In early May 2025, Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son – President of Vietnam Association of Architects and architects made an official visit to Cuba to promote professional cooperation, academic exchange and develop a network of young architects between the two countries with a long-standing friendly relationship. The delegation of the Vietnam Association of Architects also attended the Coverings Construction Materials Fair – Exhibition and visited architecture in the United States.
Promoting Vietnam-Cuba architectural cooperation
In Havana, Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son, President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, had a working session with Mr. Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez, President of the National Union of Cuban Architects and Civil Engineers (UNAICC), along with 2 Vice Presidents of UNAICC, 4 Department Directors of the Cuban Ministry of Construction and leaders of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Havana.
The parties reached a high level of agreement on strengthening and expanding cooperation programs in construction design, architect training, academic exchange and building a management system for architectural practice suitable to the context of each country. During the meeting, the University of Havana emphasized the role of connecting training with Vietnam – a place where many Vietnamese architects have graduated with distinction from Cuba.
An important content of the working session was to discuss and expand the memorandum of understanding signed between the two professional associations. Accordingly, the minutes will lay the foundation for the following activities: Exchange of expertise, techniques, scientific events; Promote programs, activities of friendship and professional solidarity between the two organizations and the two countries; Some coordinated activities such as co-organizing conferences, exhibitions, seminars; Connecting and supporting career development between the two sides through the expert system; …
The two sides have discussed specifically each content in the minutes and will take the next steps before officially signing in the coming time.
In specific activities, Mr. Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez has officially invited the Vietnam Association of Architects to send a delegation to attend the first International Salon of Young Architects held in Varadero, Cuba from December 11-14, 2025. This is an event held every two years, the largest professional and creative forum for young architects in Latin America, with the participation of the International Union of Architects (UIA). The program includes activities: construction exhibitions, creative competitions, scientific seminars and international awards with 12 categories from housing design, public works to architectural publishing.
Surveying heritage buildings and joint venture projects in Cuba
In addition to the working program, the delegation of the Vietnam Association of Architects visited and surveyed many heritage architectural works in the Old Quarter of Havana, learning from Cuba’s experience in preserving and promoting the value of historical architecture.
The delegation also visited Ho Chi Minh Park – a work symbolizing the friendship between the two nations. Next, the delegation surveyed the VIMARIEL Industrial Park, a joint venture between Viglacera (Vietnam) and a Cuban partner, which is developing effective industrial infrastructure, opening up new cooperation opportunities in developing industrial parks, architecture and infrastructure in the Caribbean region.
Expanding international connections in the United States
In addition to the schedule in Cuba, President of the Vietnam Association of Architects – Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son and Mr. Mai Xuan Duc – General Director of Viglacera Ceramic Tile Trading Joint Stock Company attended the Coverings 2025 Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, USA. This is the largest exhibition in North America on ceramic tiles and natural stones. Within the framework of the exhibition, the President of the Vietnam Association of Architects visited Viglacera’s booth and was impressed with the environmentally friendly, high-tech products that have achieved international certifications such as Green Label (Singapore), LEED (USA) …
Here, Dr. Architect Phan Dang Son had a discussion with Mr. Rod Applegate, President of Tower Engineering, Inc., the unit that brought Viglacera’s technical brick products to the US Capitol project.
After the Coverings Exhibition, the delegation of the Vietnam Association of Architects made architectural tours to major cities in the United States such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Miami. Here, the delegation learned about typical architectural works, modern design trends, as well as sustainable urban planning solutions, in order to accumulate experience and expand international connections for Vietnamese architects.
The working trip of the President of the Vietnam Association of Architects and the architects ended successfully, not only marking a new development in Vietnam – Cuba cooperation in the field of architecture, but also expanding international exchange opportunities, raising the position of Vietnamese architects on the regional and global map.
An Du – TCKT.VN
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