STATEMENT OF THESIS INTENT

The increasing development of humans is causing a loss of resources, as people are ignoring their environment by throwing waste into landfill sites and achieved the tag of ‘planet wrecker’. This is a common problem in cities like Dhaka, where only 40-60% of waste is collected and taken to the city’s two landfills. The future of these landfill sites is uncertain as waste continues to be generated. A recommendation in the structural plan 2016-2035 suggests adopting 3R strategies (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for waste management instead of relying on landfills in Bangladesh.

The 3R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) is widely considered the law of good consumption, but its effectiveness is questionable. Reducing and reusing require compromise, and many products are designed to be thrown away rather than reused. Recycling seems like a more practical option, but it is only recovering, not reducing waste. The natural world demonstrates the perfect recycling and reusing system, which humans should strive to emulate.

The growing population and urbanization demand buildings and infrastructure that are functional and sustainable. My research interests focuses on integrating sustainable design principles, waste management technology, and leading-edge technology in the built environment. I am particularly interested in using digital tools and techniques in the design process to optimize energy efficiency, reduce waste, and to improve user experience. This holistic approach to design can result in more sustainable and equitable solutions and facilitate collaboration among different fields and stakeholders.

Above all, I am interested in exploring the role of waste management technology in reducing the environmental impact of the built environment. This includes the use of closed-loop systems, such as recycling and waste-to-energy technologies, to minimize the generation of waste and to maximize the recovery of resources. Architecture has the power to shape our physical and social environments, and as such, it is crucial that it reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of the communities it serves.

In a nutshell, I believe that the role of the architectural profession in the coming decades will be to integrate new technologies and approaches into their work while maintaining a commitment to sustainable and equitable design. This requires a willingness to embrace new methods of collaboration and to seek out innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of society. I am eager to explore these themes further through my research and to contribute to the advancement of the field of architecture.