Eco Nexus: redefining training and research academy through sustainable architecture for Dhaka WASA

Abstract

The Dhaka WASA International Training and Research Academy is envisioned as a specialized institutional facility dedicated to advancing capacity in water management, sanitation, and infrastructure systems in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Strategically located in Mirpur, the project responds to the growing need for integrated knowledge, practical training, and research in urban utility services. The architectural approach emphasizes sustainability, spatial efficiency, and contextual sensitivity by integrating modular classroom arrangements, environmentally responsive design strategies, and accessible public zones. Inspired by both international best practices and regional architectural traditions, the facility balances formal education with hands-on technical learning through a variety of interactive spaces. The layout promotes interdisciplinary collaboration while fostering a healthy educational environment through natural lighting, cross-ventilation, and thoughtful landscape integration. This thesis critically examines programmatic needs, spatial functionality, and design methodologies that align with the broader vision of sustainable urban development in Bangladesh, setting a precedent for institutional architecture that bridges infrastructure and education.