The awards are organised in collaboration with the HCM City University of Architecture. — Photos courtesy of NS BlueScope Vietnam

HCM CITY — NS BlueScope Vietnam has launched the Vietnam Steel Architecture Awards 2026, a nationwide platform honouring architectural works and ideas that apply steel materials while promoting sustainable design trends in the construction industry.

The awards are organised in collaboration with the HCM City University of Architecture and aim to connect architects, consultants, contractors, project owners and students nationwide.

Following the success of the 2024 edition, this year’s awards carry the theme 'Shaping Resilient Futures: Timeless Design with Coated Steel'.

According to the organiser, the programme seeks not only to recognise outstanding steel-based architectural projects and concepts in Việt Nam, but also to encourage innovation in steel applications and facilitate the sharing of practical experiences from completed projects using NS BlueScope Vietnam’s materials and solutions.

A representative of NS BlueScope Vietnam said coated steel structures have the potential to become “timeless designs”, adding that the awards aim to inspire creative thinking and the adoption of advanced materials to support sustainable development.

The award features two categories: Professional and Student.

The Professional category is open to design consultancies, architects, contractors and in-house design teams legally operating in Việt Nam. Entries are divided into Industrial and Commercial project groups. Meanwhile, the Student category focuses on industrial architectural design concepts.

Organisers said this is the first year the category has been expanded to create more opportunities for students to connect their ideas with professional practice and real-world construction.

Projects in the Professional category will be assessed based on Design Excellence (50 per cent), Innovation in applying steel materials and solutions (30 per cent), and Sustainability (20 per cent). Eligible projects must be completed and operational in Việt Nam and use COLORBOND® or ZINCALUME® steel products.

Student submissions will be evaluated equally across five criteria: design concept, flexibility, innovation, sustainability and creativity in applying steel materials and solutions.

The judging panel consists of 15 architects, researchers, lecturers and industry experts from universities, the HCM City Architects Association, the Department of Planning and Architecture and organisations involved in green building and industrial development.

The judging panel for the Vietnam Steel Architecture Awards 2026.

Each category and project group will award one first prize, one second prize and two third prizes. Total prize values and scholarships exceed VNĐ200 million (US$7,600).

The submission period runs until June 28, 2026, with results expected to be announced in August.

Winning projects in the Professional category will represent Việt Nam at the BlueScope ASEAN Steel Architecture Awards in Bangkok in November 2026.

NS BlueScope Vietnam said the regional event would provide Vietnamese projects with broader international exposure while contributing to discussions on sustainable steel-based architectural practices. — VNS