How can architecture students in Bangladesh shape a sustainable future?  

In the 21st century, Bangladesh is facing exceptional difficulties, making the role of architecture in developing a sustainable future more crucial than ever before. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations provide a comprehensive plan for attaining a more sustainable and improved future. They serve as a framework for tackling these difficulties. Students of architecture in Bangladesh have a dual role of responsibility and opportunity in connecting their research objectives with SDG aims. By doing so, they may contribute to global efforts while also addressing local needs.

This article explores the future research priorities of architecture students in Bangladesh, with a particular emphasis on the importance of sustainability, resilience, and innovation in the construction industry.

A significant concern in Bangladesh is the rapid growth of metropolitan areas, resulting in the increase of informal settlements, insufficient infrastructure, and degradation of the environment. With the ongoing increase in urban residents, the importance of sustainable urban planning and development becomes crucial. Architectural education should prioritise research that centres on SDG 11, which relates to Sustainable Cities and Communities. It is important to motivate students to investigate creative design ideas that support the development of affordable housing, inclusive urban places, and resilient infrastructure. Research could focus on the advancement of sustainable building materials that minimise ecological harm, or the creation of communal areas that promote social unity and improve the well-being of residents in highly crowded regions. Simultaneous with the process of urbanisation, Bangladesh is also coping with the consequences of climate change, which presents significant hazards to the country's infrastructure and communities. The future architecture must give priority to climate resilience, with SDG 13—Climate Action—being a crucial field of investigation. Architecture students should possess the requisite knowledge and tools to create buildings and communities that are resilient to the growing appearance of severe weather phenomena, such as floods and cyclones. This may entail researching conventional construction methods that have demonstrated efficacy in previous situations, such as raised structures in regions subject to flooding, and combining them with contemporary technologies to develop inventive, climate-resilient designs.

The future of architecture in Bangladesh places significant emphasis on energy efficiency. Given the increasing energy demand in the country, primarily due to urbanisation and economic expansion, it is crucial to urgently investigate sustainable energy options for the built environment. Research projects aiming at lowering the energy footprint of buildings should be guided by SDG 7, which focuses on Affordable and Clean Energy. Students can explore the viability of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, in fulfilling the energy requirements of both urban and rural areas. In addition, research might prioritise the optimisation of building designs to minimise energy usage by employing passive cooling techniques, maximising natural illumination, and utilising sophisticated insulation materials. Architectural research has the potential to make a substantial contribution to sustainable development in Bangladesh, particularly in the field of water management. The nation's vulnerabilities to flooding, combined with the growing need for uncontaminated water, emphasises the significance of SDG 6—Clean Water and Sanitation. Architecture students should be encouraged to investigate unique water management strategies, such as rainwater harvesting systems, permeable pavements, and green roofs, which can assist in reducing the effects of flooding and ensuring a sustainable water supply. Moreover, further study might prioritise the development of sanitation systems that are not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable, especially in informal settlements where the availability of clean water and sanitation is still an urgent problem.

The combination of health and architecture is a topic that deserves considerable focus within the framework of sustainable development. SDG 3, often known as Good Health and Well-being, emphasises the need of constructing conditions that foster both physical and mental well-being. It is important to promote the investigation of the correlation between spatial design and well-being among architecture students. This could involve doing research on the influence of natural light, ventilation, and green areas on mental well-being, or examining how the architectural design of healthcare facilities might improve patient outcomes. In addition, studies may prioritise the development of environments that encourage physical activity, such as neighbourhoods that are simple to access by foot and public spaces that are easily accessible. These measures are essential for addressing the increasing impact of non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh. The significance of architecture in advancing education and mitigating inequality should not be ignored. SDG 4, which focuses on Quality Education, and SDG 10, which aims to Reduce Inequalities, might serve as guiding principles for research aimed at developing accessible and equitable educational environments. Architecture students can examine the design of schools that accommodate the requirements of all students, including those with limitations, and that encourage interactive and collaborative learning settings. Furthermore, research might prioritise the development of environments that facilitate connections among diverse socio-economic groups, promoting a sense of communal belonging and mitigating inequality in society.

It is essential that architecture students prioritise the cultural heritage of Bangladesh in their future research agenda. SDG 11.4 highlights the need of protecting and upholding cultural heritage, which is a fundamental component of a nation's identity. The research should prioritise the preservation of historic architectural methods and their integration into modern design. This may imply examining the vernacular architecture of various locations in Bangladesh and investigating how these traditions might be modified to fulfil the requirements of contemporary living while safeguarding their cultural importance. Ultimately, architecture students in Bangladesh should prioritise their future research efforts in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to effectively tackle the multifaceted issues facing the nation. Students can contribute to the building of a built environment that is environmentally friendly, welcoming, and resilient by focussing on topics such as sustainable urban development, climate resilience, energy efficiency, water management, health and well-being, education, and cultural heritage. As Bangladesh experiences more development, the significance of architects in crafting a sustainable future will be increasingly crucial. Architecture students can have a significant impact on creating a more sustainable future for everyone by focussing their research efforts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr Sajal Chowdhury is an architect, educator at the Department of Architecture, CUET and researcher focusing on Environmental Experience Design, Architectural Science and Well-being.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard