Corporate Offices

Assessment Context

Corporate offices in Bangladesh range from single-floor tenancies in converted residential buildings to purpose-built commercial towers exceeding 20 storeys. The structural, fire-safety and MEP assessment requirements differ significantly between these configurations. Converted buildings often lack the structural capacity, fire compartmentation and electrical infrastructure that modern office operations demand.

Structural Considerations

Office buildings must support floor loads including furniture, filing systems, server rooms and assembly areas. The BNBC specifies minimum live loads for office occupancy. Buildings converted from residential use may not have been designed for these loads. Key structural checks include column and beam adequacy for open-plan spans, slab capacity in areas with concentrated loads (server rooms, filing areas, libraries), and the condition of the lateral force-resisting system for seismic and wind loads.

Fire Safety

Commercial office buildings in Bangladesh require fire licences from FSCD. Assessment should verify: fire-rated separation between floors and tenancies, availability and condition of fire escape stairs (minimum two means of egress above certain floor areas), fire detection and alarm systems, fire suppression systems (sprinklers or standpipes depending on building height and area), emergency lighting and signage, portable fire extinguishers, and fire pump and water storage adequacy.

MEP Systems

Electrical systems in offices must support lighting, HVAC, IT infrastructure and general power. Key assessment items include sanctioned electrical load versus actual demand, transformer and switchgear condition, generator capacity and fuel storage, UPS systems for critical loads, earthing and lightning protection. HVAC assessment focuses on cooling capacity versus heat load, fresh air provision, ductwork condition and control systems. Plumbing includes potable water supply, drainage, and fire hydrant systems.

Regulatory Requirements

Corporate offices require building construction permits, occupancy certificates, fire licences and trade licences at minimum. Height clearance NOC may apply near airports. Environmental clearance may apply for large developments. Multinational tenants often impose additional requirements including structural adequacy certificates, fire-safety audits and environmental assessments as part of their due diligence process.