We are excited to announce that Sustainedge, in collaboration with Brac University’s Department of Architecture and Khulna University’s Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, has been awarded a research grant under the Research Seed Grant Initiative (RSGI) 2024 of Brac University, Bangladesh. This grant will support the research titled “Urban Design Guidelines to Develop Climate Resilient and Inclusive Built Environment for Mongla Port Municipality, Bagerhat District, Bangladesh.”
Mongla Port Municipality, located in a climate-vulnerable coastal region of Bangladesh, has been identified as a Climate Change Hotspot (CCH) – a location where the impacts of climate change are amplified due to a combination of socio-economic vulnerabilities, weak governance structures, and inadequate planning mechanisms. The research aims to address the pressing need for urban design solutions that prioritize climate resilience and inclusivity while mitigating risks faced by fragile urban systems and vulnerable communities in this hotspot area.
Through a detailed case study approach, the research will assess Mongla Port’s existing urban systems, mapping out areas that are most susceptible to climate-induced risks and man-made hazards. By employing spatial and non-spatial criteria, the research will evaluate the adaptive capacities of local infrastructure and urban actors. This analysis will enable the team to identify potential areas of improvement and create vulnerability maps that outline key hotspots across the municipality.
A key focus of this research is to engage with the local community and understand their aspirations and needs amidst growing climate risks. These insights will help ensure that the proposed urban design guidelines are not only climate-resilient but also socially inclusive, promoting long-term well-being and livability for the residents of Mongla.
The expected outcomes include:
- A comprehensive analysis of existing urban systems in Mongla Port Municipality, highlighting vulnerabilities to recurrent climate impacts.
- A clear understanding of community needs and aspirations in the face of these challenges.
- An adaptive capacity assessment of the municipality’s urban systems, with scoring to measure resilience-building effectiveness.
- Updated vulnerability maps and relationship diagrams to inform future development planning.
- Climate-sensitive urban design guidelines that will offer a strategic framework for developing a resilient and inclusive urban environment.
This 12-month research project not only seeks to address immediate urban climate vulnerabilities but also aims to pave the way for sustainable development discourse in coastal cities like Mongla. By delivering actionable urban design guidelines, the project will contribute to the broader efforts of ensuring that climate-sensitive urban planning becomes integral to the future development of Mongla and similar urban areas in Bangladesh.