Vietnamese Architecture:

The workshop is part of a series of events organized by the Vietnam Association of Architects in the program summarizing 50 years of Vietnamese literature and art after the country's reunification (1975-2025).

Accompanying the construction and development of the Capital and the country

Delegates attending the workshop. Photo: H.Hoang

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Architects, affirmed that with the support of many generations of architects, after 50 years of unification, our country has achieved many remarkable achievements and changes in the field of construction and design in both quality and quantity across the country.

“From here, Vietnamese architects will promote creativity, strive to develop the country's architecture sustainably, modernly, civilized and with identity, taking people as the center, in the new development era under the leadership of the Party and State,” architect Phan Dang Son emphasized.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. and architect Duong Duc Tuan, member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, affirmed that half a century has passed since the country was reunited, and Vietnamese architecture has made strong and comprehensive developments. Across the country, tens of thousands of projects have sprung up. From iconic projects of national stature to technical infrastructure systems, housing, educational and medical facilities, public spaces, etc., architecture has been deeply present in every development movement of the country. In particular, the trends of green architecture, energy saving, climate change adaptation and honoring traditional identity are increasingly being focused on and widely spread in the architectural community and society; affirming the unceasing creative capacity of the country's architects.

Dr. and architect Duong Duc Tuan, member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, spoke at the workshop. Photo: H.Hoang

According to comrade Duong Duc Tuan, Vietnamese architecture today has developed in a modern and integrated direction, not only stopping at creating living spaces but also demonstrating a profound role in preserving national cultural identity, improving the quality of life, promoting sustainable urban and rural development. Many works have won domestic and international awards, marking the remarkable maturity of Vietnamese architects. At the same time, the urbanization process has been associated with innovation in planning and design thinking, contributing positively to the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country.

Emphasizing Hanoi's architecture, the Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee said that over the past years, the city has focused on investing in urban infrastructure, developing public spaces, preserving and promoting traditional architectural values, tangible and intangible cultural heritage. New urban areas are designed to be modern, synchronous, focusing on ecological landscapes, while maintaining harmony with the old quarters, relic sites and green spaces that are typical of the capital.

Affirming that the initiatives and contributions of the Vietnam Association of Architects have made an important contribution to improving the quality of the living environment, preserving historical and cultural values and creating the unique identity of the capital's architecture, comrade Duong Duc Tuan expressed that the city is always ready to listen to the opinions of experts and is committed to creating favorable conditions for the Association to continue to promote its role of criticism, consultation and creativity in the development of the capital's architecture in particular and the whole country in general.

Sustainable development, modernity, civilization, identity

The workshop recorded many enthusiastic contributions from architects and researchers in the architectural field with rich and diverse topics, providing both general and in-depth perspectives on achievements and challenges in the practical development of the industry over the past 50 years.

Professor, Dr., architect Nguyen Quoc Thong spoke at the conference. Photo: H.Hoang

In a general assessment of Vietnamese architecture over the past half century, Professor, Dr., architect Nguyen Quoc Thong said that urban and rural planning has rapidly innovated planning work in the direction of approaching the world , contributing to the development of modern and unique urban and rural areas in our country. Tropical architectural trends, indigenous architecture and green architecture have developed strongly. These are trends that inherit and develop in combination with the exploitation of indigenous knowledge, suitable for natural conditions, climate and regional culture, and have contributed to creating diversity and uniqueness of contemporary Vietnamese architecture in the trend of globalization...

Contributing to the flow of Vietnamese architecture, architect Nguyen Van Hai, Chairman of the Hanoi Architects Association, said that over the past 50 years, Hanoi's architecture has undergone a profound transformation, reflecting the historical, economic and social changes of Vietnam. From the post-war recovery period and subsidized architecture (1975-1986), with works such as Giang Vo Apartment Complex, Thang Loi Hotel, Hanoi Children's Palace... Hanoi has shaped its urban identity through sub-district models and indigenous modern styles, influenced by Soviet and international architecture.

Architect Nguyen Van Hai, Chairman of the Hanoi Architects Association, spoke at the conference. Photo: H.Hoang

The market transition period (1986-2000) witnessed the diversification of architecture, with Van Phuc Residential Area, Monument to Heroes and Martyrs, Voice of Vietnam Sound Center... reflecting the intersection between subsidy thinking and market economy, while laying the foundation for new urban areas. The modernization and international integration period (2000-2025) brought iconic works such as Vinhomes Ocean Park urban area, Viettel Building, Vietnam Military History Museum... demonstrating modern style, application of advanced technology and sustainable trends.

According to architect Nguyen Van Hai, these iconic buildings not only serve as highlights in the urban landscape, but also preserve the historical and cultural memories of Hanoi, from the post-war collective spirit to the ambition of global integration. However, the biggest challenge is to preserve heritage buildings under the pressure of economic development and physical degradation, while meeting the needs of modern housing and public spaces.

Like Hanoi architecture, Ho Chi Minh City architecture and other localities across the country face development challenges in the new era.

Architect Hoang Thuc Hao gave a presentation. Photo: H.Hoang

Commenting that Vietnamese architecture has become multidimensional, multi-colored, and internationally integrated, architect Hoang Thuc Hao pointed out that many works of national symbolism, with large investment capital and high representativeness are often assigned to international architectural units, because of their global reputation and prestige, and their ability to meet international standards. "However, this raises a question worth pondering about the position and role of Vietnamese architects right in their homeland. Are we being overshadowed by the organizational strength, technology, and global network of our colleagues outside?", architect Hoang Thuc Hao asked.

Affirming that Vietnamese architecture will develop in a sustainable, modern, civilized and unique direction, the delegates proposed a number of solutions. These include promoting the proactiveness and pioneering role of architects and the Vietnam Association of Architects in planning, building the country, and large projects; strongly applying digital transformation; fully integrating natural - cultural - social - environmental - scientific - technological - economic factors in establishing and managing green and sustainable planning, reflecting the spirit of the Vietnamese people.

In addition, architectural theory and criticism work needs to be given more attention in the direction of professionalization; focusing on training architects and building a team of future architects with high qualifications, creativity, and the ability to compete internationally...

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