Green Architecture Field Study in Singapore—Learning Sustainability Beyond the Classroom

I joined an international field study program on green architecture organized by the Faculty of Architecture, Van Lang University. This 5-day experiential journey across Singapore offered me the opportunity to witness firsthand how sustainability can be woven seamlessly into modern urban life.

Our itinerary took us to some of Singapore’s most remarkable green buildings—from CapitaSpring’s lush vertical gardens and Kampung Admiralty’s community-centered housing design to the SDE4 Building at NUS, a pioneering net-zero energy facility. At each site, I sketched, photographed, and analyzed how architects translated environmental principles into tangible design solutions.

One of the most memorable experiences was attending a presentation by architect Phạm Thanh Trung from Studio Milou Singapore at the National Gallery. Listening to the story behind the museum’s adaptive reuse deepened my understanding of the balance between preservation and innovation. We also participated in a professional workshop at AGC Asia Pacific, where I learned about sustainable glass technologies and how façade systems can regulate light and heat efficiency.

Beyond the lectures and tours, this program was a true exercise in teamwork and adaptability. Working with peers, I contributed to a case study on Kampung Admiralty’s passive cooling system and later presented an analysis of Marina One’s biophilic design. Each discussion pushed me to connect aesthetics with sustainability and form with function.

What began as a simple field trip quickly evolved into a transformative learning experience. Standing in front of these architectural marvels, I realized that sustainability isn’t just a design approach—it’s a responsibility. This journey not only strengthened my technical and analytical skills but also reaffirmed my commitment to creating spaces that are both functional and environmentally conscious.