The combined team of POLO Architects, VK & ECOREM were challenged to design a master plan for the university campuses of Hanoi Medical University (HMU) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HCMCUMP) in the space of 13 weeks. An extraordinary challenge requiring the perfectly complementary expertise of all partners. POLO Architects is familiar with the Hanoi context and has provided consultancy for the master planning of local universities in the past. VK brings its healthcare expertise to the table and has the perfect local presence and manpower to bring this project to fruition thanks to its offices in HCMC and Hanoi. Ecorem, finally, will mainly focus on the ecological aspects of the tender. They also have a local office in Hanoi.

SMART CAMPUS

The team puts a heavy emphasis on the ‘smart campus’ concept, derived from Smart City. This approach ensures solid connections, both virtual and physical, with the environment. For this to be achieved, first, all necessary data are compiled into a pre-feasibility study and finally into a conceptual design of a buildable, digital state-of-the-art healthcare campus.

Urbanism, education and healthcare will come together in these two brand new campuses in Vietnam’s largest cities: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This way, Belgium contributes to the further development and professionalisation of the healthcare system in Vietnam, still an important economic Asian Tiger.

image: POLO Architects