It is not too difficult to find many architectural eyesores throughout Vietnam.
In fact many ancient buildings disappeared and new ones do not appear compatible with the climate and character of Vietnam. This has created controversy and demands for Vietnamese architects to raise their standards, particularly in urban areas. New DTU courses in Architecture and Engineering, in collaboration with California State University (CSU) could help provide a solution to this problem.
Although new urban construction has changed for the better, there are still inadequacies in design. Sloppy architecture not only ruins the appearance of cities but also affects the daily morale of residents and visitors. With the internationalization of Vietnam, something must be done to remedy these problems by providing some standards and controls. How would DTU students majoring in Architecture and Engineering handle this?
Dang Xuan Nam’s project won First Prize in the 2010 Loa Thanh competition
The solution may be provided by better education. Only truly practical curricula and experimentation can stimulate new ideas and better qualified graduates, so DTU became a partner of California State University (CSU) in Fullerton and Pomona to offer the first advanced academic programs in Architecture and Engineering in Danang and Central Vietnam.
Hundreds of DTU faculty members are sent to American universities every year
California State University (CSU) was founded in 1957 and has developed strongly since then. CSU’s academic programs in Architecture and Engineering have been accredited by ABET (The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Enrolling in this advanced academic program will greatly benefit DTU students. With an affordable tuition fee of 16 million VND (about 800 USD) per year, they will have access to the original CSU Architecture and Engineering curricula. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to study with qualified DTU lecturers using innovative new teaching methods. These programs are aimed to educate students in the skills of management and planning, business strategy, English language and so on. After completion of the CSU program at DTU, students will be awarded 24 to 28 certificates of accomplishment by California State University which are internationally recognized, enabling graduates to apply for jobs in Vietnam or overseas. In their first or second year, they can also use them to enroll in the Architecture or Engineering undergraduate programs at CSU.
In recent years, DTU achieved major accomplishments in national competitions, including the Loa Thanh competition and the Architecture Festival. Students received one first prize, three second prizes, seven third prizes and one consolation prize. In particular, Mr. Dang Xuan Nam was the first student from a private university in Danang to win first prize in 2010 Loa Thanh competition. In the 2012 Architecture Festival, DTU students performed so well that they won three first prizes, one second prize and a consolation prize. Currently, those have been the most prestigious awards for Architecture and Engineering students.
(Board of Website Editors)