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In the context of growing demand for sustainable development, climate-change adaptation, and accelerating digital transformation, revising the Architecture Law of 2019 has become urgent. The effort is intended not only to address existing shortcomings, but also to shape high-quality living spaces that are cohesive, preserve cultural identity, and support professional practice in architecture.
The Prime Minister’s directions on developing Vietnamese architecture to 2030 with a vision to 2050 provide a strategic foundation for sustainable, modern, and internationally integrated architecture. Local authorities have established management tools; architectural management regulations have been issued and implemented; and progress has been made in managing construction order, planning, and professional practice.
“Since the law's enactment in 2019, the Architecture Law has established itself as an important legal instrument for regulating and developing the sector in Vietnam, institutionalizing the Party and State’s guidelines, and creating a professional, coherent, and internationally integrated architecture,” Deputy Minister Nguyen Tuong Van said. She added that the framework also preserves and creatively inherits cultural values in each project and space, affirming Vietnam’s architectural identity in the regional and global context.
Despite positive results, shortcomings remain. The regulatory system is still largely principled and lacks specific criteria, leading to inconsistent interpretation. Overlaps with related laws on planning, construction, land, and investment have increased compliance costs and extended procedures.
Some provisions have also not kept pace with new development trends, including green and low-carbon architecture, climate-resilient design, smart architecture, digital transformation, and the development of underground spaces. Key issues not yet clarified include the concept and criteria of cultural identity in architecture, the system of criteria for evaluating valuable projects, and mechanisms for architectural design competitions and professional practice that are not yet aligned with international standards.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Tuong Van said the revision must be placed in the context of the country’s new development priorities, including strong digital transformation, climate response, broader international integration, and higher-quality growth linked to cultural development. She emphasized that the architecture law must lead the way.
Deputy Director Vu Anh Tu of the Architecture Planning Department noted that, to date, the system of detailed implementing documents has been issued relatively comprehensively, creating a solid legal framework for management. Tools such as district-based architecture regulations, a list of valued projects, competition mechanisms, assessment, and licensing of professional practice have been gradually implemented, improving governance and the urban-rural environment.
The revision aims to adjust technical aspects while placing the law within the country’s development context, translating into improved quality of life and governance.
The law has helped regulate urban space more effectively through district-level architecture control. In rural areas, it supports improving living standards as part of the National Target Program on New Rural Development, contributing to better landscapes and infrastructure.
As of March 2026, Vietnam had issued about 9,557 professional practice certificates, mainly in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This was cited as reflecting growing demand and initial effectiveness in standardizing professional conditions and raising architects’ professional capacity.
In addition, the ongoing 2021–2025 professional development program attracted over 36,800 architects, supporting professional competence and alignment with international standards to meet sector integration demands.
Following the discussions, representatives from the Vietnam Association of Architects and the National Institute of Architecture focused on suggestions related to architectural concept competitions, licensing, digital transformation in architectural activities, improving the quality of local architectural management, and adding regulations on urban and rural architecture control. They said the revision should better meet development needs in the new context.
In closing, Deputy Minister Nguyen Tuong Van acknowledged stakeholder contributions and said the Ministry of Construction will synthesize, study, and selectively incorporate ideas to continue refining the Architecture Law project. The goal is to ensure quality and move toward a modern, sustainable architecture with strong identity and a people-centered approach.
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