A factory in Rangpur, Bangladesh, has earned international acclaim by winning the award for the world's best new building. Named the Green Field Factory, this seven-story facility is dedicated to manufacturing carpets and traditional shataranji mats. However, its true distinction lies in combining production with a beautiful, comfortable, and eco-friendly working environment tailored for its workers.
On Thursday in London, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) presented the prestigious award to the facility. In the words of the judges, it is a "work of quiet humility." Instead of dazzling onlookers with flashy designs, the building was constructed by prioritizing human needs above all else.
The factory was designed by architect Bayzid Mahbub Khondker, the principal architect of the Dhaka-based firm Nakshabid Architects. He graduated in architecture from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 1996. After a brief stint in government service, he established his own firm. His architectural designs consistently emphasize local history, human needs, and environmental sustainability. This factory is no exception. In Bayzid Mahbub's own words, "We asked ourselves a simple question: What if a factory was designed first and foremost as a home for the people who work there?"
Driven by this philosophy, the factory incorporates central courtyards, ponds, and expansive verandas, with greenery integrated directly into the walls. The building's architecture is optimized to ensure natural light and ample ventilation throughout. The rooftop features a dedicated day-care center for children alongside medical facilities.
Another notable aspect of the facility is its egalitarian layout: workers, managers, and owners all enter the factory through the exact same entrance. Approximately 5,000 people are employed at the factory, the majority of whom are women.
