On July 12, 2021, the launching ceremony of the Project and launching the contest "Waste into Art 2021: Plastic into Creative - Turning plastic waste into creativity" was held on an online platform attracting great interest from students. This is a competition organized by the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE) in collaboration with AIF Foundation - Architectural Innovation Fund - Association of Architects of NUCE, UNESCO, and the British Embassy in Vietnam, Embassy of Italy in Vietnam and XMA Office, under the media sponsorship of Architecture Magazine, Kien Viet Magazine.
The waste problem is a burning problem all over the world in general and developing countries in particular. In Vietnam, the waste issue has had put a negative impact on the natural environment and people's quality of life. Facing these concerns, the Waste into Art project was born to help to solve the plastic waste problem in the nation, through increasing people's awareness, especially the young generation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Giang - Vice Rector of the University of Civil Engineering expressed his delight that the Waste into Art project has received the attention of many organizations and young people. In Vietnam, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the waste problem has taken a toll on the natural environment and residents’ life quality. Therefore, raising public awareness is an urgent and important part of promoting and supporting the authorities to handle this crisis. Environment protection is a public duty, but the younger generation plays a more important role in this whole campaign, as they are the future of our planet, said the Rector.
Sharing the same interest in environmental activities and promoting the creativity of community activities, Mr. Antonio Alessandro - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy in Vietnam emphasized the importance of these practical actions when the globe is facing difficulties caused by pandemics and challenges of climate change. Mr. Ambassador expressed: "One of the most pressing environmental issues is waste management: besides directly threatening human health and biodiversity, the problem of waste also has serious impacts. We must seek sustainable waste management solutions. Therefore, initiatives like Waste into Art 2021 should be welcomed and encouraged, especially the participation of the younger generation."
Mr. Antonio Alessandro gives his speech at the ceremony
Sir David McNaught - Political Counselor of the British Embassy expressed his support and belief in the project: “Waste into Art kicks off at critical moment only a few months before the happen of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference Summit, COP26, organized by the UK in partnership with Italy. This is a pivotal moment as 100 world leaders come together to discuss and agree to take stronger action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Plastic pollution is undoubtedly the most pressing environmental problem. That's why I'm very happy to witness the launch ceremony of the Waste into Art Contest today within the framework of the Waste into an Art project. This is a very meaningful project to help raise awareness of the young generation about reuse and recycling in order to minimize the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment. You are creating a more sustainable future for all of us.”
Sir David McNaught addresses at the ceremony
Following the success of the annual creative competitions for students initiated by the AIF Foundation - Architectural Innovation Fund - Architects Association of the University of Civil Engineering, this year's program is part of the Hanoi - Creative City series of events and in response to the 5th Italian Design Day in Vietnam. The competition aims at integrating environmental protection knowledge into the training process. It is expected that each student will become a positive inspirational element in the process of reusing personal waste into useful products.
MSc.Architect Doan The Trung - President of AIF Architectural Innovation Fund, Lecturer of Faculty of Economics and Planning, NUCE had a talk about activities promoting the creativity of the organization in recent years and drawing orientation of this year's theme. With the mission and vision of innovation in education, especially in the field of creative design, AIF Foundation over the years has made constant efforts to organize annual events, as well as listening to and absorbing suggestions to gradually improve and build a bridge between Students, Businesses and the Community. We believe that connecting students with a responsibility to the community, connecting resources to help them realize their ideas to make their voices heard will be the most solid foundation to the development of a society.”
The contest takes place from July 12 to August 14, 2021, with the theme: "Transforming raw plastic waste into modular pavilions". Students in individual or groups (maximum 5 members of each) majoring in Architecture, Interior, Planning, Creative Arts at universities across the country can join the competition. Contest products which have no limitation in quantity, location and size, need to meet the following criteria:
Creative elements - ideas, design content as well as forms of performance;
Research factor - technology - Research on materials and technology to have solutions for natural waste treatment and product preservation after installation in an optimal way.
Aesthetic factors - have significant aesthetic value, create spreading effects and reach in the community;
Feasibility factor - the ability to practicalize the design, good application for the workshop phase.
Attending students also expressed their joy when listening to extremely interesting and inspirational sharing articles in creating recycling for the community. This will be an opportunity for students to demonstrate their creativity from everyday objects that seem to be no longer worth using. The product that won the first prize will be made into a 1:1 model with the size of about 3m*3m with the support of experts. And then it will be displayed with the finalists.
The ceremony was held with an extremely lively and open atmosphere about the WIA 2021 competition. Hopefully, with the trust and expectations of the organizers and companions, the contest will have design ideas. excellence, creating a great resonance and becoming the strongest message about environmental protection from young people.
