The Rising Heat: Dhaka’s Glass Tower Dilemma
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is witnessing a dramatic transformation in its skyline. As gleaming glass towers rise, experts warn that this architectural shift is exacerbating urban heat, with little attention given to sustainable design strategies suited for tropical climates.
The proliferation of high-rise buildings with extensive glass facades has become a defining feature of Dhaka’s urban landscape. These structures, often seen as symbols of modernity and progress, are contributing to a growing environmental crisis. According to multiple studies and environmental experts, the city has experienced a boom in glass-clad high-rises, particularly in areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Uttara, Motijheel, and Dhanmondi. This trend mirrors architectural styles from cities like Singapore and Dubai, but it comes with serious consequences.
Urban Heat Island Effect Intensifies
Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), highlights the alarming impact of these glass towers on Dhaka’s climate. He states that while the buildings may appear modern, they are silently worsening the city’s heatwave conditions. The urban heat island effect, combined with the increasing reliance on air conditioning, is being exacerbated by the absorption and emission of solar radiation from these structures.
Kamruzzaman Majumder warns that without immediate action, Dhaka’s modern buildings could become heat traps, posing significant risks to both the environment and public health. He emphasizes the need for climate-responsive design features such as shaded exteriors, green roofs, and enhanced natural ventilation to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.
A Growing Concern
Recent studies have confirmed the severity of the issue. Surface temperatures in glass-dominated areas like Gulshan, Banani, and parts of Uttara are 3-5°C higher than in greener, low-rise neighborhoods. At Stamford University, researchers found that 70-80% of new buildings in Dhaka’s upscale areas now feature glass facades covering at least 60% of their exterior.
A 2019 survey revealed over 100,000 air conditioners running across just 1,068 apartments in Dhanmondi, highlighting the city’s growing energy burden. The broader urban trend is equally concerning. A 2024 study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Atmospheric Sciences reported that Dhaka’s average urban heat island (UHI) intensity now stands at 0.48°C, with a maximum daily difference of 2.15°C. Since 1995, UHI intensity has been rising by 0.21°C per decade.
Mitigation Strategies
A modeling study by Seoul National University found that converting conventional low-albedo roofs into “cool roofs” could reduce Dhaka’s afternoon air temperature by 0.57°C during heatwave conditions. Green roofing and vertical greenery could provide additional cooling effects, offering promising solutions to combat rising temperatures.
Dhaka South City Corporation officials have acknowledged the issue and are reviewing urban design codes to promote heat-resilient materials, reflective coatings, and increased tree coverage as part of upcoming building regulation reforms.
The Impact on Residents
For many residents, the problem is already tangible. Shakil Ahmed, who works in a corporate tower in Gulshan, describes the experience: “By noon, our glass office turns into a furnace. Even powerful air-conditioners can’t keep up.”
Despite the challenges, there is hope for change. Experts emphasize the need for clear policies in the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) regarding the use of glass. Specific guidelines should determine which sides of a building and what percentage of the facade can be made of glass. Climate-responsive architecture must be encouraged.
Given Bangladesh’s hot and humid climate, features such as shaded balconies, cross ventilation, and the use of local materials are far more suitable than extensive glass facades. Implementing a Green Building Code is now a necessity.
Challenges in Building Codes
The BNBC 2020, which provides the regulatory framework for design, materials, construction, occupancy, and building services, includes mentions of insulation and thermal materials. However, there is no detailed mandatory requirement in the publicly available version of the BNBC (2015 or 2020) for glazing performance, such as U-value or solar heat gain coefficient, or for facade design in tropical climates.
Professor Adil Mohammed Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), notes that the use of large glass panels in building designs has increased significantly in recent years. From high-rise commercial buildings to residential projects, most of the walls are now covered with glass panels—often perceived as a “modern” or “smart” look. However, this trend has become one of the major contributors to rising urban temperatures.
He stresses the importance of including clear policies in the building code regarding the use of glass. Specific guidelines should determine which sides of a building and what percentage of the facade can be made of glass. Climate-responsive architecture must be encouraged.
In conclusion, the rapid growth of glass-clad high-rises in Dhaka is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. With the right policies and sustainable design practices, the city can mitigate the impacts of urban heat and create a more livable environment for its residents.
