26/01/2026
We are delighted to share that Arcadian Architects has been awarded the Third Prize in the Open Architectural Design Competition for the Design of a Ten - Storied Academic Building for Dhaka Residential Model College (DRMC), Mohammadpur, organized by Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB). We extend our sincere gratitude to the team, because this achievement would not have been possible without the tireless dedication and collaboration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every team member who enlightened us with their commitment, overtime works and thoughtful design approchs. We also extend our gratitude to Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and Dhaka Residential Model College (DRMC) for organizing this competition and the esteemed jury members for recognizing our work.
Design Thoughts:
In the context of Bangladesh’s transition to a middle-income nation by 2041, education is the primary force for human development. The current system, serving over 40 million learners across General, Madrasah, and Technical-Vocational streams, has evolved from colonial roots into a modern, resilient ecosystem.
Our mission is to enhance this legacy by designing a ten-story academic building for Dhaka Residential Model College. We prioritize optimal spatial planning for classrooms, labs, and faculty offices through a design that is climatically responsive, culturally relevant, and energy efficient. Our approach ensures the structure is both functional and submissive to its significant surrounding context.
This academic building is a celebration of national soul, designed in deep dialogue with its site. To the north, a vital connection anchors the structure to the open field; to the south, preserved greenery forms a living curtain against the urban clamor of Aurangzeb Road. By dissolving boundaries between indoor and outdoor life, the design creates a vertically layered landscape of terraces and classrooms. This interactive establishment serves as a stage where nature, art, and academic endeavor converge to shape the future of the nation.
