Breathing Spaces: Environmental & User Experience in Dhanmondi and Zigatola Multistoried Apartments, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Dhaka’s vertical housing boom has transformed everyday living, often at the expense of comfort and environmental quality. This study compares multistoried apartments in Dhanmondi’s planned urban fabric with those in Zigatola’s denser, organically developed context to understand how building orientation, height, and breathing spaces shape both indoor environments and resident well-being. Six units across varying floor levels and cardinal directions were examined through on-site temperature, humidity, and daylight measurements alongside resident surveys. Results reveal that open surroundings and generous inter-building spaces improve airflow, stabilize humidity, enhance daylight access, and lower cooling dependency conditions strongly reflected in residents’ comfort perceptions. In contrast, units with little or no openness suffer heat buildup, dampness, and higher utility costs, reinforcing discomfort. The findings highlight that breathing spaces are not mere visual reliefs but essential microclimatic regulators, directly influencing health, satisfaction, and energy efficiency in Dhaka’s high-density apartments.