Achievements

Nguyen Hoang Dieu Hien, a student at Duy Tan University (DTU), won First prize in the Quick Design B category at the 2026 National Architecture Student Festival for her project, “Living-Underground.”

The project was developed by Dieu Hien, a fourth-year Architectural Engineering student at the Faculty of Architecture, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Duy Tan University, in collaboration with her team.

“Living-Underground” proposes a symbiotic underground ecosystem that connects people, nature, and economic activities, with the aim of promoting greener urban development. The design introduces natural light into underground spaces and incorporates commercial facilities to enhance their functionality, thereby strengthening the connection between above-ground and below-ground areas.

Dieu Hien at the 15th National Architecture Student Festival in 2026

Sharing the inspiration behind the project, Dieu Hien explained that, rather than imposing rigid spatial interventions, the team integrated commercial amenities to generate vitality from within the space.

“As more people are drawn to the area, the space will gradually become livelier and foster stronger community connections. ‘Living-Underground’ represents a balance between modern development and the preservation of nature’s fundamental values,” she said.

The “Living-Underground” project won First prize in the Quick Design B category

Prior to this achievement, Dieu Hien received a Consolation Prize in a competition to renovate and enhance the landscape surrounding the Mother Nhu Monument in Da Nang. She also participated in the 2025 Kaira Looro International Competition with a kindergarten design project for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Born and raised in Khanh Son District, Khanh Hoa Province, Dieu Hien developed a passion for painting at an early age and often depicted the landscapes of her hometown in her artwork. Growing up in a farming family with four siblings, she said her upbringing helped her become independent and determined in pursuing her chosen path. Her family’s encouragement also became a major source of motivation for her to study architecture.

Dieu Hien regards her decision to study at DTU as the starting point of her journey toward pursuing a career in design. She believes that the university’s learning environment has enabled her to strengthen her professional knowledge and develop her architectural thinking.

“At DTU, I have gained valuable knowledge from highly experienced lecturers while growing within a dynamic academic community that encourages healthy competition. This environment has inspired me to continuously improve and express my individuality through every design idea,” Dieu Hien said.

According to Dieu Hien, studying in Da Nang has also provided her with opportunities to experience a diverse range of cultural values. These experiences have broadened her perspective on design and helped shape her ambition to become an architect who creates buildings that harmoniously combine functionality and aesthetics.

Dieu Hien recalled one of the most influential lessons she had received: “Studying architecture is not only about words; you must demonstrate your ideas through drawings.”

She considers this principle a guiding philosophy in both her studies and professional development. She aims to continue refining her technical skills and leaving her personal signature on every project she undertakes.

DTU students at the 2026 National Architecture Student Festival. Photo: DTU

At the 2026 National Architecture Student Festival, DTU students earned several other notable awards. Nguyen Gia Dinh received the All-Round award and First prize in the Quick Design A category, while Nguyen Thi Diem Quyen won Third prize in the Quick Design B category.

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, released in March 2026, DTU was ranked in the 101-150 band worldwide for Architecture, maintaining its position from 2025. DTU was also the only Vietnamese university to be ranked in this subject area.

(Media Center)