Cover Vietnamese female architects such as Nguyen Ha, known for heritage conservation, and Tran Thi Ngu Ngon, a pioneer in sustainable design, have made significant impacts on architecture worldwide.
Vietnamese female architects such as Nguyen Ha, known for heritage conservation, and Tran Thi Ngu Ngon, a pioneer in sustainable design, have made significant impacts on architecture worldwide.
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Explore the influence of Vietnamese female architects on the global stage with a perspective on architecture that transcends borders and gender.
The architectural landscape has long been perceived as a male-dominated field. Yet, in reality, women are shaping the industry in profound ways. Increasingly, female architects are leaving their mark—not only through striking structures but also through their visionary design approach. Zaha Hadid transformed the skyline with her bold, futuristic forms, Jeanne Gang is redefining urban spaces in the United States, and in Asia, Betty Ng, co-founder of Collective in Hong Kong, is at the forefront of contemporary design.
Betty Ng has spoken candidly about the label of “female architect,” noting that “you would never call someone a ‘male architect.’” For her, an architect is simply an architect, their work judged by its merit rather than their gender. Yet she also acknowledges the importance of recognition and support for women in the profession.
This perspective resonates within Vietnam, where an increasing number of female architects are gaining international acclaim. Among them, Nguyen Ha and Tran Thi Ngu Ngon are not only elevating Vietnamese architecture on the world stage but also demonstrating that creativity knows no gender.
Nguyen Ha: A pioneer in cultural preservation and adaptation
As the first Vietnamese architect to receive the Moira Gemmill Prize for Emerging Architecture in 2024, Nguyen Ha has cemented her place in the global architectural community. The award honours female architects under 45 who have made a significant impact in the field.
With more than two decades of experience, Nguyen Ha co-founded Arb Architects, an innovative practice dedicated to harmonising tradition with modernity. One of her most notable projects, the Mother Goddess Museum, breathes new life into millions of salvaged ancient tiles from across Vietnam, creating a space that bridges past and present. More than an architectural achievement, the museum serves as a dialogue on belief systems, folk heritage, and the role of preservation.
Above The Mother Goddess Museum, designed by Arb Architects, repurposes millions of historic roof tiles from across Vietnam.
Above The Mother Goddess Museum, designed by Arb Architects, repurposes millions of historic roof tiles from across Vietnam.
The Mother Goddess Museum, designed by Arb Architects, repurposes millions of historic roof tiles from across Vietnam.
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In addition, she has led a number of projects rooted in sustainability, such as Concon Hotel—a distinctive residential space nestled within the narrowest alleyways of Hanoi’s Old Quarter—and Mang Thit Contemporary Heritage, where ancient brick kilns in the Mekong Delta have been reimagined as cultural tourism destinations. Each reflects Nguyen Ha’s nuanced approach to preserving tradition while maintaining a sense of freshness and innovation.
See also: How did female patrons revolutionize modern architecture?
Tran Thi Ngu Ngon: Turning simple materials into architectural statements
While Nguyen Ha is renowned for her work in heritage conservation, Tran Thi Ngu Ngon stands out for her minimalist philosophy and inventive use of materials. As co-founder of Tropical Space, she has redefined the role of rustic elements such as exposed brick in contemporary architecture.
Tropical Space’s projects—including Nha Be House, Cuckoo House, and Long An House—exemplify the design philosophy shared by Tran Thi Ngu Ngon and her colleagues: transforming familiar materials into intelligent, sustainable spaces. In her hands, exposed brick serves as a functional tool for controlling light, enhancing ventilation, reducing heat, and creating striking visual elements. She has remarked: “The cost of a material—whether high or low—isn’t what matters. What’s important is how it’s applied to create a home that is both beautiful and practical.”
Without pursuing high-profile, extravagant commissions, Tran Thi Ngu Ngon has made a profound impact on residential architecture for middle-income households. Tropical Space’s designs harness natural elements such as sunlight, wind, and rainwater to optimise functionality while minimising environmental impact.
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Though their approaches differ, both Nguyen Ha and Tran Thi Ngu Ngon prove that architecture is bound by neither limits nor gender. Their work resonates on an international scale, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility.
Social perceptions may still frame gender as a factor in the industry, yet what truly matters is the value an architect brings to the community. On the drawing board, on the construction site, and in the finished structure, the role remains the same. And when a design leaves its mark, it does not need to be defined by whether it was created by a female or male architect. It simply stands as great architecture.
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