ISCM-UEH PARTNERS WITH GREEN SUMMER DESIGN WORKSHOP 2026: TOWARDS TRANSIT-ORIENTED URBAN DEVELOPMENT
From August 7-9, 2026, the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), joined the Green Summer Design Workshop 2026, themed “Architectural and Landscape Design for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Around Ho Chi Minh city Metro Stations”, hosted at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM). The ISCM-UEH delegation included Dr. Arch. Huynh Van Khang, Dr. Do Le Phuc Tam, and students from the Architecture and Smart Urban Design program, together with lecturers, experts, and more than 120 students from universities in Vietnam, and South Korea, including Vietnamese-German University, Ton Duc Thang University, Van Lang University, Thu Dau Mot University, and Hanyang University (South Korea).
Lecturers, experts, and students participating in the Green Summer Design Workshop 2026, with the participation of ISCM-UEH.
Dr. Arch. Huynh Van Khang (ISCM-UEH) delivering the opening remarks at the Green Summer Design Workshop 2026.
The workshop focused on studying areas surrounding the Metro system in Ho Chi Minh City and developing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategies that integrate transportation, architecture, landscape, and public spaces. Over the three-day workshop, student teams were briefed on the design task and conducted field surveys, collected data, and analyzed the characteristics, potentials, and challenges of their assigned areas. The findings were translated into existing-condition maps covering functional distribution, topography and tidal flooding, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions, providing a foundation for developing design strategies that build on local strengths while addressing existing challenges in TOD areas. Based on these analyses, students further developed their design proposals and engaged in discussions and critiques with lecturers and experts, gradually transforming field observations and analytical findings into concrete design solutions.
Lecturers and students participating in the design briefing and orientation session at the Green Summer Design Workshop 2026.
In addition to working directly within design teams, ISCM-UEH students had the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from local and international experts and lecturers. During the program, Dr. Do Le Phuc Tam delivered a lecture entitled “Comprehensive Urban Design Towards TOD Development for Ho Chi Minh City,” sharing perspectives on urban design and TOD development in the context of Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. Brian Baewon Koh, CEO of Innovative Design, Inc. (USA) and Integra D&C (Korea), also delivered a lecture entitled “From Sustainable Architecture to a Climate Contech Entrepreneur,” offering insights into the journey from sustainable architecture to construction technology innovation, as well as experiences in high-performance building design and innovation in the construction industry.
Dr. Do Le Phuc Tam (ISCM-UEH) delivering his lecture at the workshop.
Student teams were assigned to study areas representing diverse urban contexts around Ho Chi Minh City's Metro system and develop proposals based on six core workshop criteria. Responding to the distinct characteristics and challenges of each area, the teams explored 10 TOD themes: TOD & Heritage, TOD & Waterfront, TOD & University District, TOD & Innovation Hub, TOD & Community Living, TOD & Mixed-use Urban Center, TOD & Green Infrastructure, TOD & Affordable Housing, TOD & Mobility Hub, and TOD & Urban Resilience. Through these themes, the teams developed integrated strategies connecting architecture, landscape, transportation, and public spaces in response to the specific conditions of each study area.
During the Group Design Development and Expert Review sessions, student teams worked intensively, engaged in group discussions, and received direct feedback from Dr. Arch. Huynh Van Khang and Dr. Do Le Phuc Tam (ISCM-UEH), along with M.Arch. Brian Baewon Koh (Integra D&C), Dr. Kim SeongHyeon, Dr. Heo JunYeong, and Dr. Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhat Truong (Hanyang University) to further develop and refine their proposals. These exchanges allowed students to approach TOD from multiple perspectives while strengthening their understanding of the relationship between public transportation, urban structure, public spaces, and user experience.
ISCM-UEH students and design teams discussing and developing their proposals with lecturers and experts.
On August 9, the workshop concluded with the Closing Ceremony and Award Presentation, marking the final stage of the three-day research and design process. Throughout the workshop, the teams transformed the challenges and potentials of their respective study areas into creative design solutions, applying TOD principles and drawing on relevant urban development models to strengthen the role of Metro stations as catalysts for urban development. Their proposals not only sought to connect transportation, architecture, landscape, and public spaces, but also addressed sustainability, adaptability to the conditions of Ho Chi Minh City, and feasibility in real-world implementation. Through these approaches, each team presented its own perspective on translating TOD concepts into concrete, distinctive, and applicable spatial solutions.
The ISCM-UEH delegation achieved outstanding results at the workshop, receiving 01 First Prize, 01 Second Prize, 02 Third Prizes, and 06 Consolation Prizes, recognizing the efforts and quality of the participating student teams throughout the program.
Closing Ceremony and Award Presentation of the Green Summer Design Workshop 2026.
Team 5, supervised by Dr. Arch. Huynh Van Khang, receiving the First Prize with the theme of “Thao Dien Habitats – Transit-Oriented Development & Community Living”.
Seeking to turn Thao Dien’s diversity into an opportunity, Team 5, including ISCM students Tu Anh Khoi (K50) and Tran Hoang Kim Thao (K51), developed “Thao Dien Habitats – Transit-Oriented Development & Community Living” under the guidance of Dr. Arch. Huynh Van Khang. The project responds to Thao Dien’s diverse users, needs, and housing types, which currently lack a clear spatial framework to bring them together. The proposal introduces three layers of living tailored to different user groups and lengths of stay, supported by improved metro, walking, and cycling connections. Community hubs serve as key gathering points for essential amenities and shared activities. Together, these strategies aim to create a 15-minute neighborhood, one that preserves Thao Dien’s diversity while making it more connected, accessible, and cohesive.
The Green Summer Design Workshop 2026 served as an interdisciplinary and inter-university academic platform where students, lecturers, and experts explored the development of Metro and urban areas in Ho Chi Minh City from diverse perspectives. By connecting research, education, and design practice, the workshop not only provided students with opportunities to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges, but also encouraged multidimensional thinking and integrated solutions towards a more connected, sustainable, and people-centered city. Through its participation and professional contributions, ISCM-UEH continues to connect knowledge, people, and practice, contributing to new approaches for advancing sustainable urban transformation in Ho Chi Minh City.
News and photos: Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM)