Reimagining government staff quarter .

State University of Bangladesh, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Project idea

Beyond Shelter: Biophilic and Socially Integrated Government Housing Complex
“Beyond Shelter” reimagines government housing by blending nature and community into urban living.
Addressing the shortage of quality staff quarters, the project integrates biophilic design — green roofs, courtyards, rooftop gardens, and ample natural light — to create a healthy, stress-free environment within the dense city. To strengthen social ties, the design includes shared spaces like community zones, rooftop pavilions, playgrounds, and flexible courtyards that connect residents across all staff grades.
Balancing modern living, cultural identity, sustainability, and affordability, this vision goes beyond mere shelter, offering a vibrant, nature-rich community that enhances well-being and social cohesion for Bangladesh’s government employees and their families.

Project description

The Dhanmondi Government Staff Quarters is a residential complex designed to provide safe, comfortable, and healthy living for government officers and employees in Dhaka. Located in the heart of Dhanmondi, the project addresses the growing demand for quality staff housing amidst urban congestion and limited land resources.

This new vision goes beyond conventional housing by focusing on biophilic design and community well-being. Lush green roofs, landscaped courtyards, rooftop gardens, and naturally lit, well-ventilated apartments create a refreshing, nature-connected environment for residents.

To promote social interaction and inclusivity, the design includes vibrant communal spaces such as multipurpose courtyards, rooftop gathering areas, play zones, and shared activity spaces — encouraging a strong community bond across different staff grades.

Balancing modern amenities, cultural context, affordability, and sustainability, the Dhanmondi Staff Quarters aims to set a new standard for government housing — providing not just shelter, but a healthy, vibrant, and connected urban neighborhood for over 900 government staff families.

Technical information

The housing complex uses brick and reinforced concrete construction with 20-inch-thick exterior walls to reduce heat gain and improve indoor thermal comfort. Large window openings in each unit ensure natural cross ventilation and ample daylight, cutting energy costs. Green planter boxes are integrated on every floor and unit façade, forming a continuous vertical garden that cools the building and enhances air quality. The master plan keeps ground coverage low, allowing maximum green open spaces and dense tree planting to mitigate urban heat. Community spaces include shaded ground-level courtyards, multipurpose gathering areas, and rooftop gardens connected by sky bridges, encouraging interaction and cultural activities. Roofs link to a central courtyard with an open-air theater for performances and traditional events. Upgraded drainage, proper fire safety provisions, and sustainable water management ensure safety and resilience. Together, these design strategies deliver a comfortable, energy-efficient, and vibrant living environment for government staff.

Created in: