Description

The British Council in Dhaka underwent a significant redesign to create a more functional, inspiring, and inclusive working environment that reflects the organization's values and the people they serve. The redesign aimed to employ effective work environments that are flexible, sustainable, and efficient while also exemplifying cutting-edge creativity, innovation, and design. To achieve these goals, the design team rearranged the internal spaces and functions to improve functionality, with the primary function of each facility as the priority. Flexibility within building systems was essential to meeting the dynamic requirements of the British Council's mission and vision, ensuring that functions can evolve and facilities can be modified in the future. State-of-the-art technology and equipment were used in the classrooms, upgrading the institute's status as one of the finest cultural institutes in the country. The design team selected materials, furnishings, and structural expressions that instill a sense of timelessness, extending the life and usefulness of the design. Vibrant colors in furniture and modern design create a contemporary and inspiring atmosphere. In the redesign, the seismic vulnerability of this building was assessed, and the weakest wall was retrofitted with steel bracing through dynamic fenestration by the flat bar. Furthermore, this bracing is outlined with green, which is now the new entrance to the British Council. An iconic concrete roof was added, which not only provides climate protection to visitors but also instills a modern look into the colonial building. In addition, green spaces were integrated into the design, creating a more environmentally conscious working environment. The external and internal environments were made functionally, psychologically, environmentally, and spiritually more contextual and integrated through the use of green spaces within. Lighting was another crucial consideration in the redesign, with the quality and placement of light sources carefully selected to achieve both functional and aesthetic intent. The redesign addressed the building's structural issues, added green spaces and iconic features, and carefully considered the lighting design to create a functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing space.