strategically placed landscaping enhances cooling through evapotranspiration. These measures significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, demonstrating how architecture can harmonize with its environment to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
The campus’s green spaces, while aesthetically striking, are more than decorative elements. They play a functional role in addressing Dhaka’s urban challenges by providing much-needed public spaces in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. Wong Mun Summ, co-founder of WOHA, has emphasized that the design is rooted in a commitment to people, ensuring the campus is accessible and inviting. He describes it as a “sticky campus,” designed to encourage students to linger beyond their academic schedules, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
The project received early recognition from the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction, winning the Holcim Foundation Award in 2017. The jury praised its innovative combination of sustainability and social responsibility, noting its role in transforming polluted land into a vibrant educational hub. They commended its integration of passive cooling strategies, green spaces, and community-oriented design as a benchmark for sustainability in the Asia Pacific region.
The campus’s significance extends beyond its built environment. It was recently featured in the Holcim Foundation’s “Words with Winners” film series, which spotlights exemplary sustainable design projects from around the world. In this series, Wong Mun Summ provides insights into the design process and its broader implications for sustainable architecture. The feature highlights the campus as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring architects and developers globally to adopt holistic approaches to sustainability.
The BRAC University Campus is more than just an educational institution—it is a transformative model for architecture that prioritizes both people and the planet. By addressing urban density, environmental degradation, and social inclusivity, it exemplifies how thoughtful design can lead to meaningful, lasting change. As Dhaka continues to evolve, the campus serves as a reminder of the potential for architecture to create vibrant, sustainable spaces that benefit communities and future generations.
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Location
Address: 77 West Merul Road, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
