Graduate students of Applied Fine Arts participate in an international academic exchange program in Nanjing, China.

As part of the Community Design course, in April 2026, postgraduate students in Applied Fine Arts from Van Lang University completed a field trip to Nanjing, China. The program included participation in the 19th Asian Cultural Landscape Association (ACLA) Conference and professional exchange with Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The "Community Design" module guides learners towards approaching and solving social problems based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The field trip provides a space for students to observe, analyze, and directly engage in dialogue with experts about the role of urban spatial design art.

Representing Van Lang University at the program, Dr. Nguyen Dac Thai, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, emphasized the expectations for the young generation of designers. According to him, creativity and professional skills must go hand in hand with the ability to understand the community, appreciate cultural heritage, and uphold a commitment to sustainable development.

Dr. Nguyen Dac Thai, representing Van Lang University, delivered a speech at the 19th ACLA Conference in Nanjing, China.

At the workshop, Van Lang University students directly presented research reports and discussed new directions in landscape architecture design. The research group also surveyed spatial organization methods at historically significant locations in Nanjing, such as the Qinhuai River, the Confucius Temple, the 1912 district, and the Laomendong Heritage site.

The trainees presented their research findings at the workshop.

Data collected from these advanced planning models provides a basis for learners to compare and apply to the real-world context in Vietnam. The process of connecting local knowledge and international experience helps learners strengthen their design thinking in relation to social responsibility.

The study trip concluded with valuable professional experiences for the group of students. The combination of theory, field surveys, and an international academic environment provided a foundation for future designers to develop feasible solutions. This process directly aligns with the school's practice-oriented training philosophy, aiming to build a humane and sustainable living environment for the community.

News: Faculty of Fine Arts and Design