University of Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City partner in the teaching of smart city strategies

Established in May 2020, ISCM is positioned as the first phase discipline diversification at UEH, and an active response to urban challenges. ISCM has been positioned as a Center of Excellence in academic and practical fields, focusing on Smart City strategies – how technology can be a problem-solving instrument in a rapidly changing and unpredictable world.

This newfound partnership between the School of Architecture and Planning and ISCM will allow Bachelor of Architecture and Urban Design Students at ISCM advanced entry onto part II of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies at the University of Auckland after their first three semesters.

“Here at the School of Architecture and Planning, we’re really excited to start working alongside the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and the Institute of Smart City and Management,” says Dr Lee Beattie, Acting Head of the School.

“This partnership will not only give ISCM students the opportunity to develop a comparative understanding of architecture and urban design in the New Zealand and Vietnamese contexts. It will also foster deeper ties between the two institutions and pave the way for future collaboration in teaching and research in the broader field of architecture, urban design and urban planning,” adds Associate Professor Manfredo Manfredini, Director International Engagement, School of Architecture and Planning.

“Vietnam continues to be a priority student market for the University of Auckland and this partnership will further our understanding of architecture and design in other contexts, help us better serve our Vietnamese study body and help grow our student base.”

To mark the partnership, Associate Professor Manfredini will provide a lecture (due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, online) at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City on the topic of Public Space and Contemporary Urbanism later this year.