Mr Don Conning, General Director of Aedas, spoke about architectural design solutions, and how to balance global and local practice to attain harmonious designs.
Can you tell us about Aedas’s global network and also about Aedas Vietnam?
Aedas’s global network provides consultancy services in architecture, interior design, master planning, landscapes, urban design and building consultancy in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. We have 39 offices around the world, of which two are in Vietnam - one in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The Asia and Middle East headquarters is in Hong Kong. Our businesses have been successfully propelled to different parts of the world and our designers are committed to contributing and leading in the societies they design for.
I originally came from the Hong Kong office and have been working for Aedas for over ten years. In 2007 I was looking for a new challenge - a new opportunity enabling some great leap in Aedas global business. The Asia Board had identified Vietnam as a new market with significant potential that we must explore, and I was appointed as the General Director of Aedas Vietnam.
How do you view the Vietnamese market for the company’s services? What do you see as regards development over the next five years?
Aedas has been engaged in Vietnam since the early 1990s. We did the designs and construction of the Landmark and Saigon Tower in Ho Chi Minh City in 1994 and 1997, respectively. By exerting as much effort in 63 Ly Thai To in Hanoi in 1997, the company further dedicated itself to Vietnam’s landscape development.
After 1997, the real estate market slowed down, and I returned to Hong Kong from Thailand after finishing some projects. In 2007 Aedas re-identified Vietnam as a promising market. With a population of 86 million, of which 75 per cent are under 35 years of age, Vietnam has seen fast and stable economic growth, charming investors around the world with its “friendly” business ordinance and attracting funding.
Today, the construction of mid-level residences and residential complexes combines to take a substantial share in the market, which also allows room for hospitality, resorts and hotels. We have been honoured to contribute to a number of large-scale projects, including mid- to high-rise developments in District 2’s An Phu, and villas in District 7. In Hanoi we are working on two very large mixed-use retail projects, but at the same time our development focus is residential.
Aside from what you’ve already mentioned, what other experience does Aedas have?
In Vietnam the majority of our commissions are residential, but Aedas also shows its expertise in office, transport, education, sports, civics & culture, hotels & resorts, healthcare and infrastructure.
Could you tell us a bit more about Aedas’s ethos?
We are committed to continuous improvements in our service and design quality through the development of a culture of excellence. We act in a socially and environmentally responsible manner and invest in a process of continuous learning for the benefit of our clients and our people. Our aim is to make a positive contribution to the quality of the built environment and to create places that enrich people’s lives.
“Aedas provides international expertise with innate knowledge and understanding of local cultures”. How can this theory be materialised for Vietnamese clients?
Aedas is accustomed to fitting its designs for different cultures, and Vietnam is no exception. We not only consider global practice but also local practice as critical challenges. So the Vietnam office employs local architects with the help of internationally-experienced staff to create the best solutions for the local culture. Culture is a big issue in terms of design climate, while people living in it use our products as end users. Our innate understanding of their lifestyle and culture empowers us to tailor to the end user in the best way.