This project reimagines the traditional university campus through a vertical design approach, tailored for a Private University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on a constrained urban site of just 1.5 acres. The primary objective is to develop a student-focused academic environment that maximizes interactions, fosters collaboration, and integrates green design strategies—all within a compact urban footprint. By prioritizing vertical expansion, efficient space utilization, and eco-conscious architecture, the proposal challenges conventional campus planning while meeting the institution’s academic, social, and environmental needs.

Tertiary Education in Bangladesh is in transition, shifting from traditional, teacher-centered approaches to dynamic, student-focused environments emphasizing experiential learning. Urban challenges in Dhaka, such as land scarcity and pollution from rapid population growth, have spurred the development of high-rise campuses, especially among private universities. Activities like culture, literature, and leisure have become increasingly integrated into schooling, adding depth to the educational experience.

Limited land in urban areas has driven architects to embrace vertical campus designs, transforming the urban landscape. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for adaptable, health-conscious spaces in urban environments.

However, Dhaka’s move towards a dense, high-rise urban model also presents significant challenges. The city risks becoming a dystopian landscape, characterized by high pollution, limited green spaces, and a declining quality of life. If unchecked, the relentless pursuit of urban density could create an uninhabitable environment, where quality green and communal spaces are rare luxuries.

The concept of this project is to incorporate breathing spaces and shared spaces into the vertical campus to foster interactions, encourage peer learning as well as improve the environmental performance of the building. The functionality of the campus has been given top priority to ensure the efficient usage of limited areas. Breathing spaces are introduced in a manner so that students from different disciplines can collaborate and share knowledge. These breathing spaces will also reduce their daily stress about exams and classes and keep their mind sharp.

In this context, the vertical campus concept represents a radical reimagining of educational architecture, transforming the dense urban campus into an ‘oxygen hub’ within the city. By incorporating ample breathing spaces, natural ventilation, green walls, and sustainable infrastructure, the design aims to combat urban pollution and congestion. This vertical campus seeks not only to meet Bangladesh’s educational needs but also to address the environmental imperatives of the city’s future, serving as a prototype for sustainable development in Dhaka and beyond. It is more than a building—it is a self-sustaining community that fosters learning, well-being, and environmental stewardship.

The site for this campus is located in front of the new Purbachal expressway. The site has a 300ft front road and the height limitation of the site is under 500ft according to the rules of civil aviation. The 1.5-acre site is an irregular trapezoid with a 100ft wide proposed lake in front, acting as a divider from the 300ft front road. Government-designed bridges connect to 40ft wide service roads. The lake features a pedestrian walkway and green buffer, creating a scenic space for leisure and evening strolls.

This proposal for campus design prioritizes shared spaces for students and faculty, fostering knowledge exchange and contemplation. With land constraints in mind, the 37-story structure accommodates 10,000 students and integrates safety measures such as tall railings with green barriers and full-height corridor railings. The building features natural ventilation, shading devices, and hybrid cooling technology to reduce energy consumption, supplemented by a solar roof. Fire safety is ensured with carefully placed cores, fire stairs, and a refuge space on the 16th floor. Community spaces support student activities, including department-specific clubs. The vertical campus includes a 650-seat auditorium, a ground-floor plaza for gatherings, and a double-story cafeteria with semi-outdoor seating by a waterbody—creating spaces for students to unwind and engage.