Vietnamese preschool shines bright among top architecture projects

A preschool project in the northern province of Son La has just been listed among the top 10 new architecture projects in the Art & Design column in UK-based newspaper The Guardian.
Vietnamese preschool shines bright among top architecture projects ảnh 1An overview of the project (Photo: archdaily.com)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - A preschool project in the northern province of SonLa has just been listed among the top 10 new architecture projects in the Art& Design column in UK-based newspaper The Guardian.

The list was made based on posts on several architecture websites includingDezeen, ArchDaily, Designboom, Archinect, or the pickier Domusweb, Archpaper,the Architectural Review and Wallpaper since early March.

The list highlights the projects that “... make the world a little moreinteresting and a little more enjoyable”.

“The best of these projects are theatres for life, whether that life is seeingart, living in your home, going to school or meeting friends, and wherever itmight take place: in an ancient city, in a refugee camp, in deep countryside.They aim to make that life richer, fuller and more surprising,” the articlesays.

Mentioning Bo Mon Preschool in Tu Nang commune, Yen Chau district of Son La province by Kientruc O (O Architecture), the article comments: “It’s a simpleenough idea: a big distinctive roof that casts a big distinctive shadow thatmoves around during the course of the day. So the shadow becomes an animatedthing in its own right, not just the absence of sun. The curvy shapes might besaid to have some harmony with the surrounding hills. A tree is hugged at theentrance. The corrugated metal construction is basic, with somesensible-looking devices to ensure ventilation. Charming and deft and does whatit says on the tin.”

Curvy shapes of the roof have some harmony with natural surroundings.

Ho Chi Minh City-based Kientruc O (O Architecture) company said on archdaily.comthat architecture is not a simple plan to meet some specific demands ofutility, aesthetics, and stability.

“Daily used architecture should create an interesting atmosphere for users,”the company’s representative wrote.

“It turns to be more and more difficult and challenging to create meaningfularchitectures because it requires non-stop changes and many surprises happeningduring long constructing time, especially when the project has a limited sourceof budget and should be implemented in severe conditions,” the post continued.

According the company, Bo Mon Preschool has been built for various purposes.Besides serving as a preschool for local children, the building has been alsoused as a communal house for locals.

The courtyard is a multi-functional open area for children to play.

“Through the separation of the classrooms, teacher accommodation and supportingrooms over a common yard, a central layout is formed, making the courtyard theheart where all activities happen,” the article on ArchDaily said.

“The courtyard is essentially a multi-functional open area under a shady awningwhere children play together.

“When school is in session, the yard is a place where siblings from the schoolnext door gather to wait for each other before going home, an outdoorclassroom, and a communal space for local festivals to take place throughoutthe year.

“The soft shape of the roof creates a shady area that transits slowly from thewall to the floor as the sun changes its course, animating a present that connectsthe architecture with its natural context, where it sits among the indefinitemountains and hills, and where it blends itself between the cloud and the mistof a highland afternoon.”

The top projects mentioned in The Guardian also included the Museum ofContemporary Art Helga de Alvear, in Cáceres, Spain, by Emilio Tuñón; TainanSpring, in Taiwan, by MVRDV; Mac House, in Novelda, Spain, by La Errería;Alex’s guesthouse, in Berlare, Belgium, by Atelier Vens Vanbelle; Stone Garden,in Beirut, by Lina Ghotmeh; Emergency Scenery, in Olot, Spain, byunparelld’arquitectes; UHP synagogue, in Asunción, Paraguay, by Equipo deArquitectura; and Fass school and teachers’ residence, in Fass, Senegal, byToshiko Mori.

Kientruc O is led by duo Dam Vu and Anni Le, who also teach at the ArchitectureUniversity of HCM City.

The company seeks architectural manifestations that both satisfy human needsand stimulate coexistence between humans and the natural ecology.

The company has won various domestic and international prizes including theArcasia Awards for Architecture 2016, American Architecture Prize 2016 and wasamong finalists at the World Architecture Festival 2015./.
VNA

See more

The event attracts thousands of people who are coaches and yogis who are passionate about practicing Yoga. (photo: baoquangninh.vn)

International Day Yoga held in Quang Ninh province

The programme featured a range of activities, including group practice sessions of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), Vietnamese–Indian cultural performances, a commemorative flag handover ceremony for clubs, and a beach clean-up to help protect the marine environment.

Athletes compete in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam hosts Asian Muay Thai Championship for first time

This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.

Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen (third from left) on the podium at the WDSF World Championship 2025. (Photo courtesy of Hoang Thu Trang)

Vietnamese dancer shines on the world stage

Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.

A performance of Vietnamese traditional music instruments (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese culture takes centre stage in Korean city

The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh (L), Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, and Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, attend the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam re-elected to 2005 UNESCO Convention’s Intergovernmental Committee

This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.

A decorative motif on an ancient Quang Duc ceramic piece. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Yen taps craft village tourism to revive Quang Duc pottery

Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.

Cat Ba Archipelago in Hai Phong is chosen as the location for a nine-episode series based on the mega-popular game League of Legends (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam becomes irresistible destination for global filmmakers

Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.

Midfielder Le Viktor of Hong Linh Ha Tinh (centre) is called up for the Vietnam's national men football team along with striker Bui Alex, (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Vietnam's 35-strong squad announced for ASEAN U23 Championship 2025

The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.

Students visit the exhibition (Photo: VNA)

Exhibition features President Ho Chi Minh as founder of Vietnam’s revolutionary press

The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.

Illustrative photo (Photo: Usports)

Vinh Phuc to host international women's volleyball tournament

Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.

Vietnam U19 women’s team (in red) on the ball against Thailand U19 (in blue). (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam take silver in AFF U19 Final

Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.