A remarkable rug factory in Rangpur, Bangladesh, conceived by Dhaka-based Nakshabid Architects, has been honored with the RIBA International Prize for 2026. The Green Field Factory in Bangladesh is celebrated for its trailblazing approach to workplace design, emphasizing employee wellbeing and social equity.
Innovation at the Green Field Factory
Selected as the fifth recipient of this prestigious award by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the facility stands as a beacon of modern manufacturing excellence outside the UK. It exemplifies design ingenuity and sustainability, redefining the architectural landscape of South Asia.
RIBA president Christ Williamson remarked, “Green Field Factory redefines manufacturing architecture in South Asia and beyond. By putting people, wellbeing and their everyday experiences at its core and actively supporting its female workforce, it proves that thoughtful design can dismantle traditional hierarchies to create profound social and environmental change.”
Commissioned by Karupannya Rangpur Limited, this seven-story building harmonizes with its rural surroundings. The design draws inspiration from traditional Bengali homes, boasting natural ventilation and a biophilic approach. Courtyards, verandas, and a verdant facade ensure optimal natural light and airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
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Key design elements include a main entrance with two grand staircases for all employees, fostering equality and unity. Shared spaces for relaxation and social interaction complement facilities such as a rooftop daycare, medical center, grocery shop, and prayer room. Reflecting its commitment to nature, the factory incorporates low-maintenance greenery supporting local wildlife, alongside artwork celebrating women’s roles in society and the workplace.
In the realm of factory design, the project’s design intent was encapsulated by grand jury chair Bijoy Jain, “The project demonstrates the dissolution of architecture as a topological space, with a single-pointed focus on dismantling civilisational oppression and hierarchy, for woman and man alike. Through the simple gesture of two grand stairs as an equanimous shared portal, it transforms a space and symbol once reserved exclusively for the king of the region, as landlord and ruling class, and for the colonial power that pervaded the length and breadth of the country.”
This radical rethinking of factory architecture was highlighted during the Stirling Prize ceremony in London. The Green Field Factory was selected ahead of other entries like BRAC University by WOHA and the transformed Royale Belge in Belgium.
Moreover, RIBA recognized Maker Architecten with the International Emerging Architect Award for their YIMBY residential project, illustrating innovative design with reclaimed materials and communal spaces. Noteworthy past winners include the 2024 laureate, Peris + Toral Arquitectes, for a social housing innovation in Barcelona.
The photography featured is credited to Mud Canvas.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Green Field Factory in Bangladesh?
The Green Field Factory in Bangladesh was conceived by Dhaka-based Nakshabid Architects.
What elements are incorporated in the factory’s design?
The factory’s design includes natural ventilation, biophilic elements like courtyards, verandas, a verdant facade, and shared spaces such as a rooftop daycare, medical center, grocery shop, and prayer room.
What did RIBA commend about the Green Field Factory?
RIBA commended the Green Field Factory for its trailblazing approach to workplace design, emphasizing employee wellbeing, social equity, and thoughtful design, dismantling traditional hierarchies to create social and environmental change.
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