The Architecture of Schools in Northern mountainous regions of Vietnam: Current status and Sustainable development directions

Abstract

The architecture of schools in the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam is facing many challenges in its development process. Lack of classrooms, deterioration, unsafe for pupils. One major concern is the trend of urbanization, which leads to school buildings in this area being standardized according to urban models, constructed in a trend-based manner, and lacking thorough research on adaptation to the local natural and cultural conditions. Meanwhile, the northern mountainous region possesses a treasure trove of rich indigenous values, from unique cultural traits and diverse construction techniques to smart architectural solutions. However, these values have yet to be effectively harnessed in the design and construction of the school system, resulting in a lack of sustainability both architecturally and environmentally. This study focuses on analyzing the current state of school architecture in the Northwest region, assessing local factors in construction, and proposing directions for sustainable development based on two main aspects: (i) Enhancing cultural and indigenous values in the organization of school spaces, ensuring adaptability to natural conditions and the community; (ii) Applying sustainable design solutions in line with modern trends, using locally sourced natural materials, and improving thermal and lighting comfort in classrooms.

Researching and implementing these solutions will not only contribute to enhancing the quality of educational spaces but also help preserve and promote the value of indigenous architecture, aiming for a sustainable school system that is suitable for the unique conditions of the northern mountainous region of Vietnam.

Keywords: School architecture; northern mountainous region; indigenous factors; sustainable development; enhancing comfort.