Sustainable Skyscrapers: Shaping Smarter Cities Through Green Architecture
Architect Fauzia Jahan
As cities expand and buildings soar higher, the challenges of urban living are becoming increasingly complex—not only structurally, but also environmentally. Modern cities are facing critical issues such as energy crises, water wastage, air pollution, and rising temperatures. Underground water levels are falling while electricity demand continues to grow exponentially. In this context, the role of a building can no longer be limited to providing shelter; it must now function as a smart and sustainable entity, minimizing resource consumption while balancing modern technology and environmental harmony.
The demand for smart buildings is rapidly rising in Bangladesh and globally. These buildings save electricity, harvest rainwater, control temperature automatically, and adapt to the needs of their occupants. Yet, behind these technological marvels lies the intricate planning of environmentally conscious architecture.
The journey toward smart buildings begins not with construction, but on the architect’s drawing board. From the orientation of windows and shading of rooftops to the placement of elevator cores—every detail determines a building’s future efficiency. For example, designing a building based on the sun’s trajectory can significantly reduce heat and lessen the need for air conditioning. Proper ventilation minimizes the burden on lighting and cooling systems. Even reserving space for solar panels while designing the rooftop can save both cost and labor in the long run. However, ideal orientation may not always be possible—making the application of modern technology even more essential.
Among modern construction materials, glass plays a vital role. Double-glazed glass—where two layers are separated by insulating gas or vacuum—helps block external heat and sound. This keeps interiors cool and reduces the need for air conditioning. It also diffuses sunlight, creating a shaded and comfortable ambiance. Regardless of a building’s orientation, double-glazed glass helps reduce the impact of solar heat and maximizes natural light, thereby minimizing the use of artificial lighting and conserving electricity.
Today, rainwater collected from rooftops is filtered and stored in underground tanks for reuse in toilets, gardening, and cleaning. With proper slope and drainage systems, rooftops can be effectively designed for water conservation. Solar panels installed in unshaded roof areas can generate enough energy during the day to power basic functions like lighting, elevators, and CCTV systems.
Smart elevators equipped with regenerative drive systems feed excess energy back into the building’s power system. Destination control systems allow users to enter their floor numbers before entering the lift, enabling the system to group passengers traveling to the same or nearby floors. This reduces unnecessary stops and saves energy. Strategically placing elevator cores where natural light is accessible can illuminate corridors and waiting areas during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Motion-sensor lights in corridors further reduce wastage.
A building becomes truly smart only when it harmonizes people, nature, and technology. Smart buildings are no longer a vision of the future—they are the demand of the present. In Dhaka, several such buildings are already operating automatically. One example is Simple Tree GSR on Gulshan Avenue, a forward-thinking and eco-friendly design.
Smart buildings are not just about controlling lights through a mobile app. They represent a responsible lifestyle and a reflection of mindful architecture.
As cities expand and buildings soar higher, the challenges of urban living are becoming increasingly complex—not only structurally, but also environmentally. Modern cities are facing critical issues such as energy crises, water wastage, air pollution, and rising temperatures. Underground water levels are falling while electricity demand continues to grow exponentially. In this context, the role of a building can no longer be limited to providing shelter; it must now function as a smart and sustainable entity, minimizing resource consumption while balancing modern technology and environmental harmony.
The demand for smart buildings is rapidly rising in Bangladesh and globally. These buildings save electricity, harvest rainwater, control temperature automatically, and adapt to the needs of their occupants. Yet, behind these technological marvels lies the intricate planning of environmentally conscious architecture.
The journey toward smart buildings begins not with construction, but on the architect’s drawing board. From the orientation of windows and shading of rooftops to the placement of elevator cores—every detail determines a building’s future efficiency. For example, designing a building based on the sun’s trajectory can significantly reduce heat and lessen the need for air conditioning. Proper ventilation minimizes the burden on lighting and cooling systems. Even reserving space for solar panels while designing the rooftop can save both cost and labor in the long run. However, ideal orientation may not always be possible—making the application of modern technology even more essential.
Among modern construction materials, glass plays a vital role. Double-glazed glass—where two layers are separated by insulating gas or vacuum—helps block external heat and sound. This keeps interiors cool and reduces the need for air conditioning. It also diffuses sunlight, creating a shaded and comfortable ambiance. Regardless of a building’s orientation, double-glazed glass helps reduce the impact of solar heat and maximizes natural light, thereby minimizing the use of artificial lighting and conserving electricity.
Today, rainwater collected from rooftops is filtered and stored in underground tanks for reuse in toilets, gardening, and cleaning. With proper slope and drainage systems, rooftops can be effectively designed for water conservation. Solar panels installed in unshaded roof areas can generate enough energy during the day to power basic functions like lighting, elevators, and CCTV systems.
Smart elevators equipped with regenerative drive systems feed excess energy back into the building’s power system. Destination control systems allow users to enter their floor numbers before entering the lift, enabling the system to group passengers traveling to the same or nearby floors. This reduces unnecessary stops and saves energy. Strategically placing elevator cores where natural light is accessible can illuminate corridors and waiting areas during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Motion-sensor lights in corridors further reduce wastage.
A building becomes truly smart only when it harmonizes people, nature, and technology. Smart buildings are no longer a vision of the future—they are the demand of the present. In Dhaka, several such buildings are already operating automatically. One example is Simple Tree GSR on Gulshan Avenue, a forward-thinking and eco-friendly design.
Smart buildings are not just about controlling lights through a mobile app. They represent a responsible lifestyle and a reflection of mindful architecture.
By Architect Fauzia Jahan, Architect, Volume Zero Limited
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author. Digital Bangla Media bears no responsibility for the opinions shared. In the spirit of encouraging diverse perspectives, this article is published without editorial interference. Any dissatisfaction or objection is the reader’s personal matter.
