Achievements

Rather than opting for monumental architecture or a display of technical virtuosity, “Grandma’s Dai Pai Dong”, a 3D artwork by Nguyen Le Hoang - Art Director of Silver Swallows Studio (SSS) at Duy Tan University (DTU) - recreates a small, welcoming eatery where warmth and affection are kindled amid an aging, cold cityscape. Its emotional depth impressed the judging panel and earned it Second prize in the international Novation ArchViz 3D Challenge.

The 3D artwork “Grandma’s Dai Pai Dong” 

The Novation ArchViz 3D Challenge is an annual competition held in late June by 3DModels.org, one of the world’s longest-established and most respected CGI communities. The 2026 edition took place in June.

Open to 3D artists worldwide, this international architectural visualization competition requires all entrants to begin with the same basic building model and transform it into a distinctive architectural structure or space, ranging from houses, cafés, and museums to imaginary environments. The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited throughout the production process.

These rules create a level playing field in which creative thinking, storytelling ability, and artistic style become the decisive factors distinguishing one entry from another. Working from the common template provided by the competition, DTU lecturer Nguyen Le Hoang chose to tell the story of a small yet welcoming street-food stall in the heart of a harsh urban environment.

Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang, Art Director of DTU Silver Swallows Studio 

The stall was designed to evoke the atmosphere of Hong Kong in the 1990s. Cold blue light washes over the surrounding neighborhood, contrasting with the warm yellow glow from inside the stall. Wooden tables, bowls, chopsticks, signboards, and other familiar objects come together to tell a story of memory and shelter.

To shape the compositing, visual effects, color palette, and emotionally resonant atmosphere, Hoang built the entire 3D environment in Blender, rendered it with Cycles, and completed post-production in After Effects. Rather than placing the architecture itself at the center of the composition, the artwork draws the viewer’s attention to small details both inside and outside the stall, from its old-neighborhood-inspired arrangement to a signboard faded by time. Hoang also skillfully used blue and green as the dominant tones of the scene, highlighting the characters with warm light reminiscent of the streetlamps and aging fluorescent lights typical of Hong Kong in the 1990s.

Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang at DTU’s Silver Swallows Studio

Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang said: “From the outset, I was not trying to create a glamorous scene or showcase technical prowess. Instead, I wanted to use imagery to tell an ordinary yet emotionally resonant story, much as photography preserves moments from everyday life. For me, technical skill is only a prerequisite. An outstanding ArchViz work must forge a connection, allowing viewers to feel the space, the moment, and the story hidden in every detail - not merely admire its visual beauty.”

For that reason, “Grandma’s Dai Pai Dong” is not simply about an architectural structure. It tells the story of a place where memories are preserved and where people can find a sense of belonging in a vast city that can sometimes feel profoundly empty. This spirit, together with the contrasting lighting, the emptiness of the surrounding space, and the work’s compelling storytelling, moved the judging panel. It helped the artwork stand out among numerous international entries and ultimately earn Second Prize.

Previously, Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang made his mark with “White Cliffs”, an artwork inspired by Walt Disney Pictures’ animated film “Up”. The work won First prize in the Fox’s Got Talent competition organized by Fox Renderfarm in April 2020. He also won Third prize in the 2019 CG Artist Da Nang Challenge.

Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang’s “White Cliffs” won First prize in the Fox’s Got Talent competition

These achievements, together with his many years of experience at DTU’s Silver Swallows Studio, have enabled Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang to develop a strong technical foundation and a distinctive creative vision - qualities clearly reflected in his latest award-winning work.

Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang said: “For me, taking part in international competitions is not simply about earning another title. It is a way to remain creatively active and connected with the global CGI community. The experience and lessons I gain from these competitions not only help me develop professionally but are also incorporated into my lectures at DTU, where I continue to inspire and guide students majoring in Graphic Design and Multimedia Communications. I believe technical skills can be learned, but mindset is the deciding factor. Particularly at a time when AI technology for images and video is advancing so rapidly, I hope students will focus on developing their creativity, aesthetic thinking, and habit of continuous learning.”

In the coming period, Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang plans to continue contributing to projects at Silver Swallows Studio, applying AI in training and production, and supporting DTU students as they take part in more international competitions. Through these activities, he hopes to sustain his creative drive and strengthen his connection with the global CGI community.

(Media Center)