Binh Duong School

Recent Vietnamese law changes, proposing new zoning principles, regulate private schools to be allocated to the suburbs. Accordingly, setting to be the stepping stone of a modern institution outside of the city, Binh Duong School was designed to cultivate the potential benefits in a tropical context.

The school, which could occupy up to 800 students, is situated in a satellite city of Ho Chi Minh City. The five-story-high building is surrounded by a rampant forest with few surrounding houses.
The continuous S-shape of the school creates two courtyards with two different functions. Upon the entrance, the first appearing public courtyard serves formal activities such as school events or flag saluting. Linking through a double-height void, casual hangouts and school breaks usually occupy in the back yard – a more private space surrounded by plants and flowers. Zoning of the school also follows the courtyards’ character. Common function are located in the front while classroom in the back.

The roof, designed as a gentle slope connecting to the ground, becomes important open spaces for students^ activities in relatively limited site area.

The building is covered thoroughly by precast concrete louvers and pattern walls, shielding the glass rooms direct sunlight, while allowing air into the corridor. A swimming pool in the back yard is also considered as a cooling device using vapor effect. The S-shape of the building also helps ventilating the air using natural wind. Even in a harsh tropical climate, the classrooms operate accordingly without the need for air conditioning.

In developing ries such as Vietnam, it is a common social request to realize buildings within a squeezed budget. The unit price of Binh Duong School’s construction was only around 350 $/sqm , which was considered inexpensive in Vietnam. Running cost were also low due to the passive design. The moderate schools proves to be the prototype of schools in tropical climates, obtaining a harmonious balance between outdoor activities and the connect with surrounding nature.