BRAC University campus in Dhaka has been named among the winners of the RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2026, recognizing it as one of the world’s best new architectural projects.

Designed by Singapore-based architecture firm WOHA, the campus is one of 34 projects selected from a global shortlist of 52, according to an announcement by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on 10 June 2026, a press release said.

The biennial awards celebrate projects that respond to pressing global challenges.

This year’s winners address issues such as climate change, migration, housing, rapid urbanization and infrastructure—demonstrating how architecture can enhance everyday life and contribute to a more equitable and resilient future.

“What connects this year’s winners is a strong sense of generosity towards people, place and the future,” said Awards Group Chair Neil Gillespie.

“These projects demonstrate a confidence in architecture’s ability to create delight and dignity while working within environmental, social and economic constraints. Rather than relying on spectacle, they highlight the value of thoughtful, enduring design rooted in context,” he said.

BRAC University’s campus transforms a former derelict dumping ground into a vibrant 170,000 sqm academic and civic hub.

Built on a compact 2.14-hectare site, the 13-storey development uses a distinctive “club sandwich” sectional strategy, elevating nine levels of academic spaces above a publicly accessible campus park.

The design maximizes land use while fostering social interaction and community engagement.

It integrates academic, civic and recreational functions across multiple levels, including classrooms, laboratories, an auditorium, multipurpose hall, an amphitheater, and rooftop facilities such as a swimming pool, cricket pitch and running track.

Grounded in passive tropical design principles, the campus promotes sustainability through horizontal breezeways aligned with prevailing winds, enabling natural cross-ventilation.

This significantly reduces reliance on air conditioning while creating comfortable, nature-connected learning environments.