Vietnamese, UK and regional experts in design and architecture are gathering in Ho Chi Minh City for a conference on sustainable design and architecture that opened on March 29.

The two-day conference aims to share UK knowledge and experience on sustainable architecture and discuss professional development and capacity building for young Vietnamese architects and construction engineers in Vietnam.

“Sustainability is increasingly important in every aspect of our lives and architecture and construction are two areas that can have significant impact on the environment around us,” British Ambassador to Vietnam Antony Stokes said.

“By ensuring an environmentally responsible approach to development now, we will all reap the benefits over the longer term,” he noted.

Participants discussed the sector’s pressing issues, including developing sustainable international best practice, the sustainable urban development project in Vietnam and building lifecycle management. Participants and key speakers discussed a project to zone off the Thu Thiem new urban area, Long Thanh airport and Thanh Da island.

An eco design exhibition also opened in the city on March 29. During the exhibition, which will run through April 20, visitors will have an opportunity to experience leading British design and technology.-VNA