Sustainable Tourism Development Through Sustainable Architecture: A Projected Case Study of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

‘The problems of environmental damage, economic unsustainability and social dislocation caused by rapid and extensive places for recreation growth might suggest that the key to greater sustainability lies in setting limits to urbanization and changing the rules in architecture and planning for tourism.’ (Delia, 2005, pp. 98-10).

The very essence of above quotation has an inseparable relation with the research and therefore the study does fix its primary and principal aim to acquire knowledge and enquire about architectural activism on built activities carried out at tourism destinations in Cox’s Bazar. The central focus sheds light on Cox’s Bazar (a national tourism heaven and a projected regional hub for tourist activities covering entire region of Bangladesh, part of India, part of Myanmar (Burma) and Southern provinces of China) with specific focus on three selected case studies sites of Belize, Langkawi Island, Malaysia & Greek Islands Mykonos and Santorini. Cox’s Bazar is the projected case study for this research aimed to enquire the role of architectural presence (or absence) endorsed or ignored while built activities were carried out and questionnaires, interviews have been conducted.

The study therefore represents the area where Cox’s’ Bazar missed its chance to explore full
potential and how the dilemma could be removed by implementing a coherent architectural activism where the full potential of the site would be possible to realise.

In this connection, the current study aims to focus on built environment where they are demanded for tourism expansion and economic activities particularly in remote and fragile
environments where it is vital that impacts be kept to a minimum. This study enquires how
coherent architectural activism can address the issue of sustainable accommodation without
compromising nature preservation and eco-balance.

The study therefore also includes but is not limited to understanding the socio-cultural,
economic and environmental impacts of tourism development on the residents in Cox’s Bazar
Township. A comparative analysis is pictured throughout the chapters 1 and 9 with an extensive coverage of literature review and case studies along with an indication for future thrust to acquire further academic insight and industry related innovation given attention to climate change and impacts.