A rug factory in Bangladesh, Green Field Factory, has won the prestigious RIBA International Prize for its innovative design that seamlessly integrates nature and prioritizes the wellbeing of its 5,000 predominantly female employees, offering amenities like a rooftop daycare and on-site medical practice.
The Green Field Factory, a seven-story textile facility in Rangpur, Bangladesh, has been awarded the coveted RIBA International Prize, recognizing it as the world's best new building. Designed by Nakshabid Architects, the factory stands out with its tranquil courtyards, pond-lined walkways, and a facade bursting with tropical plants, drawing inspiration from traditional Bengali homesteads. Beyond its aesthetic appeal and integration of nature, the factory received particular praise for its profound focus on its approximately 5,000, mostly female, employees. It offers exceptional amenities such as a rooftop daycare center, an on-site medical practice, and shady areas for socialization, with a large statue symbolizing women's empowerment at its entrance. This project starkly contrasts with the often-poor conditions in Bangladesh's textile industry, presenting an 'alternative model for factory design and operation' by prioritizing employee wellbeing and challenging ingrained social hierarchies, exemplified by a shared entrance for all staff. The architects aimed to create a 'home for the people who work in it,' viewing the factory as a 'living place that restores human energy,' rather than just a machine. The RIBA International Prize, founded in 2016, is a biennial award honoring projects that demonstrate visionary thinking and design excellence, often focusing on community-centric developments.
