The Berger Award of Excellence, formally known as the Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture (BAEA), is one of the most prestigious and recognized awards in the field of architecture in Bangladesh. Launched in 2003 in collaboration between Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited and the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), the award was initially called the “Berger Young Architects’ Award” and later expanded to its current form to honor outstanding architectural contributions more broadly.
The award celebrates creativity, innovation, and projects that have made a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Bangladesh. It aims to encourage architects by recognizing exemplary works that demonstrate excellence in design, sustainability, and cultural relevance. The award is typically presented every few years and involves a rigorous selection process by a distinguished jury of architects.
The 11th cycle of the Berger Award concluded in December 2024 where six projects were honored from 116 nominations. These included diverse types of buildings and urban projects, such as ‘A Home For Memories And Daydreams’ by Studio Gumtee Ghor, ‘Rupgaon’ by Perceive + ASP, and the ‘Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited Unit-17 Multipurpose Industrial Building’ by Neoformation Architects. The event also recognized lifetime achievement with architect Professor Shamsul Wares receiving special honors for his immense contributions to the field.
The Berger Award of Excellence continues to foster architectural excellence in Bangladesh, offering encouragement and public acknowledgment to both emerging talents and established architects while enriching the country’s architectural heritage