PROJECT DESIGN UNVIEL

Designed by VA.NG – @Van Aelst I Nguyen & Partners, the new Sports and Aquatic Centre at UNIS Hanoi, marks the first milestone in the school’s broader campus transformation. Conceived as a high-performance environment for learning, health, and connection, the center redefines the role of sports architecture in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic urban contexts.

Situated within the UNIS Hanoi campus, the center addresses the pressing environmental challenges of the city, particularly air quality. A luminous polycarbonate façade filters light while shielding the interior from urban pollutants, and integrated MEP systems deliver fresh, purified air across all program zones. The result is a calm, safe and future-ready space for both focused training and everyday movement.

Circulation flows are intuitive and welcoming, athletic zones are engineered for versatility, and key moments throughout the building celebrate the school’s identity—subtly expressed through materiality, color, and detail. Beyond performance, this is a place of belonging and well-being.

“This project is not just about sports; it’s about creating an atmosphere where students can move, breathe, and grow. In a city where air quality is a daily challenge, we saw an opportunity to make architecture part of the solution — integrating light, air, and structure into a healthy, high-performing environment. It is the beginning of a new spatial identity for UNIS Hanoi.” — Steve Van Aelst, Co-Founder & Creative Director, VA.NG.

We extend our sincere thanks to UNIS Hanoi for the inspiring collaboration — and to our design partners: Boydens Engineering part of Sweco, Ney & Partners, Delhom Acoustics, vinaQS, and NDC Consulting.

Find out more about the project here.