To mark Vietnam Architecture Day on 27 April, the Military Architects Association on 24 April 2026 held a commemorative gathering, professional exchange programme and the launch of its 2026 creative campaign at the Design Institute (General Department of Logistics and Technical Affairs), with online participation from its Central and Southern branches. The event took place in a formal yet vibrant atmosphere, celebrating the architectural profession while encouraging new creative momentum within military architecture.
The programme was attended by representatives of the Vietnam Association of Architects, leaders of the General Department of Logistics and Technical Affairs, the Barracks Department, and delegates from architectural associations, agencies and units both within and outside the armed forces, as well as design consultancies, construction firms and partner organisations.
The event opened with cultural performances that created a warm and engaging setting for participants. In his opening remarks, Colonel and architect Hoang Tuan, Chairman of the Military Architects Association and Director of the Design Institute, underscored that Vietnam Architecture Day is not only a professional anniversary but also “an occasion to honour a distinctive creative force – those who help shape living environments and define the image of the nation”.
He stressed that architecture must remain closely connected to people’s everyday lives, responsive to present needs and forward-looking in its vision, describing these principles as a guiding compass for generations of architects.
Against the backdrop of rapid technological transformation, Colonel Hoang Tuan also highlighted the need for a renewed professional mindset as artificial intelligence and computational design continue to reshape the architectural field.
“Architecture is no longer solely about form and aesthetics. It is increasingly an integration of technology, environment, culture and social needs”, he said, adding that military architects would continue to uphold discipline, professional integrity and creativity in order to “create works of lasting value that contribute to the development of both the armed forces and the country”.
The programme also featured several professional presentations and discussions. Among the highlights was the introduction of design proposals for the competition Model Social Housing Design Ideas – Towards Sustainable Solutions, aimed at identifying practical architectural responses to today’s urban development challenges.
Another notable session, Building Collective Intelligence in Architecture through AI and Computational Design, offered fresh perspectives on the application of emerging technologies in design practice and suggested new approaches for the architectural profession.
Technical presentations on basement waterproofing materials and conference audio-visual systems also introduced advanced solutions that can help improve both building quality and the organisation of professional events.
A key moment of the programme was the recognition of outstanding projects and design proposals of the Design Institute in 2026. Ten exemplary consultancy products from six affiliated units were honoured, including built projects as well as award-winning entries in architectural competitions. The recognition acknowledged professional contributions while encouraging a stronger culture of creativity across the Institute.
The event also marked the official launch of the 2026 creative campaign for literature, arts and journalism under the theme Studying and Following Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, Morality and Style in the field of architecture. Building on the positive outcomes of the 2022–2025 period, the initiative seeks to further promote the values of Ho Chi Minh’s thought, ethics and working style within architectural practice and creative work.
The celebration concluded successfully, leaving a strong professional and collegial impression. Beyond its commemorative significance, the event also served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and engagement with emerging trends and technologies, contributing to the sustainable development of architecture within the armed forces and across the country.
© Vietnam Architecture Magazine
