Activities - Events

The competition was organized in the context of the Government and VNU’s policy to relocate higher education institutions from the inner city to modern, integrated, and sustainable university clusters. Beyond a professional design competition, the initiative reflects UEB’s strategic vision to establish a new academic ecosystem that integrates knowledge, innovation, and global academic connectivity.

Video: Announcement and Award Ceremony – International Master Planning and Landscape Architecture Design Competition for UEB – VNU at Hoa Lac (1/500 Scale)

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Announcement and Award Ceremony: A Strategic Milestone for Development at Hoa Lac

 Image 1: The Announcement and Award Ceremony of the International Planning and Architecture Design Competition for the University of Economics – VNU at Hoa Lac
was held solemnly with the participation of VNU leadership, university representatives, leading planning and architectural experts, and IMG representatives.

The competition attracted six prestigious domestic and international consultant consortiums, with total sponsorship funding of up to VND 10 billion, demonstrating a socialized investment approach in educational development. The submitted proposals introduced innovative campus planning solutions, emphasizing ecological sustainability, landscape integration, and long-term adaptability, laying the foundation for a new academic landmark of UEB – VNU at Hoa Lac.

Opening Remarks: Shared Vision – Shaping the Future University

Image 2: Associate Professor, PhD Nguyen Truc Le – Secretary of the Party Committee of the University of Economics – VNU,
Vice Chairman of the Competition Jury, delivering the opening speech.

In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Truc Le emphasized that the competition was not merely a contest of technical expertise or architectural form, but a journey to seek alignment in aesthetic thinking and long-term development vision. Each design proposal carries responsibility toward the community, the environment, and future generations of students. According to him, the selected scheme represents not only a numerical evaluation but also a convergence between design philosophy and the university’s sustainable development strategy.

IMG’s Perspective on the Role of Architecture in Educational Development

Image 3: Mr. Le Tu Minh – Chairman of the Board of Directors of IMG Investment Joint Stock Company, alumnus of the University of Economics – VNU,
sharing his perspectives at the event.

As an alumnus of UEB – VNU and the sole sponsor of the competition, Mr. Le Tu Minh shared profound insights into the relationship between education and architecture. He stated that learning spaces serve not only functional training purposes but also nurture emotions, aspirations, creativity, and a sense of pride among learners. This philosophy is the driving force behind IMG’s partnership with the university in creating a modern, human-centered, and inspiring educational environment for future generations.

Competition Jury: Credibility, Expertise, and Objectivity

Image 4: Architect Tran Ngoc Chinh – Chairman of the Competition Jury, Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Development Planning Association, former Deputy Minister of Construction.

The jury comprised leading experts in planning, architecture, and urban development, ensuring an objective, professional, and transparent evaluation process to select the most feasible and high-quality proposals aligned with practical conditions and long-term development orientation.

Image 5: The Competition Jury working rigorously, scientifically, and transparently throughout the evaluation rounds.

Honoring Outstanding Proposals – Convergence of International Expertise

Image 6: The First Prize-winning proposal demonstrates a modern master planning approach, harmonizing architecture, landscape,
and transportation systems with high implementation feasibility.

Prize value: USD 120,000

Awarded to the consortium:

• HUNI Vietnam Co., Ltd. (France)

• Urban Planning and Design Research Institute – Tongji University Shanghai (China)

• Dinh Phat Investment Construction Consulting Joint Stock Company (Vietnam)

The First Prize proposal was highly appreciated for its contemporary approach, viewing the university campus as an open ecosystem integrating education, research, innovation, and natural landscape.

Image 7: The Second Prize-winning proposal impressed with its creative approach, emphasizing academic spatial experience and green landscapes.

Prize value: USD 60,000

Awarded to the consortium:

• DE-SO Asia Design Consulting Joint Stock Company (France)

• Studio Milou Co., Ltd. (Singapore)

The Second Prize solution stood out for its flexible architectural concepts and strong international character, well-suited to Hoa Lac’s natural conditions and development orientation.

Image 8: The Third Prize-winning proposal proposed flexible architectural solutions adaptable to natural conditions and future development demands.

Prize value: USD 40,000

Awarded to the consortium:

• G8A Architecture and Urban Planning Co., Ltd. (Switzerland)

• Allies and Morrison (United Kingdom)

The Third Prize proposal clearly reflected sustainable architecture principles, prioritizing user experience and phased adaptability over time.

IMG Continues Its Partnership in the Detailed Planning Implementation Phase

Image 9: IMG continues to accompany the University of Economics – VNU in the implementation of the 1/500 Detailed Master Plan at Hoa Lac.

Following the award ceremony, the highest-ranked proposal was officially assigned to develop the 1/500 Detailed Master Plan, marking a critical transition from concept to implementation. As a strategic partner, IMG commits to ongoing support and close coordination with the university to realize the project, contributing to the development of a modern, integrated, and sustainable university campus.

The Competition – A Foundation for Sustainable Educational Space Development

Image 10: The competition represents a meaningful academic initiative contributing to the creation of a green, smart,
and sustainable higher education environment in the long term.

The International Planning and Architecture Design Competition for the University of Economics – VNU at Hoa Lac holds not only academic significance but also stands as evidence of effective collaboration among academia, professional experts, and enterprises, with IMG serving as a key connector. From this foundation, a new educational space is gradually taking shape – where knowledge, architecture, and people converge toward sustainable development values for the future.