International Workshop: Sustainable Architectureal Design 2026
From January 31 to February 8, 2026, the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM) successfully organized the International Workshop: Sustainable Architectural Design 2026, themed “From Tradition to Sustainability: Environmental Design for Historic and Vernacular Buildings.” The program was held in collaboration with the University of Seville (Spain), one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1505.
In the opening lecture, Prof. José Manuel Almodóvar shared insights into global vernacular architectural typologies. His reflections went beyond technical aspects, extending into worldviews and aesthetic systems formed through the profound interaction between humans and nature.
The workshop approached Saigon’s architectural heritage as a design research platform through the lens of climate adaptation, focusing on factors such as shading efficiency, natural ventilation, and spatial organization. During an intensive week, student groups were guided to survey and analyze current conditions, exploring the climate-responsive capabilities of heritage buildings in Ho Chi Minh City within a hot-humid tropical context. Selected case studies included the Independence Palace, the Central Post Office, the General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City, Lo Gom Apartment, Chinese Shophouses, and the V.A.R. Building. Through physical modeling and simulation, groups evaluated shading efficiency, natural ventilation, and spatial structures to identify the strengths and limitations of traditional architectural solutions.
The analysis revealed that many historic buildings were well-oriented according to the sun and wind patterns characteristic of hot-humid tropical climates. However, some cases showed that facade details remained largely decorative and could be improved regarding natural lighting and ventilation strategies. Relying solely on side lighting was found to be suboptimal; instead, a combination of top lighting, skylights, and light-trapping techniques should be integrated to reduce direct radiation and enhance the quality of diffused light for interior spaces.
Based on these findings, students proposed contemporary design interventions to improve lighting conditions, ventilation, and energy efficiency. Environmental simulation tools such as Grasshopper, Ladybug, Velux, and Autodesk CFD were utilized to quantify microclimate quality, demonstrating a technology-driven approach to sustainable architectural design. The workshop gathered students from various universities in Ho Chi Minh City, including the Vietnamese-German University (VGU), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (BKU), and the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM) at UEH University. This created a cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural learning environment, encouraging academic exchange and direct peer review among groups.
Climate analysis of the General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City
Climate analysis of the Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office
Climate analysis of the V.A.R. Office Building
Climate analysis of Lo Gom Apartment
Climate analysis of Chinese Shophouses
Climate analysis of the Independence Palace
The program was led by Prof. Dr. Arch. José Manuel Almodóvar (University of Seville), an expert in passive design, environmental simulation, and urban ecology, along with academic guidance from Dr. Arch. Huynh Van Khang (ISCM UEH). The workshop concluded with an exhibition and final project presentation on February 8, 2026, summarizing the intensive work process and professional exchange with international faculty.
Evaluate the shading performance of the proposed design options using a “Sun Path Robot”
Through the workshop, students not only enhanced their sustainable design thinking tied to local climate and cultural contexts but also expanded their international academic experience and future collaboration opportunities between the Institute of Smart City and Management and the University of Seville.
ISCM would like to express our sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Arch. José Manuel Almodóvar, Dr. Arch. Huynh Van Khang, Mr. Le Quoc Viet, and all faculty members and students for their participation, contributing to the success of this year’s program.
