Dr. Architect Nguyen Thai Huyen has been recognized for her significant contributions to higher education cooperation between France and Vietnam, particularly in advancing French-language programs in architecture, landscape, and urban planning at Hanoi Architectural University for over two decades.

On behalf of the French government, Ambassador Olivier Brochet recently awarded Dr. Nguyen Thai Huyen, Vice Director of the Institute for Training and International Cooperation at Hanoi Architectural University, the Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Order of Academic Palms) - one of France’s highest honors in education, science, and the arts.

A lifelong connection with France and architecture

Dr. Nguyen Thai Huyen has a profound connection with the French language and culture. After earning her degree in Architectural Engineering from Hanoi Architectural University, she pursued a Master’s in Urban Design at the National School of Architecture and Landscape of Bordeaux and later obtained a Doctorate in Urban Planning and Spatial Planning from Bordeaux Montaigne University in France.

This academic journey deepened her passion for French culture, people, and architecture, which she brought back to Vietnam to contribute to architectural education.

Upon her return, she played a key role in establishing and developing the French-language Landscape Architecture program at Hanoi Architectural University - the first institution in Vietnam to offer a degree in Landscape Architecture.

She later expanded academic collaborations by initiating a joint doctoral training program in Architecture, Urban Planning, and Landscape with French institutions. 

Currently, as Vice Director of the Institute for Training and International Cooperation, she oversees bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in architecture in partnership with French universities.

In recognition of her efforts, Dr. Nguyen Thai Huyen was previously honored in 2017 with the GADIF Award - an accolade chosen by embassies, delegations, and Francophone institutions in Hanoi to acknowledge individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion of the French language in Vietnam.

Speaking about receiving the Palmes Académiques, Dr. Nguyen Thai Huyen stated that the recognition serves as a motivation to further strengthen and expand educational and research collaborations in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and landscape studies between Vietnam and Francophone institutions.

Thuy Nga