First phase of SHoP Architects' Fulbright University Vietnam masterplan breaks ground

Back in 2017, SHoP Architects had the winning proposal to design the masterplan of Fulbright University's Ho Chi Minh City campus. Construction of the 15-hectare campus kicked off during a June 6 ceremony at Saigon High Tech Park in District 9. Scheduled to welcome its first students in 2022, Fulbright University Vietnam will be the country's first independent, non-profit, liberal arts university.

Phase one of the development comprises academic and student life buildings and a central lawn at the heart of the campus.The main gateway of building at the head of the lawn will feature an amphitheater, student center, and library. A network of pedestrian streets branch out from the central lawn and building, with each pathway leading to “focal-point” buildings that accommodate galleries, theaters, or a gymnasium. Two pathways form a wedge-shaped dormitory and student dining. The irregular geometries of these buildings help provide easy landmarks and “encourage an intuitive system of wayfinding”.

With Ho Chi Minh City's rainy climate, water management was critical to the campus' design, which has integrated drainage and water reclamation into visible design elements throughout campus. SHoP is also currently seeking LEED and LOTUS accreditation with this project.

“The opportunity to collaborate with the Fulbright team to develop the university’s programs and spaces at the same time is both an honor and an exciting challenge, and we look forward to creating a beautifully crafted and modern campus that serves its students through innovative teaching programs,” said Gregg Pasquarelli, a Founding Principal at SHoP Architects, in a statement.