The principles for development of  RMIT Vietnam’s Saigon South site are:

Efficient use of site

Fostering a sense of community (including a sense of ‘arrival’)

Architecture sympathetic with environment

Facilities which connect with open spaces

Environmental sustainability

Use of natural wind flow for ventilation where feasible

Landscaping that assists security

In developing the Saigon South site as a sustainable campus the University considered the following: 

Design approach to buildings using RMIT University’s Design Brief developed by the Property Services division of the university.

The siting of the buildings on an East-West axis to minimise the negative impacts of the local climate on the built environment such as unwanted solar gains.

Incorporating energy and water saving initiatives into the design of buildings and services.

The sustainability of the materials used and the manufacturing/transport process.

Construction processes which protect the soil air and water elements of the site.

The uses to which our buildings would be put – with a focus on the concept of ‘student centred learning’ – and the health and well being of the users, were at the forefront of design considerations.

Important design aspects for the comfort of occupants included:

Thermal comfort

Visual comfort

Aural comfort

Indoor air quality

Access to a window view and daylight

Ability to locally control the thermal and visual environments