Overview

Transform Architecture’s view on design and liveability considers the importance of culture and climate within the context of a site. Principal architect, Thien Duong’s approach has always been practical by considering the financial implications of developing architecture and its economic viability. Architects must have an understanding of how to negotiate with the principal clients involved in order to realize their architectural visions.

Context

The site proposed is in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, surrounded by the Saigon River and existing residential developments. Existing luxury villa and condo developments occupy the adjacent surrounds with dilapidated “slums” within a 5km radius. Recently, roads have been built linking this site to the CBD of Saigon allowing access to the city centre. This is a project that has real potential to impact the future development of the city perimeters as the city sprawls. This site provides an interesting opportunity as it borders both social and economic issues. Is there a way to develop a site that is responsive to the ideas of Liveability and simultaneously allows developers to make profit? 

Thien Duong believes architects must understand that the built environmentis influenced by planners and developers and our ideas can only be realised by working within these tangible constraints. This is the reality of architecture as it is a design medium that relies on social and economic cohesion to be successful and therefore the user and program of the site must be considered carefully.

Scale

The site is 14.6 ha. of empty land which requires a masterplan. The urban scale needs to be considered with focus on its connection to the city and relation to its locale. Students must try to relate it to the current developments by creating something unique, which may even influence future adjacent developments in the neighbourhood and Vietnam as a whole. The scale should also be taken down to a user perspective with designs that consider how residents and visitors will live there.

Special Outcome

Students are encouraged to present their design in the medium they feel most comfortable. However, as this is within the context of a REAL project, they must be able to present the design to a potential developer/client within 15 minutes. The presentation must be able to excite the client with the potentials of profit while realising the vision of a sustainable future for the site and its inhabitants.

Transform Architecture

Thien Duong

Managing Director

Transform Architecture

      To enhance the built environment by creating creative international designs suitable for Vietnam's culture and climate 

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