International educational collaboration enhances understanding of Architecture and Urban heritage in Ho Chi Minh City

On the morning of June 23, 2025, Van Lang University, in collaboration with the University of South Australia (UniSA), officially launched the 28-day course "Vietnam Interior Architecture in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025". The course includes the participation of 10 students and 2 faculty members from UniSA, along with 24 students and 2 lecturers from Van Lang University. Concurrently, the seminar titled “Urban Space in Ho Chi Minh City: Heritage and Continuity” was held. This program is part of the ongoing educational partnership between the two universities and is supported by the Australian Government’s NCP Mobility Grants.

The course offers students a series of field activities at historic architectural sites, including Giac Lam Pagoda, Thong Tay Hoi Communal House, the old central area of District 1, the Chinese cultural space in District 5, and the waterway region in Can Tho. In addition to fieldwork, the program incorporates academic lectures, theoretical assessments, and visits to enterprises in the design and construction sectors. The course aims to enable students to identify traditional architectural styles, understand regional characteristics, enhance sketching and research presentation skills, and promote cross-cultural exchange.
 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Tran Luu Phuong Nam, Deputy Head of the International Relations Office at Van Lang University, emphasized that the program is not only a valuable learning opportunity but also a platform for future collaboration and career prospects between students from both countries. Representing UniSA, Mr. Andrew Wallace also highlighted the significance of hands-on experiences in broadening students' cultural and professional perspectives, particularly in light of UniSA’s upcoming merger with the University of Adelaide in 2026.
 

Right after the opening ceremony, the thematic seminar “Urban Space in Ho Chi Minh City: Heritage and Continuity” brought together numerous experts and academics from the fields of architecture and urban planning. Presentations focused on analyzing the relationship between heritage preservation and modern urban development, a pressing issue in the context of contemporary Ho Chi Minh City. Dr. Le Long Vinh, Head of the Interior Design Department at Van Lang University, emphasized the importance of sustaining heritage values in urban space design.

Dr. Do Phu Hung, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Van Lang University, underscored the need to harmonize traditional elements with modern trends in urban planning. Architect Pham Thu Phong, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, offered practical insights from professional experience and addressed the role of the architectural community in guiding sustainable urban development. With a diversity of perspectives, from academic to practical, the seminar fostered in-depth discussions on key issues while sharing real-world experiences and providing guidance for students.
These meaningful academic and cultural exchange activities not only raise students' awareness of the role of heritage preservation in urban architecture but also strengthen international educational cooperation and cultural exchange.

News: Trung Truc