Duy Tan University Architecture Student Won Third Prize in The Freedom Pocket International Competition 2025

Surpassing many teams in the Top 50 excellent projects selected for the Final Round, the only team from Vietnam, students from Duy Tan University, won the Third Prize at The Freedom Pocket International Design Competition 2025 with: Project "Archinest 03": Design of a building located in Nu Village after Typhoon Yagi

This is a testament to the outstanding design ability, integration spirit and creative thinking of Duy Tan University students. First prize went to a team from Indonesia while second prize went to another team from Italy.

The Freedom Pocket 2025 is a prestigious international competition in the field of design, attracting more than 800 entries from many professional architects, design companies and students studying Architecture from many countries around the world , especially from many developed countries such as: USA, Italy, Spain, China, ...

The project "Archinest 03" by a group of Duy Tan University students won third prize in The Freedom Pocket 2025 Competition

This year’s competition aimed to design a 24/7 learning centre for children aged 10 to 16. The project not only had to be fully functional, but also had to focus on environmental protection and ensure it was suitable for children with disabilities.

Starting from a haunting and compassionate story about the damage and loss after the flash flood through Lang Nu village, Lao Cai due to the impact of storm Yagi in September 2024, a group of students from the Faculty of Architecture, Duy Tan University including:

• Nguyen Hoang Long,
• Vo Nguyen Minh Nhat, and
• Vo Van Duc

designed a project called " Archinest 03 " - a project that opens up a space for learning, playing and psychological recovery for children after natural disasters.

In the midst of natural disasters, children are always the most vulnerable. Childhood losses will greatly affect their psychology later on. Understanding and sympathizing with that truth, a group of Duy Tan University students designed a project that ensures both a solid, safe and comfortable "home" and a "nursery" for hopes and dreams, where children can comfortably play, learn and create. Moreover, it is also a space to help children heal, connect with the community and grow both mentally and physically.

Certificate from the Organizing Committee of the Competition for DTU students who won prizes at the competition

With that spirit, the group of Duy Tan University students chose the solution of building traditional stilt houses with a system of raised columns, not only overcoming the steep mountainous terrain but also creating an open space below for community activities. This solution also allows floodwater to flow through without causing damage, ensuring long-term safety, protecting natural beauty and encouraging children to interact with nature.

Student Nguyen Hoang Long - Team leader shared: " The project 'Archinest 03' started with a very simple wish: To do something meaningful to contribute a small part to ease the losses for children affected by natural disasters. Therefore, the team was very careful in every choice, from space organization to material selection, ways to connect the project with nature, etc., all showing sympathy and sending sincere hope."

Architect Noella Nibakuze - One of the judges of the competition commented: " The project of Duy Tan University students is a practical, suitable solution with a strong impact on the community recovering from natural disasters. The idea of ​​the project closely follows the actual needs, with a reasonably chosen location and the ability to flexibly assemble components for dual functions, creating 'breakthrough factors'. The presentation of the project is very clear, effectively conveying the meaning and potential positive changes that the project can bring to the community".

With good recognition and evaluation from the Jury, " Archinest 03" was awarded Third Prize at a prestigious international competition in the field of Architecture. " It is not only The recognition is also a motivation for us to continue pursuing design values ​​that put people, empathy and social responsibility at the center. The award we received makes us more confident: When designing with empathy and clear ideals, young people can absolutely create positive and widespread changes, " said Vo Nguyen Minh Nhat.

All talented students of the Faculty of Architecture, Duy Tan University, the group members shared that their studies at DTU have greatly supported the implementation of the project. What they appreciate most is that the training program always combines theory with practice - from approaching social issues to developing ideas according to a professional design process.

DTU student group with poster samples for the presentation project 'Archinest 03'

" We are equipping the students with a solid foundation of knowledge about structure, materials, spatial organization and critical thinking - important professional factors when working in groups and solving social problems in Architecture. More importantly, the School always encourages humane solutions when designing architecture for people and for the community, not just stopping at block or function design. This approach has helped the group have a deeper perspective when implementing a project related to natural disasters, children and community reconstruction ", Vo Van Duc affirmed.

Organizing Committee The Freedom Pocket 2025 International Competition awarded the best projects including:

• First Prize : Project " Teras Bambu " by the group of students Jessica Anita and Nehemia Stephen Gunawan from Indonesia,
• Second Prize : Project " Growing Center " by the group of students Nicola Brisu, Carlo Tarcisio Moi, Riccardo Ortu from Italy,
• Third Prize : Project " Archinest 03 " by students Nguyen Hoang Long, Vo Nguyen Minh Nhat, Vo Van Duc from Duy Tan University, Vietnam.

Nguyen Hoang Long is the original creative director, who builds the overall concept, executes the design and selects the appropriate land. During the project development process, Long is responsible for 3D design, perspective, illustration, preparing content for interviews and presentations to fully convey the messages and values ​​of the entry to the Jury.

Vo Nguyen Minh Nhat is responsible for analyzing the terrain and natural conditions of the land, proposing reasonable space organization solutions. Nhat is also in charge of arranging the construction site, building the overall layout and performing image post-production. He is also the one who presents and answers questions from the Jury, demonstrating the design thinking and professional depth of the project.

Vo Van Duc researched and calculated the structure of the project, selected materials to ensure sustainability and feasibility in construction. Duc was also responsible for developing detailed 2D architectural drawings and completing the project's technical documents. In addition, Duc was also responsible for visual representation during presentations, ensuring that all content was conveyed clearly and convincingly to the Jury.

WORLD RANKING IN ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF DUY TAN UNIVERSITY

- The field of Architecture & Built Environment is ranked in the Top 101-150 in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2025

- Civil Engineering ranked in the Top 301-400 in the World by Times Higher Education 2025

- Civil Engineering ranked in the Top 151-200 in the World according to Shanghai Ranking 2024.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sv-kien-truc-dh-duy-tan-gianh-giai-ba-cuoc-thi-quoc-te-the-freedom-pocket-2025-185250803090749394.htm