Shaping a sustainable future: Highlights from Cuet conference
On December 18, 2024, the Department of Architecture at the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), in collaboration with the University Grant Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, successfully hosted the 1st National Conference on Resilient Architecture Towards Sustainable Bangladesh (NCRATSB 2024).
This landmark event brought together architects, researchers, policymakers, and students from across the nation to discuss the critical role of architectural innovation in achieving a sustainable future for Bangladesh. Bangladesh, one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally, faces numerous challenges due to its geographical position and socio-economic conditions. Rising sea levels, increased frequency of natural disasters, and urbanization pressures demand an urgent rethinking of architectural and urban development strategies. Against this backdrop, NCRATSB 2024 offered a much-needed platform to explore innovative and sustainable architectural practices that align with the country's unique needs.
The conference highlighted several key thematic areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Architecture, Data-Driven and Smart Design, Sustainable Materials and Construction, Health and Wellbeing, and Resilience and Climate Adaptation Design. Each of these themes reflects a growing recognition of how technology and sustainable practices can transform architecture into a tool for resilience and adaptation. By focusing on these areas, the conference emphasized the intersection of human-centric design and environmental sustainability.
For a country like Bangladesh, where resource optimization is paramount, AI-driven solutions can revolutionize urban planning and rural development by predicting risks and enabling more informed decision-making. Equally important was the focus on community and landscape design, which highlighted how thoughtful urban planning can enhance the quality of life while promoting environmental balance. Sustainable community design aims to integrate green spaces, improve accessibility, and foster a sense of belonging among residents. Speakers at the conference emphasized that resilient architecture must address the socio-cultural dynamics of communities, ensuring that development projects are inclusive and people-centered.
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The exploration of design sustainability and energy efficiency was another cornerstone of NCRATSB 2024. With a growing energy demand and limited resources, Bangladesh must adopt energy-efficient building technologies and renewable energy systems. Architectural innovations, such as passive cooling techniques, solar energy integration, and energy-efficient materials, were presented as viable solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings. These strategies are particularly crucial for urban areas experiencing rapid expansion, where the carbon footprint of new developments can have long-term ecological consequences.
By leveraging data analytics and IoT-enabled technologies, architects can design smarter, more adaptive urban environments. For Bangladesh, smart city initiatives represent an opportunity to address urban challenges such as traffic congestion, waste management, and infrastructure inefficiencies. Presenters discussed how data-driven solutions could also benefit rural areas, transforming them into smart villages that retain their cultural heritage while embracing modern amenities. Another highlight of the conference was the emphasis on human-centric design and health and wellbeing. Architectural design has a profound impact on physical and mental health, and the conference shed light on strategies to create spaces that promote wellness. From biophilic design elements that connect individuals with nature to layouts that encourage physical activity and social interaction, these approaches are integral to improving the overall quality of life for citizens. The role of environmental and resilience-focused design in addressing climate challenges was a critical component of the discussions. Resilience and climate adaptation strategies, such as elevated structures, flood-resistant materials, and adaptive reuse of buildings, were explored in depth. The need for sustainable materials and construction methods was also underscored, with particular attention given to locally sourced and environmentally friendly materials that reduce reliance on imports and lower carbon emissions. The conference underscored that sustainability is not only about environmental responsibility but also about creating spaces that cater to the diverse needs of a nation's population.
The Department of Architecture at CUET, as the organizing body, demonstrated its commitment to spearheading initiatives that contribute to a sustainable Bangladesh. By hosting NCRATSB 2024, the department positioned itself as a thought leader in the field of sustainable architecture and urban planning. The department has outlined plans to integrate the insights from the conference into its academic curriculum, research initiatives, and community outreach programs. By doing so, CUET aims to cultivate a new generation of architects equipped to tackle the pressing challenges of sustainability and resilience.
The collaboration with UGC Bangladesh further emphasized the national importance of the conference. As a regulatory body that oversees higher education in the country, UGC's involvement highlighted the need to bridge academia and practical applications in addressing sustainability issues. This partnership ensures that the outcomes of the conference will inform policy-making and educational reforms, creating a ripple effect across the architectural and construction industries.
The importance of NCRATSB 2024 cannot be overstated. The conference provided a unique forum for cross-disciplinary dialogue, fostering collaboration among architects, engineers, policymakers, and community leaders. Such collaborative efforts are essential for addressing the complex and interrelated challenges that Bangladesh faces. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event laid the groundwork for a holistic approach to sustainable development.
As Bangladesh strives to meet its commitments under the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), conferences like NCRATSB 2024 play a crucial role in accelerating progress. The insights and innovations presented at the event have the potential to transform the country's architectural landscape, making it more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious. The 1st National Conference on Resilient Architecture Towards Sustainable Bangladesh was not merely an academic gathering but a call to action for a nation at the crossroads of development and sustainability. As the Department of Architecture at CUET continues to lead the charge, the vision of a sustainable Bangladesh is closer to becoming a reality, demonstrating that thoughtful design and innovation can indeed pave the way for a brighter, more resilient future.
Dr Sajal Chowdhury is an architect, educator and Convener of NCRATSB 2024 at the Department of Architecture, CUET and researcher focusing on Environmental Experience Design, Architectural Science and Well-being.
