Launching Ceremony of the 4th International Design Competition: (Re)engaging Cities’ Landscape for Cultural and Economic Vibrancy

20 Mar, 2025

On March 11, 2025, the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) held the Launching Ceremony of the 4th International Design Competition titled “(Re)engaging Cities’ Landscape for Cultural and Economic Vibrancy.” This event also integrated an international symposium (webinar), bringing together leading experts in architecture, urban design, and landscape design to inspire and promote creative thinking about sustainable urban development.

The event was attended by Mr. Chau Ngo Anh Nhan, Director of the Department of Finance of Khanh Hoa Province, who participated online. Also present were experts and lecturers in the fields of architecture, planning, and urban design, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katrina Simon and Dr. Rachel Rajah from RMIT University, Australia; Dr. Le Thi Thuy Hang from Vietnamese-German University; Ms. Tran Thi Kim Loan, Executive Director of Ong Vang Architecture and Construction Company; Mr. Vu Linh Quang, Executive Director of ARDOR Group; and Mr. Pedro Pedalino, Founder of LJ Group Landscape Architecture Company.

The event also featured online participation from several international experts: Dr. Adrian Yat Wai Lo from Thammasat University, Thailand; Assoc. Prof. Kitapatr Dhabhalabutr and Assoc. Prof. Yingsawad Chaiyakul from Khon Kaen University, Thailand; Dr. Chamawong Suriyachan and lecturers from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand; Dr. Juhyun Lee and Dr. Kon Kim from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China; Dr. Manfredo Manfredini from the University of Auckland, New Zealand; Dr. Doddy Heka Ardana and Mr. Tjokorda Suryawan from Ngurah Rai University Bali, Indonesia.

From UEH, the event was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, Vice President of UEH; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh, Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM); along with lecturers, experts, and more than 200 students interested in the competition.

Building on the success of the previous three seasons, the 4th International Design Competition focuses on Nha Trang City, a region rich in cultural identity with a unique marine ecosystem. With the vision “Along the Cai River, a heritage route will soon be formed,” the competition seeks urban design and architectural solutions that ensure a balance between economic growth and the preservation of the cultural beauty of the Cai River area. This challenge represents one of the most difficult tasks in the journey to build a smart and sustainable Nha Trang City. It offers an opportunity for undergraduate and master’s students in architecture, urban planning, landscape design, and related fields to present creative ideas that contribute to shaping a sustainably developing Nha Trang.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice Director of UEH delivered the opening speech at the program

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung shared, “Aiming to become a Multidisciplinary and Sustainable University, UEH has collaborated with partners to organize international design competitions, providing a creative platform for students in the fields of architecture and urban design. Over the past three seasons, the competition has attracted more than 300 contestants from 40 countries, with the support of over 35 universities and businesses worldwide. This year, the competition focuses on the sustainable economic and cultural development of Nha Trang through reconnecting and enhancing the urban landscape along the Cai River. We look forward to smart, innovative solutions that will transform the riverside area into a ‘heritage corridor,’ contributing to the vision of Nha Trang as a multi-centered urban area.”

Launching the 4th International Design Competition: (Re)engaging Cities’ Landscape towards Cultural and Economic Vibrancy

At the Launching Ceremony, the 4th International Design Competition with the theme "Sustainable Economic and Cultural Development through Urban Landscape Engagement in Nha Trang" officially opened its registration. Undergraduate and master’s students in urban design and architecture from around the world are invited to participate in the competition, seeking innovative and sustainable solutions for the urban landscape of Nha Trang.

Balancing economic growth with the preservation of the cultural beauty of the Cai River area has emerged as one of the most challenging tasks in the journey toward building a smart and sustainable Nha Trang City. Directly addressing this issue, the 4th edition of the International Design Competition, part of the 2025 Symphony of Future Cities event series celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Institute of Smart City and Management’s journey toward Smart and Sustainable Cities, promises to be an inspiring journey for the younger generation to create future smart cities where innovation and tradition are harmoniously blended.

Mr. Chau Ngo Anh Nhan - Director of the Department of Finance of Khanh Hoa Province shared about the strategic direction for Nha Trang

By participating in the competition, contestants will have the opportunity to connect with leading experts, exchange pioneering ideas, and contribute meaningful solutions towards sustainable urban development. The 4th International Design Competition officially began on March 11, 2025, and is expected to close for submissions in July 2025. Competing teams will have the chance to win various valuable prizes, with a total value of up to $5,700. Additionally, the 15 best entries will be showcased at the International Conference and Award Ceremony to be held in October in Nha Trang City, compiled and featured in a booklet published by the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Publishing House, along with numerous other benefits.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh shared about the Competition

Urban Design and Architecture Aiming Towards the Development of Smart Cities, where innovation and tradition harmonize

As part of the Launching Ceremony of the 4th International Design Competition "(Re)engaging Cities’ Landscapes for Cultural and Economic Vibrancy," an international symposium was held with the goal of seeking urban design and architectural solutions aimed at developing smart cities where innovation and tradition converge. The symposium brought together leading experts in urban design and landscape architecture, aiming to inspire and provide fresh perspectives to contestants and interested participants.

Experts discussed the theme of Sustainable Economic and Cultural Development through Nha Trang Urban Landscape Connectivity.

At the event, international experts presented profound insights into sustainable urban design. Prof. Katrina Simon from RMIT University, Australia, shared her approach to expanded drawing for landscape architecture, with particular emphasis on the technique of using ambiguous images. This technique supports the exploration of the hidden potential of urban spaces by encouraging multiple interpretations and flexible design strategies. Dr. Adrian Lo from Thammasat University, Thailand, introduced the concept of "Layered Urbanism," a design strategy based on observing and analyzing urban data.

Focusing on the relationship between humans and nature, Mr. Pedro Pedalino from LJ Group highlighted the significance of urban design based on natural landscapes, integrating natural harmony with local cultural elements. He encouraged the younger generation to create solutions that enhance the aesthetic quality of urban spaces while protecting ecosystems, contributing to the development of a smart and sustainable Nha Trang City.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katrina Simon - RMIT University, Australia, shared methods for expanded drawing in landscape architecture

Dr. Adrian Lo - Thammasat University, Thailand, introduced the concept of "Layered Urbanism”

Mr. Pedro Pedalino - LJ Group mentioned the importance of urban design based on natural landscapes

Throughout the symposium, the three speakers and the audience engaged in lively discussions about how to balance innovation and tradition in urban design, as well as the role of technology in promoting smart solutions.

The Launching Ceremony of the 4th International Design Competition attracted substantial participation and interest not only from experts and students in Vietnam but also from major universities across Asia and the world. This marks the beginning of a memorable journey where all parties collaborate to seek solutions for creating future and sustainable cities.

For more information and to register for the competition, please visit the competition's official landing page and follow the Facebook page of UEH - Institute of Smart City and Management for the latest updates.

Register Link: https://forms.gle/HdpFAXciuxhmHaDk8
Competiton Rules: https://bit.ly/ISCM4thCompetition
Location: Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Duration: March 2025 - October 2025
Submission Deadline: July 15, 2025
Eligible Participants: Undergraduate and master’s students worldwide (Each team can have up to 3 members).

Some others images:

New, photos: ISCM