Day: February 10, 2026
DRMC finalises new 10-storey academic building’s design
Dhaka Residential Model College has finalised the design for its new ten-storey academic building through a nationwide architectural competition jointly organised with the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB). The competition, announced on October 5 last year, drew registrations from nearly 150 architectural consultancy firms, with around 90 proposals submitted. After extensive review and evaluation, the jury selected the winners. At a ceremony held on Sunday evening at the IAB headquarters in Agargaon, the winners were awarded and an exhibition of the top six designs was inaugurated. The event was attended by senior officials including Md. Mahbubul Haque Patwary, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division, who was the chief guest. Special guests included Brigadier General Mohammad Jaber Hossain, Principal of Dhaka Residential Model College, and Ahmed Ashfaqur Rahman, Publicity Secretary of the Old Remians Welfare Association. The programme was chaired by IAB President Professor Dr. Abu Sayeed M Ahmed. The jury board comprised representatives from Dhaka Residential Model College and the Old Remians Welfare Association, alongside architects Jalal Ahmed, Patrick D’Rozario, and SM Nazimuddin Payel. FORM3.Architects, led by Principal Architect Didarul Islam Bhuiyan, won first place. Archeground Limited, under the leadership of Architect Nabi Newaz Khan, secured second place, while Arcadian Architects, led by Architect Tawhidur Rashid, came third. Special commendations were awarded to Zero D Consultants, Khetro, and Roofliners_Studio of Architecture. The exhibition of the winning and commended designs will run from February 8 to 18 at the IAB Centre, open daily from 12 pm to 8 pm, and accessible to the public. Established in 1960, Dhaka Residential Model College spans 52 acres in Mohammadpur and accommodates approximately 6,000 students across various academic levels. Initially governed by the Central Government of Pakistan, the institution underwent several administrative transitions before being placed under the Ministry of Education in 1972. Despite its autonomous status and historical significance, the college’s infrastructure has aged considerably, prompting the Board of Governors to approve a major upgrade during its 162nd meeting on June 26, 2025. Competition Details and Design Vision The competition, launched on October 5, 2025, was a single-stage open call for Bangladeshi architects. It sought innovative, sustainable, and contextually responsive designs that integrate seamlessly with the existing campus. Architects were encouraged to use local materials and environmentally friendly technologies, with an emphasis on rapid construction techniques and low future maintenance costs. Design considerations outlined in the brief include: climate responsiveness and passive cooling, universal accessibility, integration of landscape and open spaces, cultural and contextual relevance, interconnectivity with existing academic buildings, energy efficiency and future-readiness. Written By Nibir Ayaan
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