Project Name: Saigon South International School

Location: Ho Chi Minh City，Vietnam

Design Team: Flansburgh Architects

Lead Architects: David Croteau (Principal-In-Charge), Madeleine Le (Project Architect)

Building Area: 277,723 square feet

Completion Date: 2024

Photography: Matthew Millman, Jonathan Mitchell

Collaborating Partners:

Architecture Consultant: Sino-Pacific Construction Consultancy Co., LTD

Acoustic Consultant: Acentech

MEP Consultant: Atelier Management & Design Consultancy Co., LTD

Structural Consultant: Sino-Pacific Construction Consultancy Co., LTD

Interior Design: BOHO Decor

General Contractor: VICONS Construction and Engineering Co., LTD

Feature：

Project - In a groundbreaking educational project that seamlessly merges innovative design with pedagogical excellence, Flansburgh Architects has unveiled their latest masterpiece - the New Middle School and STEAM Design Center at Saigon South International School in Vietnam. This ambitious 277,723-square-foot development represents a bold reimagining of educational architecture for the 21st century.

The project comprises two distinct yet harmoniously connected buildings that embrace the site's unique waterfront location along the Dia Canal. Drawing inspiration from Vietnam's iconic Sa Pa rice terraces, the architects have created a striking exterior featuring undulating curves and cascading planters that host native species, creating a dynamic interplay between built form and natural elements.

What sets this project apart is its thoughtful integration of biophilic design principles with cutting-edge educational spaces. The STEAM Design Center houses state-of-the-art facilities including five science labs, specialized art studios, and a versatile indoor/outdoor gallery space, while the Middle School building features a dramatic skylit atria, a 220-square-meter black box theater, and flexible learning environments that adapt to diverse teaching methodologies.

The architects have masterfully addressed the tropical climate through intelligent design solutions. The extensive use of natural light, coupled with the strategic placement of bamboo elements in the atria, not only reduces energy consumption but also creates a serene learning environment that pays homage to local architectural traditions. The buildings' positioning on opposite sides of an athletic field maximizes cross-ventilation while creating a central community space that serves as the campus heart.

Perhaps most notably, the project's relationship with its urban context sets new standards for educational architecture. Situated within a walkable, mixed-use island neighborhood, the development strengthens community connections through thoughtfully designed pathways and public spaces. The curving balconies, which mirror the meandering waterway below, offer stunning views while creating a visual dialogue between the built environment and the natural landscape.

This project represents a significant advancement in educational architecture, where sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and pedagogical innovation converge to create spaces that inspire learning and foster community engagement.

Design Team - Flansburgh Architects, established in 1963 in Boston, Massachusetts, has emerged as a pioneering force in educational architecture and sustainable design over its six-decade journey. The firm, currently led by President David Croteau, AIA, LEED AP, has cultivated an impressive portfolio spanning 30 countries, with particular expertise in educational facilities, cultural centers, and civic institutions.

The practice's leadership structure, comprising four principals with extensive industry experience, ensures hands-on involvement in every project. The executive team includes Jorge Cruz as Executive Vice President, Kent Kovacs as Senior Vice President, and Joseph Marshall as Vice President, each bringing specialized expertise in areas ranging from sustainable design to Building Information Modeling (BIM).

What distinguishes Flansburgh is its commitment to sustainable architecture and cultural sensitivity, evidenced by their impressive staff credentials - two-thirds of their architects hold LEED certification, with an average of fifteen years of professional experience. The firm maintains a lean yet highly skilled team of 11-50 employees, fostering an environment where innovation meets execution.

Their design philosophy emphasizes the integration of local cultural elements with contemporary architectural solutions, as demonstrated in their recent projects like the Saigon South International School. The firm's approach to educational architecture focuses on creating adaptive, future-ready learning environments that respond to both pedagogical needs and environmental considerations.

Flansburgh's longevity and continued relevance in the architectural landscape stem from their ability to balance innovative design solutions with practical functionality, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and client-centered service delivery.