As part of the activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (1966-2026), on March 12, 2026, the University collaborated with the Italian Embassy in Vietnam to organize the 10th Italian Design Day (IDD). With the theme “REDESIGN. Recreating Space, Objects, Ideas and Connecting Values”, the event provided an inspiring academic dialogue space between leading experts from Italy and Vietnam.

Overview of the Event

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Phu Doanh – Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering – emphasized the special significance of this year's program, marking the 10th consecutive year that the University has had the honor of co-hosting the event with the Italian Embassy. This is also an important activity leading up to the 60th anniversary of the University's founding (1966-2026). Expressing his gratitude to Ambassador Marco della Seta for his trust in Hanoi University of Civil Engineering over the past decade, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Phu Doanh affirmed: “Continuing to partner with the Italian Embassy deeply resonates with the University's strategic vision in promoting innovation in the construction and architecture environment.”

Addressing the students – future designers and architects – Vice Rector Bui Phu Doanh expressed his hope that they would absorb the humanistic spirit and innovative thinking methods from the experts. He advised: “Take the ‘reconstruction’ mindset as the foundation to continue the mission of preserving heritage, connecting local characteristics, and pioneering the creation of sustainable built spaces.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Phu Doanh – Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, delivered a speech at the event.

The event took place at the C4 Natural Solutions Center – a symbolic space representing the fusion of education and nature-based reconstruction solutions. Here, speakers discussed how Italian and Vietnamese culture and architecture intersect to inspire future visions.

Architect Tiziano Vudafieri – the Italian Design Ambassador to Vietnam in 2026, with nearly 40 years of experience and having completed over 700 projects for major brands such as Louis Vuitton and Givenchy – has brought fresh perspectives on global design trends. He highly appreciates the unique characteristics of Vietnamese architecture – a blend of localization that Europe cannot replicate.

Architect Tiziano Vudafieri – Italian Design Ambassador to Vietnam in 2026 – shared at the event.

The discussion was moderated by journalist Nguyen Phan Thuy Duong. g - The Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decoration VN also includes reputable experts:

Architect Hoang Thuc Hao: Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, with the philosophy of "Architecture for Happiness".

Dr. Nguyen Cao Lanh, Head of the Faculty of Architecture & Planning (HUCE), shared his insights on redesigning educational spaces in harmony with nature.

Architect Trung Mai: Founder of Hanoi Ad Hoc, who has had many projects exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Speakers exchange ideas during the discussion session.

The Italian Design Day 2026 event is not just a professional seminar, but also an important forum for connecting and exchanging culture and expertise between Italy – a leading country in design – and Vietnam – a rapidly developing creative economy.

See more:

• Italian design inspires reinvention among Vietnamese students: Education and Times Newspaper

• Architect Tiziano Vudafieri: Vietnamese architecture is 'a localized blend that Europe cannot replicate': Tien Phong Newspaper

Here are some photos from the event:

Mr. Marco Della Seta – Italian Ambassador to Hanoi, speaking at the event.

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