As Hanoi steadily positions itself as a regional creative hub – marked by the growing impact of successive Creative Design Festival seasons – the role of architecture has evolved beyond shaping physical spaces to becoming a key driver of cultural and creative economic activities. In response to this reality, Architecture Magazine officially introduces a new section titled “Architecture & the Creative Ecosystem”, starting in 2026.
Currently, under the direction of the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Vietnam Association of Architects, Architecture Magazine has collaborated with the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and key partners to organize the Hanoi Creative Design Festival, now in its fifth edition. The editorial team has been directly involved in shaping the content and program framework, contributing to the transition from an annual event model toward building an interconnected, interdisciplinary creative ecosystem aimed at sustainable development.
Within this context, content related to Cultural Industries and the Creative Ecosystem (such as the Creative Design Festival) has so far been published on a case-by-case, event-driven basis. This approach does not fully reflect the significance and practical role of architecture in this domain.
- Responding to national strategic priorities: The development of Cultural Industries is identified as a key national strategy by the Government (under the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam’s Cultural Industries to 2030). Architecture, as one of the 12 core sectors, requires a stable editorial platform to guide professional discourse and reinforce its leading role in advancing cultural industries.
- Reaffirming the role of Architecture Magazine: Architecture plays a fundamental role in shaping spaces for cultural production and everyday life. A dedicated, recurring section will enable the magazine to assert the pioneering role of architects in forming creative hubs and fostering the creative economy.
- Transitioning from event-based coverage to a consistent academic–practical section ensures continuity, depth, and the development of a strong professional identity for the publication.
The section is designed to position architecture at the center of the creative ecosystem – where physical spaces function not merely as “settings” but as active “agents” that catalyze cultural flows. From adaptive reuse projects to public space design and creative urban districts, these interventions contribute to environments that nurture creativity, preserve urban memory, and promote sustainable development.
Through this section, Architecture Magazine aims to:
- Contribute to shaping awareness and redefining the role of architects in cultural industry development;
- Introduce valuable models and real-world projects, particularly adaptive reuse–driven creative spaces;
- Foster interdisciplinary connections between architecture, urban planning, culture, the arts, and creative enterprises;
- Expand readership beyond professionals to include policymakers, investors, and the broader creative community.
Published regularly (1-2 articles per issue), the section will feature diverse content formats, including theory and policy discussions, case studies of notable projects, expert interviews, and academic forums. Each issue will offer a distinct perspective, collectively mapping a comprehensive view of the relationship between architecture and the contemporary creative ecosystem.
At the same time, the section seeks broad collaboration with research institutes, universities, international organizations, enterprises, and creative spaces both in Vietnam and abroad – building an interdisciplinary, up-to-date, and application-oriented knowledge platform.
The launch of “Architecture & the Creative Ecosystem” is not merely an addition of content, but a clear commitment by Architecture Magazine to accompany a shift in development thinking – where architecture plays a leading role in shaping, enabling, and disseminating creative value in contemporary society.
The section will debut in Issue No. 02-2026 of Architecture Magazine. Readers are warmly invited to follow and engage.
© Vietnam Architecture Magazine
