Bangladesh Rug Factory Wins 2026 RIBA International Prize
Green Field Factory transforms manufacturing architecture by prioritizing employee wellbeing and dismantling workplace hierarchies.
1RIBA International Prize Winner
The Green Field Factory in Rangpur, Bangladesh, has been awarded the 2026 RIBA International Prize. Designed by Nakshabid Architects, this seven-storey rug manufacturing facility was selected from a competitive shortlist. The biennial award recognizes the world's best new building outside the UK, highlighting visionary thinking and significant contributions to its local context.
2Dismantling Traditional Workplace Hierarchies
A core design feature is the single main entrance featuring two grand staircases used by all employees. This layout intentionally challenges the regional norm of separate entrances for management and factory workers. By creating an equanimous shared portal, the architecture actively promotes social equality and removes physical barriers between different organizational levels.
3Passive Design and Sustainability
The building incorporates traditional Bengali home design principles to minimize reliance on mechanical systems. Features include courtyards, verandas, and a monumental green facade that facilitate natural ventilation and light. These biophilic elements reduce energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable environment for the 5,000 employees working within the facility throughout the year.
4Prioritizing Employee Wellbeing
Beyond production space, the facility includes dedicated areas for social interaction, a rooftop daycare centre, and an on-site medical practice. A grocery shop and prayer room further support the daily needs of workers and their families. These communal spaces reflect a holistic approach to industrial design that values the human experience above output.
5Empowering the Female Workforce
The project specifically focuses on supporting its female workforce through inclusive design and dedicated community spaces. Artwork and sculptures throughout the factory celebrate the role of women in the family and workplace. This environment encourages female employees to take pride in their professional setting while fostering self-reliance in their personal and familial decision-making.
6Contextual and Social Impact
Commissioned by Karupannya Rangpur Limited, the factory sits amidst fields and small settlements, blending into its rural surroundings. The design serves as a social anchor for the wider community, providing resources outside of working hours. It proves that thoughtful architecture can drive profound social change by integrating industrial needs with local cultural values.
7Selection Process and Competition
The jury evaluated the factory against notable projects like the BRAC University in Bangladesh and the Z33 art museum in Belgium. The RIBA International Emerging Architect Award was simultaneously presented to Maker Architecten for their YIMBY project in Belgium. These selections emphasize a global shift toward sustainable, community-focused, and inclusive architectural practices.
8Redefining Industrial Architecture
The Green Field Factory represents a departure from the traditional, oppressive industrial model. By prioritizing human dignity and environmental harmony, it sets a new standard for manufacturing facilities globally. This recognition by RIBA underscores the importance of architecture that serves both the user and the environment, effectively redefining the future of industrial spaces.