The International Architecture Awards (IAA) organized by the Chicago Museum of Architecture and Design (USA) in collaboration with the European Center for Architecture, Art and Urbanism - is a long-standing and prestigious international architecture award. The IAA Awards are held annually to honor individuals and organizations with creative and unique designs.

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Victoria South Saigon honored with international architecture award

This year’s IAA Awards had 850 entries from around the world . Surpassing many other projects, Victoria School - South Saigon was honored as the “Green Curtain School”. Victoria School - South Saigon is one of 17 projects in the world and one of two projects in Vietnam to be honored in the school category. The school was designed by architect Vo Trong Nghia with the main goal of creating a green and sustainable learning environment.

Mr. Christopher Bradley - Principal of Victoria School - South Saigon said: “We are extremely proud that the school's design has won this award. This is a prestigious award to affirm the quality learning space of Victoria School - South Saigon. Not only ensuring aesthetics, the green spaces, classrooms, and optimized playgrounds will contribute to inspiring, helping students and teachers to study and work effectively”.

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Victoria School's Green Building - South Saigon

Victoria School - South Saigon is a school following the UNESCO Happy School model, always focusing on building green spaces for students, giving them a happy learning experience.

With a total area of ​​15,000m2, the school has a green system covering from the outside to the inside including: School grounds, playgrounds, bird of paradise gardens, rooftop gardens, outdoor cafes and inside classrooms and offices. Green trees covering the buildings are like a “green curtain” that helps filter the air, creating a learning and working environment that is airy and close to nature.

Dang Nguyen Minh Nghia - a student of class 10.1 shared: “I was overwhelmed the first time I came to school by the green trees covering everywhere, looking very eye-catching. Whether in the classroom, library or along the hallways, playgrounds, ... I always feel cool. That helps me feel comfortable and relaxed during the stressful learning process”.

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Along with green space, the school wantsto educate students about love of nature and green awareness.

According to IAA: “Trees are planted around the school to reduce temperatures and save energy, and a rainwater harvesting system is used for irrigation and water reuse. In addition, the school focuses on holistic education, aiming to educate students to love nature and foster a deeper connection with the urban environment..."

The design of Victoria School focuses on integrating sports and agricultural spaces with green architecture. Sports facilities such as golf and table tennis are interspersed so as not to take up a large area. The swimming pool is also reasonably designed to serve the needs of students.

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Cool green swimming pool space, arranged between buildings

Victoria School is considered a pioneering example of green and sustainable education in an urban environment. By using space effectively and optimizing natural resources, the school hopes to foster a love of nature, raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection for students, and contribute to building a sustainable future for the country.

Victoria School is a bilingual international school system following the UNESCO Happy School model. Victoria School offers a seamless educational journey, with an academic program that crystallizes excellent values ​​from international and domestic programs, along with a state-of-the-art educational technology system and facilities for students to confidently become the best version of themselves.

Learn more about Victoria School at: victoriaschool.edu.vn

Ngoc Minh