On April 17, 2022, the President of Vietnam approved the funding agreement signed with the International Development Association (IDA) of the WB group for the Vietnam University Development Project of the Vietnam National University Hanoi, VNUHCM, and Da Nang University according to Decision No. 476/QD-CTN. Accordingly, the loan from the World Bank (WB) for the Vietnam National Universities Development Project – VNUHCM Sub-project (VUDP-HCM Project) will be used for infrastructure facilities, contributing to improving the teaching and research quality at VNUHCM. The project is a crucial step for the VNUHCM to develop into one of the top universities in Asia, as well as to produce high-quality human resources, excellent scientific research works that are useful for the community, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of not only Ho Chi Minh City but also nationwide.

Regarding the plan for 2023, the project is expected to commence construction work on various building items, including lecture halls, laboratories, simulation practice rooms, and modern classrooms equipped with international standard facilities to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. Simultaneously, there will be investments in constructing buildings for the Faculty of Medicine, aiming to create innovative breakthroughs in the field of health sciences and to produce high-quality healthcare professionals for the nation. In particular, the Advanced Research Center, with a floor area of 42,000 m2, will be built, including laboratories, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, technology exhibitions, and business collaboration rooms, along with equipment to enhance the quality of scientific research and technology transfer in key areas.

The Advanced Research Center is inspired by the idea of architectural design based on the infinity symbol – Ouraboros, which is the endless symbol in many cultures around the world, as well as the expression of boundless engineering science knowledge. The “∞” shape connects the two spatial segments of Natural Science and Social Science, creating seamless horizontal and vertical transportation. The glass panels allow natural light to enter from the outside, reflecting off the shimmering lake surface, creating a vibrant, creative, and relaxing living space for professors and researchers. The aluminum panels, glass balconies, and continuous, undulating roof structure will enhance the building’s sense of solidity and grace. The Natural Sciences laboratory area is a closed space that combines the semi-open and semi-closed space of the Social Science area with the atrium corridor inside. In addition, the Social Sciences area also has an open space facing the lake, taking advantage of the green and airy space for public social functions.

The Advanced Research Center, surrounded by a large lake, is located on the highest hill of the VNUHCM campus. The spatial layout is designed to follow the sloping terrain and incorporate the lake as a landscape feature. The Advanced Research Center is generally low-rise and occupies space in width to meet the need for isolation and tranquility for scientific research activities. The spatial organization of the Advanced Research Center ensures a complete process from training to research and implementation to meet the goal of being a place for in-depth research and experimentation for the entire VNUHCM. The architectural form of the Center follows a modern design, consistent with its functionality, applying green architectural solutions, friendly to the environment and human living space, while effectively utilizing natural energy sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, etc.