The International project “Cu Chi Studio 2018” organized by Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) in collaboration with Hasselt University (UH), Belgium from January to June, 2018 for students of Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning of the two universities has ended with many useful activities at TDTU such as taking part in the seminars, participating in the International Conference on Sustainable Development in Construction, Planning and Traffic Engineering as well as International Student Exchange Day; visiting Cu Chi Tunnel (Ho Chi Minh City) to research on the social conditions and customs. From the understanding of history, culture and activities of daily living of the residents, students build the idea of village development according to four main criteria: infrastructure, art and craft integration, the sustainability and the combination between ecological village and urban development.

TDTU and UH students had more practical experiences and better awareness of the responsibility of preserving traditional cultural identity in planning and developing sustainable community in Vietnam and Belgium. In addition, studying and exchanging in the international environment for nearly 6 months made TDTU students more confident in English communication, in studying and working with foreign students; improved teamwork skill, survey skill, logical thinking, field analysis, idea building and necessary skills to become a professional planner and architect.

The International project “Cu Chi Studio 2018” ended with many ideas on village design, work design, resort and park designs, etc. Students presented their findings and received feedback from lecturers of TDTU Faculty of Civil Engineering and UH Architecture Faculty. The Learning together program in one semester between the two universities has been successful, which continues to open up various educational cooperation programs between two faculties and two universities in the future.

Some pictures of TDTU students and UH students: