The Royal Institute of British Architects International Prize 2021 was awarded to Bangladesh’s Friendship Hospital.
Kashef Chowdhury/Urbana, a Bangladeshi architecture firm, constructed the 80-bed community hospital in Satkhira, a remote rural location in south-west Bangladesh.
The low-cost structure, which was completed in 2018, was designed to blend in with the surrounding terrain, which has transitioned from grain fields to shrimp fisheries as a result of increasing sea levels. The architect drew inspiration from the nearby water to design a rainwater collection canal that also serves as a creative barrier between the inpatient and outpatient departments.
This water channel not only aids in microclimatic cooling, but it also provides a visual distraction for patients and visitors. Within the space, a series of courtyards provide natural light and ventilation.
A jury convened by world-renowned French architect Odile Decq chose the Friendship Hospital from a shortlist of three spectacular new buildings.”The hospital is extremely relevant to key global issues such as unequal access to healthcare and the devastating effects of climate change on disadvantaged communities.” It is an example of how beautiful architecture can be accomplished through clever design even when dealing with a limited budget and constrained site conditions. This hospital is a tribute to a structure committed to people.”
This isn’t the first time Chowdhury’s work has been recognised. For the Friendship Center, a rural training and community center established by a Bangladeshi NGO, he received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016. Only one material, local handmade brick, was used to construct and finish the structure.The Riba International Prize is one of the world’s most thoroughly reviewed architectural honors, given every two years to a building that exemplifies design quality with substantial social effect. Every nominated project is visited by international specialists.