Nguyen Hoang Dieu Hien, a 4th-year architectural engineering student from the Faculty of Architecture, School of Technology & Engineering (SET) at Duy Tan University, and her team developed the 'Living-Underground' project. This design proposes a symbiotic underground ecosystem model, connecting people, nature, and economic activities, aiming for green urban development. The project introduces natural light into underground spaces and integrates commercial amenities to enhance usability, linking above-ground areas with the subterranean.

Dieu Hien participating in the 15th National Architecture Student Festival in 2026. *Photo: Contributed*

Sharing her inspiration, Dieu Hien explained her approach to spatial solutions. Instead of creating imposing impacts, her team integrated commercial amenities to activate vitality from within. "As more people gather, the space will become vibrant, fostering community connections. 'Living-Underground' embodies a harmony between modern development and preserving nature's core values," the student stated.

The 'Living-Underground' project won first prize in the Quick Design B category. *Photo: Contributed*

Dieu Hien's journey in architecture includes prior recognition. Before this competition, she received an encouragement prize in the 'Renovation and Upgrade of the Mother Nhu Monument Area Landscape' competition in Da Nang. She also participated in the 2025 Kaira Looro International Competition with a project on 'Kindergarten Design in Sub-Saharan Africa'.

Born and raised in Khanh Son district, Khanh Hoa province, Dieu Hien developed an early love for painting, often capturing her homeland's scenery. Growing up in a farming family with four siblings, she attributes her independent spirit and determination to pursue her chosen path to her upbringing. Her family's encouragement motivated her to study architecture, leading her to Duy Tan University.

She views her choice of Duy Tan University as the starting point for her design passion. Dieu Hien values the learning environment for fostering her professional development and shaping her career mindset. "At Duy Tan University, I gained knowledge from experienced lecturers and trained in a dynamic, healthily competitive community. This environment motivated me to constantly evolve and assert my personal identity through each design idea," Dieu Hien said. Her studies in Da Nang also provided opportunities to access diverse cultural values, broadening her design perspective and shaping her goal to become an architect who creates works balancing functionality and aesthetics.

Dieu Hien recounted one influential piece of advice: "Studying architecture isn't just about words; it must be proven through drawings." The DTU student views this as a guiding principle for her studies and training, aiming to continuously enhance her professional skills to express her personal mark through each project.

Duy Tan University students at the 2026 National Architecture Student Festival. *Photo: DTU*

Duy Tan University students achieved further success at the 2026 National Architecture Student Festival. Nguyen Gia Dinh won the All-Rounder prize and first prize in Quick Design A, while Nguyen Thi Diem Quyen received third prize in Quick Design B.

These achievements underscore Duy Tan University's strong standing in architecture. According to the QS by Subject 2026 rankings released in 3/2026, Duy Tan University is placed among the top 101-150 globally in architecture, maintaining its position from 2025. It is Vietnam's only representative ranked in this discipline.

Nhat Le