Tan’s journey: From Ho Chi Minh City to Copenhagen
“It has always been my dream to work in what I think of as the capital city of architecture, Copenhagen. When I saw that ZESO was looking for architectural interns, I immediately knew that I wanted to apply.”
What does your study background look like?
I completed my bachelor’s degree in Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese system is a bit different, because the bachelor’s programme is five years long. After graduating, I worked in a local firm in Ho Chi Minh City, mainly on residential projects. After working for two years, I applied to do my master’s at Aalto University in Finland.
What made you want to come to this part of the world?
I knew I wanted to learn more about sustainable design and about the part of the world whose architecture I admire the most, the Nordics. During my time in Finland, I became more and more convinced that I wanted to do an internship in Denmark, and more specifically in a firm that works on large scale public buidlings, like airports.
What would you say is the biggest difference between Vietnam and Denmark?
The atmosphere is very different, and I think that is also reflected in the design. In Vietnam, things are very dynamic and lively. In the Nordics, the atmosphere is quieter and the design is often more minimalistic and calmer. Another difference is the knowledge and respect for sustainability. In Vietnam, sustainability is not often integrated from the very beginning. Here in Denmark, if feels like a natural part of creating, which I really appreciate.
What has been your best learning so far?
I wanted to work with complex projects, and ZESO’s work with airports has really given me that opportunity. The processes are complex and there is so much to learn about them, which I find very interesting. It is a typology I did not know much about before starting here.
What is your advice to future interns?
Do not be afraid to ask questions. The hierarchy in Denmark is much flatter, and people are very open and helpful. That has made me feel more confident here, because everyone is willing to support and share their knowledge. I feel like I have learned a lot from this way of working.
What is your preferred way of finding inspiration?
I am actually very fond of sketching. I love to sketch, and I have done it regularly since my time studying in Vietnam. There, sketching is mandatory, and I think that is really nice, because it becomes a tool that stays with you. It is a way for me to think through ideas and observe architecture more closely.
How does sketching support your design process?
Sketching is often my first step when approaching a project because it helps me to quickly explore ideas and understand a space. I use it both to observe and to test early concepts. It is fast and informal, and I think this informality helps me to be more free with in my ideas... before moving into digital tools.
