By 2035, Vietnam - particularly Ho Chi Minh City - is expected to undergo a dramatic surge in urban population. This anticipated growth presents critical challenges for housing development and urban infrastructure. Currently, the city’s residential fabric is dominated by low-rise, ground-level townhouses. Apartment living remains limited, as many residents - especially those migrating from other provinces - prefer to rent townhouses for their flexibility and familiarity, particularly for short-term stays.

However, this development pattern is increasingly unsustainable. The current supply of apartment buildings falls far short of meeting projected demand, and existing models lack the spatial flexibility and amenities needed to support either short-term or long-term residency. As urban density increases, there is an urgent need for a more adaptable and future-proof housing typology that can respond to both demographic shifts and evolving urban lifestyles.

This project proposes a new approach to high-rise housing tailored to the context of Vietnamese urbanization. It seeks to combine advanced construction technologies with intelligent architectural systems to create a flexible, modern apartment model. At the core of the proposal is the integration of Plug-in Architecture - a modular design approach that allows apartment units to be added, removed, or reconfigured according to residents’ needs. This system supports both temporary and permanent occupancy and adapts to changes in household structure over time.

To further enhance adaptability, Smart Home AI is employed to enable seamless personalization and spatial transformation of each unit. Through this intelligent system, residents can control environments, manage resources, and adjust their living spaces with ease. These smart systems also allow for efficient management of the building as a whole, helping to prevent unit shortages and optimize occupancy.

The project also applies Parametric Design to develop spatial configurations that respond to diverse user demands, site conditions, and environmental factors. This approach enables dynamic, non-standard architectural forms, contributing to more expressive and engaging urban facades. Combined with advanced construction strategies, the proposal offers a system that is both practical for implementation and visionary in scope.

Ultimately, this project reimagines high-rise housing as a living system - responsive, intelligent, and embedded in the rhythms of contemporary urban life. By drawing from the flexibility of traditional Vietnamese townhouses and enhancing it with modern technology, the design proposes a housing model that can evolve with the city. It aims not only to increase the availability of apartments but also to redefine their role in shaping Ho Chi Minh City’s urban identity by 2035 and beyond.

2023

The proposed building applies 3D printing technology with a metal shell and lightweight concrete apartments. The technical utility boxes are placed on the exterior, combined with a sloping design to ensure proper drainage and waste disposal, while directing exhaust gases upward. The vertical circulation core is designed in such a way that, when the structure is assembled, the building forms a solid unit through joint connections (inspired by Japanese carpentry techniques). The project also meets Vietnam's emergency evacuation standards and other technical criteria.

Location: Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Area: 3900 m²
Architectural solutions: 3D printing technology, Parametric Design, Smart Home AI and more

Lecture: Dr.Arch. Lee Young Ill
Student: Nguyễn Huy Du

/

Nguyễn Huy Du Nguyễn Huy Du

Favorited 1 times

Voted 0 times