Recap Workshop “Materials Matter”: When materials become the language of sustainable architecture
On April 20, 2026, the workshop “Materials Matter: Designing for a Sustainable Future,” led by Luciano Cardellicchio, Discipline Director of Architecture Associate Professor, University of New South Wales (UNSW), took place in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere at Campus V (UEH), offering a dynamic and inspiring academic space. Moving beyond rigid theoretical concepts, knowledge was delivered through thought-provoking questions, opening up a journey to explore how materials truly “perform” and shape contemporary architecture.
A key highlight of the workshop was its core approach: architecture as the intersection of Art and Science. Through insightful and practice-oriented sharing, Dr. Luciano introduced a profound perspective, architecture is not merely about aesthetics or meeting client demands, but about providing solutions to local contextual challenges. From passive design strategies to the selection of intelligent materials, every design decision is directed toward a central goal: advancing sustainable architecture and strengthening environmental responsibility.
The workshop also created opportunities for students to actively engage in discussion, critical thinking, and the proposal of new ideas. These lively exchanges not only bridged international perspectives with the Vietnamese context, but also encouraged each participant to shape their own approach to sustainable design.
ISCM would like to extend sincere thanks to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luciano Cardellichio and all participating students for contributing to such a meaningful and enriching workshop. This experience will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for advancing greener and more sustainable architecture in the future, in alignment with the development orientation of UEH and ISCM in a globalized context.
News & Photos: Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM)