Vietnam’s bamboo megastructure wins 2025 ARCASIA Awards

VTN Architects delivered a 14.8-metre-high bamboo megastructure spanning 1,460 sq.m. The exposed bamboo frame is a work of art, etched with “lotus” and “bronze drum” motifs – classic Vietnamese symbols – carved into intricate lattices that blend tradition with a modern twist.

Grand World Phu Quoc Welcome Centre (Photo: thanhnien.vn)
Grand World Phu Quoc Welcome Centre (Photo: thanhnien.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – VTN Architects’ Grand World Phu Quoc Welcome Centre has clinched the Special Award for Sustainability at the 2025 ARCASIA Awards for Architecture (AAA), Asia’s premier architectural competition.

The accolade, announced at the Asian Congress of Architects in the Republic of Korea, marks the eighth recognition for the company, solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in green design across the continent.

At the heart of the Grand World Phu Quoc complex, within the sprawling Phu Quoc United Centre, the Welcome Centre stands as a deliberate lure for visitors, a cultural landmark that speaks to Vietnam’s heritage.

VTN Architects delivered a 14.8-metre-high bamboo megastructure spanning 1,460 sq.m. The exposed bamboo frame is a work of art, etched with “lotus” and “bronze drum” motifs – classic Vietnamese symbols – carved into intricate lattices that blend tradition with a modern twist.

Constructed entirely from eco-friendly materials, the structure eschews air-conditioning, relying instead on natural ventilation and daylight to create a cool and airy interior. Artificial lighting, sparingly used, comes alive only after dusk. Bamboo poles are tied together with just rope and pegs, slashing costs and environmental impact while delivering a vibe that’s pure harmony with nature.

AAA, run annually by the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA), shine a spotlight on Asia’s best builds, from private residences, commercial buildings to public facilities, and green projects. The awards celebrate designs that push creativity, honour cultural roots, and keep the planet in mind./.

VNA

See more

Culinary offerings on display at the International Culinary Festival “Hue – Capital of Cuisine”. (Photo: VNA)

Hue spotlights its culinary soul at international food festival

The festival brings together more than 50 food stalls from provinces and cities nationwide, alongside a strong international presence. Visitors are immersed in a lively culinary space featuring live cooking demonstrations, presentations of regional specialities and international dishes, high-quality OCOP products, and food models designed with export potential in mind.

Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Yen Tu Festival “Heritage journey – world essence”. (Photo: VNA)

Yen Tu Festival 2025 kicks off in Quang Ninh province

With its role as a bridge linking the past, present and future, the Yen Tu Festival 2025 features a range of activities, highlighted by an exhibition presenting artefacts, ancient documents and modern 3D digital materials related to the Truc Lam Zen Sect.

In the women’s futsal final, Vietnam deliver a dominant performance, defeating Indonesia 5-0 to claim their first-ever SEA Games gold medal after finishing runners-up in five consecutive editions. (Photo: VNA)

SEA Games 33: Historic gold medals for Vietnam on December 18

In the women’s futsal final, Vietnam delivered a dominant performance, defeating Indonesia 5-0 to claim their first-ever SEA Games gold medal after finishing runners-up in five consecutive editions. This was also Vietnam’s 72nd gold medal at SEA Games 33.

The Vietnamese team win the gold medal in women's handball at the 33rd SEA Games (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam enjoys “golden day” at 33rd SEA Games

Vietnam enjoyed one of its most explosive competition days at the 33rd SEA Games on December 17, winning a remarkable 16 gold medals across multiple sports, closing in on Indonesia in the medal table and reinforcing its position among the leading delegations.

Shooter Trinh Thu Vinh competes in the final of the 10m air pistol mixed team event on December 15 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam strike gold across sports at 33rd SEA Games

December 17 marked one of Vietnam’s most successful days at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, with the country's athletes claiming gold medals in several of their traditional strengths, including rowing, shooting, and pencak silat.

Writers are honoured at the Southeast Asian Writers Award ceremony for 2024-2025. (Photo: VNA)

Two Vietnamese writers honoured with S.E.A. Write Award

The S.E.A. Write Award has become a cherished tradition that celebrates exceptional literary voices and works reflecting the depth of the human experience, helping to enrich the spiritual life and fostering a shared cultural voice across ASEAN.

Audiences at the screening of the documentary "Once Upon a Bridge In Vietnam" at Harvard University (Photo: VNA)

Documentary film spreads Vietnam’s spirit, image in US

From the opening scenes, the film immersed viewers in a distinctly Vietnamese rhythm of life – Hanoi’s traffic sounds, the green of rice fields, fiery football stands, and folk melodies and monochord music echoing in a modern setting.