DTU students won Second prize (with no First prize awarded) and Third prize at the Student Research Exhibition, held as part of the International Seminar on Vernacular Settlements (ISVS-14).
DTU students’ projects at the ISVS-14 Student Research Exhibition. Photo: DTU
The international scientific conference was held on December 18 at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH).
Opening new pathways
Bringing together over 100 scholars, architects, researchers, and lecturers from Vietnam and across the region, the conference centered on the theme: “Understanding Heritage, Indigenous Culture, and Engaging in Design.”
Through a series of presentations and in-depth academic discussions, the event not only provided a platform for connecting international expertise and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue but also introduced fresh approaches to heritage preservation, cultural continuity, and design application, supporting the development of sustainable urban environments and resilient communities.
The Student Project Exhibition, held within the conference, featured 36 projects across various fields.
Among the total of 2 Second prizes and 3 Third prizes awarded at the Student Research Exhibition, DTU students stood out with 1 Second prize and 1 Third prize. Both winning projects were game-related and were guided by M.A. Huynh Thi Thu Mo, Head of the Digital Art Design Department, DTU School of Engineering and Technology (SET).
DTU Students’ winning projects
Second prize: 3D Game Environment Design project “KOKORO” by Nguyen Manh Cuong, a Graphic Design student at the DTU School of Engineering and Technology (SET). The project impressed the judges with its creative approach, combining spatial design thinking and storytelling in a digital environment, based on extensive research into Japanese culture.
Using tools such as Unity, Maya, and Substance Painter, Nguyen Manh Cuong created a 3D Low-Poly Stylized game world, guiding players through spaces rich in Japanese mythological and spiritual elements.
From Shiraito Lake, home to the Kappa deity, to Edo-era Takachiho village, glowing bamboo forests, and Takachiho shrine with iconic red Torii gates, every element was harmoniously designed to balance visuals, lighting, and atmosphere, demonstrating the integration of digital technology and cultural research.
Nguyen Manh Cuong with 3D Game Environment Design project “KOKORO. Photo: DTU
Nguyen Manh Cuong said: “The biggest challenge of this project was capturing the cultural depth and distilling the core elements of Japanese mythology and beliefs into a graphic language that is both accurate and creative.
At the same time, managing research, creative work, and technology required me to refine my ideas and balance creativity with technical feasibility under time constraints.
Throughout the process, I applied the knowledge I gained at DTU, from fundamentals of design, aesthetics, and color theory to professional skills like modeling, digital painting, and using Maya, Substance Painter, Unity, Photoshop, and Premiere, to complete my project successfully.”
Third prize: Game Artbook Design project “ECHORA” by Ngo Thi Phuong Thao, a Graphic Design student at the DTU School of Engineering and Technology. The project focused on creating a world and visual system for a video game through storytelling via images, spaces, and emotions.
The project follows the journey of the character Nayeli across many lands, where environments, characters, and visual symbols were designed to guide the story, create emotional depth, and shape the player experience.
Ngo Thi Phuong Thao with Game Artbook Design project “ECHORA”. Photo: DTU
Ngo Thi Phuong Thao said: “I am very happy that my work was recognized at the ISVS-14 International Scientific Conference, opening up opportunities to engage with and learn from the global academic community. Participating in ISVS-14 helped me realize that an Art-book Game requires not only beautiful visuals but also systematic thinking, design consistency, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively. This milestone has strengthened my confidence to continue my research and to chart a clear direction for my future academic journey.”
Dr. Bui Mai Trinh, lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Arts, DTU School of Engineering & Technology,
at the conference (above) alongside DTU lecturers participating in the exhibition. Photo: DTU
(Media Center)