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Adaptive Architecture: The Path to Sustainable Cities

Speaking to Lao Dong Newspaper on the sidelines of the "Touch Pavilion" event, Architect Phan Dang Son, President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, noted that the problem of urban flooding remains unsolved, especially when rainfall exceeds 200–300 mm in short bursts.

"Floods can drain quickly, but with the recent levels of rainfall, most Vietnamese cities lack the infrastructural capacity to cope. Therefore, long-term solutions must come from planning, architectural design, and material selection," Mr. Son stated.

He emphasized that Vietnamese architecture needs to integrate advanced global socio-technical solutions while inheriting traditional wisdom. For instance, in ancient villages, houses were built on raised foundations with courtyards paved to allow rapid drainage into surrounding ponds and lakes.

"We can revive that spirit in modern planning by clearing water bodies, applying 'permeable' foundations, or creating detention basins within residential areas," he proposed. He also warned that "concrete-ification" is suffocating cities. When ponds are filled and natural permeable surfaces disappear, heavy rain inevitably leads to severe flooding.

"If future urban planning does not seriously reserve space for absorption and water storage, no amount of infrastructure investment will be enough. A 'Green City' must be a resolution for sustainable development, not just a slogan," Mr. Son emphasized, pointing toward the "Sponge City" model as a viable path for Vietnam’s fast-growing urban areas.

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Materials as a Defense Against Flooding

During the "See – Touch – Define" seminar on October 10, Mr. Mai Xuan Duc, General Director of Viglacera Tiles Trading JSC, discussed building materials designed for flood resistance. He noted that climate change has become "catastrophic," with deep flooding appearing in unprecedented locations. In this context, building materials must focus on adaptation rather than total resistance.

Mr. Duc highlighted specialized product lines engineered for harsh environments, such as 20mm thick glazed tiles for gardens. These tiles possess high hardness and impact resistance while allowing water to drain through joints and permeate into the gravel bed below, significantly reducing surface ponding.

"Currently, many projects over-rely on concrete, sealing the entire foundation before tiling, which kills the ground's natural drainage ability. If we rethink the layers—using gravel and permeable tiling—water will naturally seep through and prevent localized flooding," Mr. Duc analyzed.

He also pointed to Vasta Stone sintered stone as a breakthrough. This material is lightweight, durable, UV-resistant, and eco-friendly.

"These material solutions do not just withstand nature; they reduce the load on foundations and save energy during both production and usage. We need a new architectural mindset—one that is both sustainable and in harmony with nature," he added.

Innovative materials that offer drainage, heat resistance, and UV protection, combined with open architectural designs, are key to building resilient structures. These efforts not only ensure longevity but also contribute to carbon reduction, supporting Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 goal.

Source: Lao Dong Newspaper