BREATHE: A Vertical Weather Broadcasting Center

Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology

Project idea

BREATHE is conceived as a sustainable vertical weather broadcasting center in Dhaka, Bangladesh, that reconnects the city with nature. Inspired by the concept of "City Breathing," the design integrates green landscapes, public spaces, and weather-broadcasting architecture to create a healthier urban environment. The hill-inspired plaza acts as a natural extension of the ground, inviting people into the project while symbolizing the city's need for open, breathable spaces. The skyscraper works mainly as a weather broadcasting center with commercial facilities as well.

Project description

The project brings together meteorological research, weather broadcasting, and public engagement in one vertical landmark. The tower's natural shape is inspired by pebbles formed by natural forces, symbolizing the ongoing relationship between climate and landscape. A hill-like public plaza serves as the entrance, helping visitors transition smoothly from the city to a green civic space. The building includes weather observation facilities, research labs, broadcasting studios, administrative offices, and public educational areas. This combination creates a center for climate awareness and environmental learning. There are open observation desks for data collecting; they act as open spaces or terraces as well. There are also office floors that are for commercial usage.

Technical information

The building is designed with a reinforced concrete structural system, consisting of columns, beams, and concrete floor slabs supported by a service core that houses vertical circulation, mechanical services, and emergency egress. The core acts as the primary lateral load-resisting element, ensuring structural stability for the high-rise form. Sustainability strategies include vertical greenery, natural daylight optimization, passive ventilation, creating a climate-responsive landmark dedicated to weather research, broadcasting, education, and public engagement.