Biophilic design: Turning Dhaka’s concrete jungle into livable spaces

Dhaka's skyline has grown dense with glass towers and concrete blocks, but what's missing is just as striking as what's there. Trees, open fields, and wetlands have steadily given way to air-conditioned rooms, sealed façades, and streets that can barely hold the crowds.

As the city expands upward and outward, architects and planners are turning to the principles of biophilic design—a movement that seeks to bring elements of nature back into urban spaces. The idea is simple yet radical: buildings shouldn't just be structures of steel and stone, but places that restore a sense of connection to the living world.

Nazirul Islam, principal architect and co-founder of Archarium, an interior design studio based in Dhaka, along with co-founder Rabbi Hasan, emphasises that biophilic design goes beyond aesthetics."It promotes health and comfort while keeping people connected to nature," he explains. Even in buildings with artificial ventilation, the goal is to replicate natural ecological cycles, using light, airflow, and vegetation to create spaces where people can live and work comfortably.

According to a 2023 study by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Dhaka's green space has shrunk to 7%, far below the recommended 15%, while wetlands occupy just 2.9% of the city. This decline affects both environmental balance and human health. Rising temperatures exacerbate respiratory illnesses, fatigue, and mental stress.

Furthermore, in 2024, the World Bank reported that Bangladesh suffered $1.78 billion in economic losses due to rising heat, with Dhaka's temperature increasing 65% faster than the national average.

The mental health impacts of disappearing green spaces are also significant. Dr Sajal Chowdhury, architect, CUET educator, and a researcher focusing on environmental experience design, architectural science and well-being, notes, "Green spaces allow individuals to relax, have fun, and socialise in densely populated areas, improving their physical and mental health."

In Dhaka, where crowded streets and high-rise blocks dominate daily life, even small interventions such as courtyard gardens or balcony plants can greatly improve emotional well-being.

Many assume that biophilic design is a luxury, accessible only to the affluent. Nazirul strongly disputes this notion. "It is absolutely not for the privileged. Nature was given to us freely. What became expensive is the detour as we damaged it, and then we tried to repair it with air conditioners and machines," he explains.

He himself practices incorporating biophilic design and proudly talks about Archarium, where the principles are applied in a practical and cost-effective manner. His studio is centred around a 150-square-foot courtyard, which allows natural light to fill the space and ensures continuous airflow. "For almost one and a half years, I've hardly used the air conditioning," Nazirul notes.

The space is carefully arranged to let nature take its course. He explains that before moving in, he set up the plantation, and by the time construction was complete, the plants had flourished naturally. There are no trimmed or controlled plants—wall creepers and vines grow freely from top to bottom, forming a natural barrier between the walls and direct sunlight. This not only creates a vibrant, green environment that feels alive but also helps reduce heat, making the space more comfortable while cutting unnecessary costs on electricity and air conditioning.

Material choice is equally important in biophilic design. Choosing natural, earthy materials helps create a warm and sustainable environment.

Nazirul states that in Archarium, tiles were avoided entirely in favour of simple concrete flooring, which allows water to seep through and prevents heat from being trapped. These choices reduce environmental impact while giving the space character and a natural feel. 

He also adds that most of the materials at Archarium are reused and upcycled, demonstrating how sustainable choices can create spaces that are both functional and connected to nature.

This design approach not only reduces energy consumption but also creates a calming and restorative environment for its occupants, showing that sustainable design and comfort can coexist.

Expanding on this approach, Nazirul describes how he incorporates biophilic design in every aspect of a space, whether it is a workspace or a home interior. Windows need to be carefully positioned to allow cross-ventilation, and interior layouts are planned so that natural light and airflow circulate freely throughout. Even small interventions, such as indoor plants or balcony gardens, can make a significant difference, transforming a space into one that is healthier, more inviting, and connected to nature.

Orientation and airflow are central to this approach. South-facing windows capture gentle breezes, north-facing openings bring in soft, natural daylight, and west-facing walls, which receive harsh afternoon sun, require careful shading.

Effective cross-ventilation is particularly important as hot air rises and cooler air stays below, a natural circulation develops that helps regulate indoor temperature. "It's important to plan where wind enters, how daylight reaches each space, and how air moves through the rooms to keep them naturally cool," says Nazirul.

Greenscaping forms another essential layer of biophilic design. He points out that the beauty of plants in biophilic design is that they work doubly as they're both aesthetic and functional. Plants such as peace lilies or indoor cacti not only thrive in low-light conditions but also purify the air, contributing both aesthetically and functionally to a space.

Minimal greenery, whether through courtyards, balcony gardens, or simple indoor plants, can enhance mood, reduce stress, and create a subtle but powerful sense of connection to the natural world.

These days, glass surfaces are often associated with a luxurious feel and have become a common feature in modern workplaces. Although it absorbs a lot of heat, Nazirul admits that glass can help create a visual connection with nature. In such cases, he suggests using sandwich glass or placing blinds thoughtfully, allowing natural light in while preventing excessive heat, keeping the space bright and comfortable.

Additionally, the spaces dominated by exposed concrete, such as bare walls, floors, or ceilings, can feel cold, harsh, and impersonal. The hard, flat surfaces reflect light unevenly and give the room a stark, industrial look. Adding fabrics softens these surfaces, introducing texture and a sense of warmth.

Educating clients, however, remains a significant challenge. Nazirul explains that many clients come with preconceived notions and often don't consider how to make a space naturally habitable without relying heavily on air conditioners. In those cases, one-on-one discussions are crucial, as they allow architects to demonstrate how thoughtful orientation, airflow, natural light, and the inclusion of plants can enhance comfort and sustainability.

Awareness campaigns, workshops, and collaboration with city authorities are also essential to expand biophilic design across homes, offices, and communities. As awareness of these principles grows, Nazirul hopes that more spaces will be designed thoughtfully, balancing environmental considerations with daily comfort.