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The main idea here is that architecture should be functional but also sustainable, flexible, and fair to everyone. In today's world, architecture is changing to meet the needs for sustainable, adaptable, and culturally aware designs. Modern cities like Dhaka, are facing big challenges like environmental issues and social inequalities. To accommodate the growing population here, many buildings are constructed vertically, without proper planning or consideration of the urban landscape. The Teach for Bangladesh office building is different from most offices in Dhaka because of its design. There is no typical compartmentalization of areas, as most offices do, but more open areas where people can easily sit and work together. The spaces inside are flexible, meaning they can be rearranged for a variety of activities. Located in the busy city of Dhaka, the office blends in with its surroundings but still offers a fresh, open space compared to the more cramped buildings around it.
An Unique Office in Dhaka
The Teach for Bangladesh Office Building, designed by Studio Dhaka, is the headquarters for the organization dedicated to educational equity in Bangladesh. The building is located in an urban setting in Dhaka. The site's location ensures accessibility for staff and visitors, creating a connection with the community. The design of the TFB Office Building is deeply rooted in its context—both physically and culturally. Also, this structure, rather than being alien, merges smoothly into the surroundings. The design considers Dhaka’s urban fabric utilizing vertical space efficiently to maximize functionality within a limited space and shows how new structures can co-exist with the existing ones.
Flexible and Open Design
The spatial design of the Teach for Bangladesh (TFB) Office Building is marked by its efficient use of space, thoughtfully divided into several functional zones that cater to different needs within the organization. These zones include open workspaces, meeting rooms, training facilities, and common areas, all designed to support the organization's operations. The open workspaces encourage collaboration and communication among staff while meeting rooms and training facilities offer spaces for focused, private work and professional development. A key feature of the building’s layout is the arrangement of working pods on either side of a central spine. These pods are not dedicated to specific individuals, so anyone in the office can use them. This flexible setup fosters a dynamic work environment where staff can choose the most suitable space for their tasks, maximizing the use of space and enhancing natural ventilation throughout the building.
Open courts are adjacent to the working pods, which serve multiple purposes, adding to the building’s versatility. These courts function as common spaces for leisure, cross-ventilation, informal meetings, and social interactions. They can be used as food courts, discussion zones, or play areas, depending on the need. The inclusion of an amphitheater within these spaces further emphasizes the design’s focus on fostering a sense of community and collaboration among the staff. The layout of the building is also designed to promote a natural flow of movement, with the positioning of pods and courts guiding occupants through the space in a way that feels intuitive. The play of levels within the space creates seating at different heights, making the environment more interactive and enhancing the sense of community.
Moreover, the use of brick-jali walls and large windows creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, preventing the building from feeling restrictive. This transparency not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the building but also contributes to an overall sense of openness and inclusivity, making the office a welcoming and adaptable space for all who work there.
Blending Tradition with Modern Materials
The architectural typology draws inspiration from contemporary houses in Bangladesh, which include a lot of courtyards, pavilions, open spaces, gardens, etc. Features like large windows and see-through walls create a sense of openness and freedom and also allow for cross-ventilation. Local materials such as bricks are used, which provide for sustainable architecture. The bricks are placed in an interlocking manner which enhances its structural integrity and makes it seismic resistant. The project also becomes responsive to the environment, climate, and culture of Bangladesh. This building is designed to be simple yet effective in addressing the needs of the users while maintaining balance with the environment.
Sustainable Practices and Local Materials
Studio Dhaka has redefined traditional office design by integrating sustainable practices and flexible spaces. The building incorporates systems to collect and use rainwater and energy-saving lighting, reducing its environmental footprint. By using local materials like gas-burnt bricks, corrugated iron sheets, and steel frames, the structure not only minimizes environmental impact but also promotes local craftsmanship. The design emphasizes simplicity and an earthy aesthetic, achieved through a brick-dust mixture. The roofing system, designed to be lightweight, includes translucent plastic sheets that allow natural light to fill the space in the mornings, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The office layout is centered around a central spine with work pods on either side, creating a versatile and dynamic work environment. Outdoor open spaces also serve as additional work areas, while common areas like the cafeteria, lounge, and relaxation spaces encourage social interaction. This thoughtful design blends traditional architectural elements with modern features, breaking away from the conventional office layout and fostering a more open, collaborative, and sustainable workspace.
Parallels with South Asian Architecture
Both, The Pavilion of Rain and Blues Head Office structures in Bangladesh are very similar to the Teach for Bangladesh office building, particularly in approach within the South Asian context. All these buildings pay attention to the use of local materials and design principles that react to the regional climate by including open spaces, natural ventilation, and light. They also have private and social spaces in balance, pointing toward a trend in contemporary South Asian architecture, where traditional elements are being refurbished for modern, sustainable uses.
Conclusion
This structure by Studio Dhaka represents a paradigm shift in architectural design for educational and non-profit organizations. By integrating sustainable practices, flexible spaces, and cultural references, the building addresses the challenges of urban density and environmental impact. Its design also responds to the increasing need for adaptable, multifunctional spaces in urban environments, reflecting a shift towards more flexible and efficient use of space. The building's design shows how architecture can create structures that are practical and also considerate of social and environmental needs.
References
Abdel, Hana. 2020. “Teach for Bangladesh Office Building / Studio Dhaka.” ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/932809/teach-for-bangladesh-office-building-studio-dhaka.
Alam, Helemul, Muhammad Moniruzzaman, and Dipankar Roy. 2022. “An office in tune with nature.” The Daily Star. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/office-tune-nature-2960651.
Ali, Zainab f. 2007. comfort with courtyards in Dhaka apartments. 2nd ed. Vol. 04. Dhaka, Bangladesh: BRAC University.
Myers, Lynne, and Sou Fujimoto. 2020. “studio Dhaka combines brick façades with lush greenery for office in Bangladesh.” Designboom. https://www.designboom.com/architecture/studio-dhaka-brick-facades-lush-greenery-office-bangladesh-02-03-2020/.
Ruby, Andreas, Niklaus Graber, and Viviane Ehrensberger, eds. 2017. Bengal Stream: The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh. N.p.: Christoph Merian Verlag.
Studio Dhaka. n.d. “Teach For Bangladesh Head Office – Studio Dhaka Limited | Top Architecture firms in Bangladesh | Interior Design | Animation.” Studio Dhaka Limited. Accessed August 14, 2024. https://studiodhakaltd.com/portfolio/teach-for-bangladesh/.
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