Van Lang’s Faculty of Architecture Leaves A Great Impression at the 2024 Loa Thanh Awards

On November 23, 2024, Van Lang University proudly added to its record of achievements at the 36th Loa Thanh Awards with three projects by Class 25 Architecture students winning Encouragement Prizes.

The Loa Thanh Awards are an eagerly anticipated annual accolade recognizing outstanding graduation projects from students in Architecture and Civil Engineering Faculties. Organized by the Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Associations, the Vietnam Association of Architects, the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, and the Ministry of Construction, the 2024 ceremony took place at the Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam Science Center in Hanoi. This year, the awards attracted 193 projects from 22 universities nationwide, with the judging panel noting significant improvements in both the quantity and quality of submissions compared to previous years.

The Faculty of Architecture at Van Lang University takes pride in adding its name to the list of achievements with three Encouragement Awards won by three K25 students: the project "Exhibition and Development Center for Traditional Occupations in Binh Dinh Province" by student Nguyen Thanh Ngan; the project "Cultural Center and Preservation of the Faifo Port" by student Nguyen Quoc Bao; and the project "Museum of Waterway Culture in the Mekong Delta" by student Phung Minh Thai.

The project by Thanh Ngân is inspired by the long-standing traditional culture of the Bình Định region. The main idea of the design is a building mass representing the community's cultural living space, with landscape pathways such as winding village roads leading to traditional craft households, reflecting the architectural beauty of rural life in Central Vietnam.

The project applies the traditional architecture of the Leaf Roof House, with a low roof design typical of Central Vietnam, featuring an extended porch. These porches not only protect people from harsh weather but also serve as versatile areas for various activities. Inspired by the traditional drying fields seen from above—where raw materials are prepared for different craft industries—the design showcases inherent patterns, motifs, and beauty. The craft modules are designed based on the functional characteristics of each trade.

Sharing her reason for choosing the topic, Thanh Ngan said: "The value of the project lies not only in preserving the crafted products but also in symbolizing the transformation of traditional trades. Through this project, I hope to contribute to the preservation of the architectural value of traditional houses—the Leaf Roof House."

The project "Cultural Center and Preservation of the Faifo Trading Port" by Quoc Bao recreates a harbor with the primary function of hosting performances and serving tourism. Visitors to Hoi An can access the building to rent boats and travel to various tourist destinations in Hoi An, such as traditional craft villages, the ancient town, and more.

The concept of the project is to design a pedestrian bridge as the central axis of the building, connected to an observation tower resembling a "lighthouse." The main block serves as a venue for activities and performances of traditional craft villages, while also linking to the food court, performance spaces, and experiential areas.

Recalling the moment he received the award, Quoc Bao emotionally shared: “The feeling at that moment is hard to describe. I was both excited and overjoyed when I found out I had won the Loa Thanh award – an award I never thought I would achieve five years ago. This is an experience I will never forget.”

The project "Museum of Culture and Waterways of the Mekong Delta" by Phung Minh Thai is inspired by the close relationship between the people of the Mekong Delta and the waterways. It is located in the area once known as the fishing village of Cai Rang, Can Tho. The design follows the principle of coexisting harmoniously with nature, particularly by utilizing the tidal characteristics of the waterlogged region. The site's location at the intersection of architecture and natural environment creates a seamless connection between the built structure and the water.

Speaking about the process of completing the project, Minh Thai shared: "The biggest challenge for me was finding the balance between creativity and feasibility in the design, as well as integrating modern technologies into the architectural space. The professors in the Faculty supported me a lot throughout the process, especially in approving the initial concept and providing technical guidance for implementation."

The success of the students at the 2024 Loa Thanh Awards is the result of the dedicated support from the Faculty of Architecture's professors: M.Sc. Architect Truong Nguyen Hong Quang, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Anh Duc, and M.Sc. Architect Nguyen Bich Hoan. With their guidance, mentorship, and valuable experience, the professors played an important role in helping the students achieve these remarkable accomplishments.

Congratulations to the members of the Van Lang Architecture Faculty who received the 2024 Loa Thanh Awards. This achievement not only affirms the quality of the university's education but also serves as a great motivation for students to continue contributing and growing in the field of Architecture.

News: Thao Van
Photos: By Individuals