Vietnamese architect Trần Thị Ngụ Ngôn, co-founder of Tropical Space, has been awarded the 2025 Diversity in Architecture (DIVIA) Award for her distinctive contributions to environmentally friendly structures that seamlessly mix traditional Vietnamese features with modern design concepts.
The DIVIA Award, designed to raise the profile of women in architecture, recognizes architects whose work symbolizes cultural inclusiveness and diversity. Ngôn’s design concept, which is firmly entrenched in Vietnamese culture and climate, stands out among the six finalists chosen from 25 candidates globally. Her designs, which include local materials such as terracotta bricks and are sensitive to the tropical environment, have helped to redefine sustainable architecture techniques in Vietnam and beyond.
The award ceremony was held on May 10, 2025, in Palazzo Mora in Venice, as part of the European Cultural Centre’s “Time Space Existence” exhibition. Ngôn’s art is exhibited in an exclusive exhibition at the venue, which will continue until November 23, 2025. In her award speech, Ngôn acknowledged her heartfelt thanks and pointed out the significance of presenting Vietnamese architectural viewpoints to the global arena.
Ngôn’s business, Tropical Space, created in 2011 alongside architect Nguyễn Hải Long, places that feature both ecologically sensitive and culturally relevant elements. Several designs, like the Premier Office in Ho Chi Minh City, demonstrate creative use of traditional materials and passive design principles to improve natural ventilation and lighting while lowering reliance on mechanical systems.
A renowned instance of their accomplishments is the Terra Cotta Studio in Quang Nam province. A local artist uses this cube-shaped construction, which measures 7 meters on each side, as his workstation. The studio is built of clay solid bricks, solid wood, concrete, and bamboo, and its design allows for natural ventilation and sunlight.
The interleaved brick walls create holes that enable wind to travel through, resulting in a pleasant indoor climate without mechanical equipment. The studio’s design takes into account the region’s water challenges, including raised shelving to safeguard artworks. This building illustrates Ngôn’s dedication to designing architecture that is both useful and profoundly rooted in the local culture and natural atmosphere.
The panel appreciated Ngôn’s work for its simplicity and cohesiveness, emphasizing that it aims for a genuine interpretation of a place rather than legendary identification. Her work redefines typical design concepts through spatial imagination, motivated by an intense reaction to the tropical climate.
Ngôn’s DIVIA Award not only recognizes her accomplishments but also demonstrates Vietnamese architecture’s developing impact worldwide. Her devotion to sustainability, cultural authenticity, and community participation inspires architects all over the world.
As the field of architecture explores environmental issues and preservation of cultures, Ngôn’s work demonstrates the value of careful, context-driven design. Her efforts highlight the critical role of female architects in creating a more inclusive and sustainable built environment.
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