The concept of sustainability has emerged as one of the most sought-after issues in the 21st century since researchers have identified problems related to climate change. The definition of sustainability has been revised repeatedly to provide a guideline for global leaders to re-access their approach and solutions to the worldwide issue. As Vietnam emerges as an oncoming global leader, its developers are implementing new strategies and architectural designs into their projects.

Sustainability not only consists of environmental protection but also economic and social development. Together, the three make up the pillars of sustainability. Challenges and implementation are critical for the government to assess. Likewise, developers will need to respond to such issues.

Building designs in nowadays Vietnam, have provided some pioneering examples in sustainable architecture in the country. Recreational, commercial and residential projects have contributed to the overall sustainable emergence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Nha Trang.

As one of the pioneering resort group in sustainable practices, Six Senses near Nha Trang and Ninh Van Bay, have contributed in the region’s environmental protection projects. The hotel discards all uses of plastic bottles, bottles their water on site and established a water purification system. The resort group partners with its local community to protect the nearby marine ecosystem and provides education on conserving the environment, actively participating in the world of sustainability.

Above: The eco-friendly Six Senses Hotel and Resort near Nha Trang.

Above: The exterior designs of Atlas Hotel in Hoi An.

Green buildings are also becoming a trend in Vietnam. Atlas Hotel is the finest example in the city of Hoi An. Its exterior walls are covered with hanging lush greenery used to reflect sunlight and sustains a CO2-free microclimate. Proliferating walls made from locally sourced sandstone, are used in corridors to allow sunlight into the space and at the same time reduce heat buildup. The spacial quality provides its visitors and workers a relaxed atmosphere in the midst of the chaotic environment of the city.

Above: Children playing in the open space of Pou Chen Little Flowers Kindergarten.

Fast forwarding to Ho Chi Minh City, the city is moving quickly to reform itself into a sustainable metropolitan. The completion of the Pou Chen Little Flowers Kindergarten consulted by the Vietnam Green Building Council, is the first pioneering example of sustainable building. The kindergarten shows an environmentally conscious design and provides a social space for children of the 20,000 factory workers next-door. Architecturally, the gaps in the building’s open structure is able to generate cross breezes to maintain a cool temperature in the lower floor. Structures of the building are made from recycled material from the factory’s waste. Solar water heaters and insulating rooftops are installed, decreasing the amount of energy needed to operate the building. The design of interconnecting gardens and a rooftop farm provide a continuous social space for the children.

Vietnam’s emerging residential developers have in fact, utilize design concepts in sustainable architecture to minimize negative environmental impact. Such concepts include increasing efficiency, decreasing uses of energy source, utilizing recycled materials in the building process, and developing a living space that can coexist with its ecosystem. Developers and architects may use different types of techniques and concepts in order to achieve the three pillars of sustainability.

Above: Exterior designs of Waterina Suites by Maeda Corporations.

With innovative design concepts, residential developments represent architectural art pieces. Waterina Suites, a project in Ho Chi Minh City developed by Maeda Corporation, flaunts the mix of elegancy and sustainability. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, bold curvatures outline each floor of the building. Inspired by the elevating rice terraces and the organic curvature of the Saigon river, the building is designed to optimize the use of wind circulation to naturally cool the apartments. The use of large glass panels diffuses the lighting and energy into each apartment and introduces a new level of modernity.  The development is a ‘unique space where light and air meet.’

Maeda Corporation is a renowned developer worldwide and is one of the leading corporations to focus on environmental sustainability. The corporation has undertaken actions in contributing to the environment by using recycled materials in their developments, introducing natural energy by constructing natural power plants in Japan, and launching habitat protection programs in Cambodia and Sri Lanka. It may be exciting to see how Maeda may work with Vietnam in its sustainability movement.

Above: Mulberry Lane’s lush greenery in its surrounding gardens, developed by CapitaLand.

Another renowned developer, CapitaLand, recently launched its project, Mulberry Lane in Hanoi. The design of this residential project is to incorporate as many natural elements into the homes as possible: optimizing light penetration into the apartments and reinventing an efficient air ventilation system. The property is designed to have a 60% green coverage, a transformative green podium parking concept and a water purification system in the apartments.

CapitaLand ranked sixth in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and ranks first in Asia with its social and economic sustainability contribution. The company provides a strong team of analysts, investors and media specialist to respond to sustainability surveys. Moreover, it has a strong employee engagement with volunteer programs: building new schools for impoverished regions of Vietnam. CapitaLand is successful in contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable development in all three pillars.

Much of the developments in Vietnam are moving towards providing a sustainable environment into the city. In architectural designs, developers mainly work with architects to improve on air conditioning systems, incorporating natural and recycled materials, increasing light and energy optimization and implementing a dynamic social living space. Besides the projects by Maeda Corporation and CapitaLand, developments like REFICO’s City Garden and Thuan Viet’s New City, are also designed to implement sustainable development.

Above: Vietnam’s future sustainability and eco-developments includes the proposed Green Tech City by SOM in the hills of Da Nang.

Urbanization provides the city increased living space and decreases the need for energy and resources by using new technology and design concepts. It does, however, result in negative butterfly effects: traffic congestion, management of waste, and providing an economic balance. With such, city improvements are needed to maintain this modern trajectory.

As Vietnam emerges into the global investment market, it may need to overcome its challenges towards a sustainable future. The country is expected to transform dramatically from its original state once many of its developments complete. Sustainability is, moreover, about preserving and protecting the places we love and providing a durable future for generations to come. With time, Vietnam will hopefully remain on track and provide a sustainable environment for its newcomers worldwide.

Source: CapitaLand, Maeda Corporation, Waterina Suites, Six Senses, Atlas Hotel, Vietnam Green Building Council