The BRAC University campus in Dhaka has secured a place among the world’s leading architectural projects after being named a winner of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) International Awards for Excellence 2026, earning nomination for the prestigious RIBA International Prize 2026.

Designed by Singapore-based architectural practice WOHA, the campus is one of just 34 projects selected from across 15 countries. The winners were announced by RIBA as part of its global awards programme, which celebrates architecture that demonstrates outstanding design excellence, innovation and social impact.

Built on the site of a former landfill, the BRAC University campus has been praised for its climate-responsive and environmentally conscious design. Featuring extensive green roofs, naturally ventilated spaces and sustainable planning principles, the project transforms a previously neglected site into a vibrant academic environment tailored to Dhaka’s tropical climate.

This year’s winning projects range from a carbon-neutral furniture factory in Norway to a performing arts centre within one of the world’s largest refugee settlements in Uganda, reflecting the diverse ways architecture is responding to contemporary environmental and social challenges. Against this highly competitive international field, BRAC University’s inclusion represents a landmark achievement for Bangladesh.

As one of the 34 winners of the RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2026, the campus is now officially in contention for the RIBA International Prize 2026, one of the most respected honours in global architecture. The overall winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on 15 October 2026.

The nomination highlights not only the architectural vision of WOHA and BRAC University but also Bangladesh’s growing presence on the international stage for innovative, sustainable and socially impactful design.