Bath-based landscape architecture firm Grant Associates is to help design a new university in Vietnam after teaming up with US architects to win an international competition.
Grant Associates is working with Boston-based Machado and Silvetti Associates on the project for the Vietnamese-German University Campus in Binh Duong Province. 
The university is a unique collaboration between the World Bank, the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training and the German Hessen State Ministry of Science and Art and aims to develop an internationally-accredited higher education program for research and advancement for Vietnamese students.
Machado and Silvetti Associates will be responsible for the first $121m (£71.4m) phase of the 50.5-hectare campus with Grant Associates masterminding the landscape strategy. This phase is due for completion in November 2017.
Grant Associates’ proposed design embraces the concept that a sustainable university campus should be a multi-layered and multi-functional landscape that becomes a living classroom, as well as a tool for restoring and improving the environment.
The landscape strategy establishes an extensive network of gateways, courtyards and green spaces that encourages outdoor learning and social interaction, interlinked by comfortable and engaging shaded routes.
Highlights include a native tropical woodland perimeter, bringing shade and reduced air temperature, shelter for people and wildlife and a reduction in dust and noise. Sustainable water management is a central feature of the landscape design while there will also be goo.
Grant Associates director Andrew Grant said: “We are excited to be working with Machado and Silvetti Associates and Arup on the integrated design for this important campus.
“The ideas are based around the creation of landscape spaces and connections with strong identity and which offer multiple benefits for learning, improved environmental quality and outdoor recreation.”
