New book on Sustainable Architecture Practice published by British Council and Bengal Institute
The British Council and the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements officially launched the research publication Sustainable Architecture Practice at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhaka on Friday, presenting the outcomes of a nationwide study focused on sustainable and climate-responsive architectural practices in Bangladesh.
The launch event brought together architects, planners, researchers, policymakers, built environment professionals, and members of the public. The publication is the result of a research initiative commissioned by the British Council and conducted by the Bengal Institute.
The study documents sustainable and climate-adaptive architectural practices across Bangladesh at public, private, and grassroots levels, while also offering policy recommendations aimed at strengthening and expanding the sector.
The programme included opening remarks by Professor Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, Director General of the Bengal Institute, a screening of a short documentary produced under the initiative, and presentations by Professor Atiqur Rahman, Professor Ripin Kalra, and Architect Khondaker Hasibul Kabir.
Addressing the audience, Professor Kazi Khaleed Ashraf said sustainability represents a renewed way of thinking about human interaction with the Earth. He noted that many principles now associated with sustainable architecture have existed for centuries through locally adapted lifestyles, materials, and settlement practices shaped by geography and climate.
Representatives from the British Council also spoke at the event prior to the formal unveiling of the publication. Maarya Rehman, Deputy Director of the British Council Bangladesh, said the initiative highlights Bangladesh’s diverse and innovative approaches to sustainable architecture and demonstrates the value of collaboration between Bangladesh and the UK in addressing climate challenges through design.
She added that the publication amplifies local knowledge and practices while contributing to wider global discussions on climate resilience and the creative economy. According to her, the documentation of practical and locally rooted solutions could help guide future policy decisions and inspire innovation within the built environment sector.
The publication analyses architectural practices from 2015 onward through a scoping report, case studies of innovative sustainable projects, and a policy report developed with input from an advisory board comprising experts in sustainability and resilience.
A series of public engagement events, including the launch programme, is being organised to disseminate the findings more broadly. The initiative forms part of the British Council’s broader commitment to supporting the creative economy, strengthening creative industries, and promoting climate resilience and professional capacity-building in Bangladesh.
