Founder and principal architect of award-winning MIA Design Studio

Nguyen Hoang Manh

September, 2022

Founder and principal architect of MIA Design Studio, Nguyen Hoang Manh lights up the Vietnamese architectural scene with iconic buildings that reflect modernist flair. Since its inception in 2003, the studio, specialising in architecture, interior and landscape design, has won many international accolades. Asia Designers Directory speaks with Hoang Manh to learn about his illustrious career and architectural wins.

 

Can you share with us your personal journey towards becoming an architect?

I think it was a natural progression for me to become an architect. As a child, it was my ambition to become an architect someday and I allowed that aspiration and passion to guide my career path. Looking back, I feel that my career path has been very straightforward. I recall my parents, who used to work in a related industry, telling me about the scope of work of an architect, which left me intrigued. I was also inspired by an artist’s work which I chanced upon in my village when I was young. Serendipitously, this set me on my path towards becoming an architect.

 

Sky House, built in 2019, clinched the House & Villa (Urban/Suburban) award at the 2021 World Architecture Festival. Can you tell us more about this win?

As always, it is a privilege when a project picks up awards. As this project was surrounded by high-rise buildings, my approach towards the project was to instinctively focus on the interior, to integrate a vertical garden that would make a strong connection with the outside. For this project, it was important to bring in as much natural light as possible. The house was divided into two parts, both vertically and horizontally, where half was converted into the living space, while the remaining half is used to make an indoor-outdoor connection.  

 

 

With rapid growth and urbanisation in Ho Chi Minh City, it challenges architects to rethink how the city can grow sustainably since the city lacks adequate pockets of open space. This project is a timely reminder amid a changing landscape to maintain a balanced living environment that gives attention to open spaces without interfering with the city’s master plan, and in doing so, positively impacts individuals and communities in the society. I strongly believe that we have to constantly dialogue with the people, immerse in the culture and connect with the built environment in all of our undertakings.

 

How does sustainability play an integral role in your designs?

Sustainability is not just about introducing green elements to a façade or optimising energy consumption through the use of different materials, but also sustainability in terms of master-planning to strategically make plans to ensure diversity and conservation of land. As such, sustainable development emerges as a focal point where we are challenged to ensure balance through sustainable planning and development.

In the context of Ho Chi Minh city, where we are witnessing rapid urban developments, we need to ensure that the city’s master plan or land use is optimised or well-balanced, such that there is adequate public space before it becomes too late. For instance, Singapore may be a small city-state, but the land is well-planned, with land preserved for future use.

 
 
 

How do you think Vietnam’s interior/architectural scene has evolved over the years?

I believe there exists a small group of Vietnamese architects that are pushing boundaries in the architectural scene, especially for residences and villas, where we are witnessing more diverse and forward-thinking projects. However, as architects, we sometimes face limitations as we have to deal with other aspects such as legal, finance, sales and marketing, and hence, many considerations come into play. Having said that, I think that Vietnam’s interior architecture scene is at a different stage of development and charting a more exciting course. The landscape is evolving and every generation of architects appears to leave an indelible imprint on the city.

 

 

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently, our team of about 50 is working on a mix of hospitality projects for brands including Hyatt and Wyndham, as well as residential projects. I believe in organically growing the company, working in fewer, but better quality projects, and being focused on internal workshops and R&D to explore new materials and modern architecture in the tropics. In my opinion, architecture is an ongoing journey of learning and growing. After all these years, my passion has not waned.

 

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