The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) proudly congratulates FORM.3 architects for winning the Grand Prize at the Holcim Foundation Awards 2025 for their exceptional project — Old Dhaka Central Jail Conservation, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This visionary project has transformed a historic and once-isolated prison complex into a vibrant public park and cultural hub, reconnecting the space with the social and cultural life of Old Dhaka. Spanning 113,028 m², the project masterfully balances conservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design, creating meaningful community-focused public space in one of the densest urban environments in the world.
The Holcim Awards APAC Jury praised the project for its remarkable positive impact, recognizing its sensitive preservation of heritage structures, integration of thoughtful new architecture, and improvement of urban mobility through an added public road—while maintaining permeability and strong connections to nature.
While noting a few considerations for long-term performance, the jury celebrated the project as a shining example of turning an urban challenge into an urban asset, and a model for cities across the globe.
IAB extends its warmest congratulations to the entire FORM.3 architects team led by Ar. Md. Didarul Islam Bhuiyan, principal architect, FORM.3 architects Bangladesh for this outstanding achievement and for bringing international acclaim to Bangladeshi architecture.
