From July 7th to 11th, Ms. Hoàng Thị Bình Minh represented the GreenCityLabHuế project at the AESOP 2025 Annual Congress held at Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul, Turkey. The AESOP (Association of European Schools of Planning) Congress is a major academic event that gathers planners, researchers, and experts from over 50 countries. This year’s theme, “Planning as a Transformative Action in an Age of Planetary Crisis,” highlighted spatial planning as a transformative tool in tackling global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality.
A Southeast Asian Perspective at an International Forum
The GreenCityLabHuế was the only project from Vietnam and represented 10 urban initiatives in East and Southeast Asia under the Sustainable Urban Regions – SURE programme, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Reseach, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Ms. Hoàng Thị Bình Minh and Ms. Vivienne Mayer (SURE representative) co-presented a talk titled “Navigating Urban Development – Reflective Practice as a Catalyst for Transformative Urban Research.” The presentation introduced the REframe framework, which emphasizes using “References” and “Reflections” to observe, assess, and adapt urban projects over time.
Through tools like Outcome Journal, Performance Journal, After Action Review, Outcome Harvesting, and Public Value Mapping, projects under SURE—such as GreenCityLabHuế—are supported to regularly reflect on their progress, uncover unexpected outcomes, and proactively adjust their approaches. REframe fosters not only project evaluation but also internal learning, critical thinking, and innovation in urban planning.
Showcasing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Huế
The presentation also featured pilot showcases of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) implemented in Hue City. These initiatives aim to expand urban green space, reduce urban heat, and enhance environmental quality in densely built areas.
One notable pilot is at the Phu Hoi Ward Cultural House, where the third floor was retrofitted with climbing plants, drip irrigation, and hanging pots. This setup improves microclimates, adds aesthetic value, and provides communal spaces for reading, exercise, and group activities—demonstrating how Green-Blue Infrastructure (GBI) can be integrated into existing buildings.
At An Dong Primary School No.1, GreenCityLabHuế collaborated with students from the High-Tech Agriculture faculty and a local business to install seven independent vertical garden modules along walls, ensuring no disruption to teaching. The system improves air quality and serves as an educational tool, offering students hands-on experience in plant care while creating a relaxing green reading area.
Another model at the Truong An community center transformed a local cultural space into a miniature urban ecosystem. It features permeable paving, climbing plant structures, benches, and native vegetation that attracts birds, butterflies, and insects. This not only supports urban biodiversity but also provides a venue for neighborhood gatherings, group meetings, and exercise activities.
Scaling Knowledge and Collaboration
GreenCityLabHuế’s models were selected as key “References” for ecosystem services and NbS in the REframe framework. SURE encourages all projects to apply these reflection tools to strengthen internal learning and enable cross-project comparison and exchange within urban regions in East and Southeast Asia.
In her conclusion, Ms. Vivienne Mayer emphasized:
“Transformative research requires flexible evaluation systems that reflect complex and evolving realities. The REframe framework supports individuals, teams, and stakeholders alike—its strength lies in adaptability and its capacity to foster deep engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking.”
These lessons and tools have been compiled in SURE’s latest publication: “Navigating Urban Development – Learnings from East and Southeast Asia.”
Affirming Huế’s Role in Urban Transformation
GreenCityLabHuế’s participation at AESOP 2025 marks not only international recognition of its work in Hue but also highlights Vietnam’s contribution to global urban transformation initiatives. The event provided an opportunity to expand partnerships, share knowledge, and promote innovative, nature-based planning approaches.
At a time when large metropolises often dominate the global stage, the inclusion of Hue—a medium-sized city with strong cultural heritage—demonstrates the unique potential of smaller cities in piloting and scaling locally adapted, sustainable solutions. The AESOP 2025 Congress stands as a significant milestone for both GreenCityLabHuế and Hue City’s role in the global network of urban transformation for sustainability.
Picture of the Phu Hoi Showcase.
Picture of the An Dong Showcase.
