Dhaka’s skyline is transforming, and in the heart of it all, a building stands tall—focused on both modernity and sustainability. CEGIS Bhaban, the newly completed headquarters of the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), is a true reflection of how architectural innovation and environmental responsibility can seamlessly work together. Designed by PRAXIS Architects, led by the visionary architect Nazli Hussain, Founder & CEO, this 13-story structure not only sets a new standard for office spaces in Bangladesh but also challenges the very notion of what it means to build green.”Reaching for Sustainability”
CEGIS Bhaban is a project born from a desire to push the boundaries of sustainable design.
Located in the Agargaon Administrative Area of Dhaka, the building occupies a 10-katha plot and features a total built-up area of 75,000 square feet. The project, which began in 2018, was not just about creating a modern office building but about creating an environment that embodies energy efficiency, water conservation, and overall sustainability. This project stands as an example of what can be achieved when sustainability is integrated into every aspect of design, construction, and operation.
The building’s architectural design reflects a deep commitment to the environment.“Reaching for Sustainability”
With a strong focus on energy efficiency, CEGIS Bhaban utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy systems, and energy-efficient lighting. These efforts work in tandem to reduce the building’s environmental footprint, ensuring that it is not just a place of work, but a model for future developments in Bangladesh and beyond.
Designed to meet the stringent standards of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), CEGIS Bhaban aims to set a benchmark for green buildings in the region, showcasing how modern architecture can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of climate change. The building also embraces sustainability through its use of smart technologies and innovative solutions.
With features like low-emission glass facades, a vertical greenery system (VGS), and a mixed ventilation system that combines natural and mechanical methods, CEGIS Bhaban is designed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. The VGS, for example, not only helps reduce heat gain from the sun but also acts as a buffer zone, enhancing the building’s overall energy performance.
Inside, the workspace is open, light-filled, and designed with the well-being of its occupants in mind. The office areas are arranged to maximize the use of natural light, with large windows offering unobstructed views of the greenery that surrounds the building. The design also prioritizes access to fresh air and indoor plants, creating an environment that enhances productivity and well-being. The building features CO2 sensors that continuously monitor indoor air quality, ensuring that the oxygen levels remain optimal for the people who work there.”Reaching for Sustainability”
Sustainability extends beyond energy use and indoor environment quality. Waste reduction is a core aspect of the design. CEGIS Bhaban incorporates waste sorting systems on each floor, ensuring that recyclables, plastics, and general waste are properly separated and managed. Kitchen waste is composted for use in the rooftop and ground-floor landscapes, minimizing landfill contributions and enriching the site’s green spaces. The building also minimizes construction waste through the use of modular materials, which are designed for efficiency and minimal environmental impact during the building phase.
Water conservation is another key feature of CEGIS Bhaban. The building uses water-efficient fixtures in its toilets, and the landscape irrigation system, both on the rooftop and ground level, employs drip irrigation techniques. This system uses rainwater collected from the roof, reducing the need for potable water while ensuring that the landscaping remains lush and healthy. By reducing water usage, CEGIS Bhaban helps conserve one of the world’s most precious resources, making it an environmentally responsible choice for today’s urban landscape.”Reaching for Sustainability”
One of the building’s most striking features is its green roof, which not only supports the solar panels that generate renewable energy but also adds to the overall sustainability of the site.
The green roof helps to absorb rainwater, reduce the building’s heat island effect, and provides an additional layer of insulation, which helps to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. This combination of solar power and green roofing makes the building an energy-efficient, self-sustaining entity, reducing its dependence on external power sources.
The overall design of CEGIS Bhaban is centered around open, collaborative workspaces that promote creativity and productivity.
The layout is flexible and adaptable, with ample opportunities for staff to engage with the natural environment. The strategic placement of windows allows for maximum daylight penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The open-plan layout encourages collaboration and communication, while also offering the tranquility of nature, as the surrounding greenery can be seen from almost every corner of the building.
The building’s sustainability efforts don’t stop at energy and water conservation. CEGIS Bhaban also features advanced waste management systems, and a smart building management system ensures that energy consumption, lighting, and ventilation are optimized for maximum efficiency. From the smallest details to the largest systems, every element of the design has been carefully considered to ensure the building’s long-term sustainability.
In a city like Dhaka, where rapid urbanization poses significant challenges for environmental conservation, CEGIS Bhaban stands as a beacon of hope. It proves that it’s possible to build spaces that are not only efficient and beautiful but also environmentally responsible. By incorporating sustainable technologies and design principles, this building not only provides a functional workspace but also contributes positively to the broader goal of reducing environmental impact.
As more and more companies and organizations strive to adopt sustainable practices, CEGIS Bhaban offers a glimpse of what the future of office buildings can look like. It challenges conventional notions of what is possible in urban design and offers a blueprint for the next generation of green buildings in Bangladesh and beyond. Through innovative thinking, responsible building practices, and a deep commitment to sustainability, CEGIS Bhaban has set a new standard for what it means to build with the future in mind.“Reaching for Sustainability”
