Hon’ble Jigmi Y. Thinley,

Former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan

I am delighted that Hoang Thuc Hao and his firm are bringing out yet another book through which he will share his love for architecture and his brilliant and pioneering ways of creating green and sustainable space for families, communities, institutions and work. In the several times that I have met and worked with him and his team, I have been most impressed and indeed, moved, by his architectural sense and sensibilities and the humility with which he is prepared to listen to and understand the dreams and desires of his clients. Where this involves appreciating the vastly varying cultural, natural and resource landscape in a globalised world, I know it cannot be easy.

Understanding the nature and dreams of his clients, inspiring them to visualize higher and better spaces while imagining and proposing the most sustainable and cost effective ways of realising them is what he does so very well.  His designs, which include housing, schools, community facilities, institutions, playgrounds etc are exceptional in their bold concepts, daring structures and ingenious use/reuse of materials. It is particularly heartening to note how many of his pioneering designs are rooted in traditional wisdoms, local skills and materials. These make possible the replication of his sustainable designs, in whole or parts, by local builders and craftsmen. His sense of responsibility towards ecological conservation and ensuring minimal footprint has earned my highest respect.

It is architects like Hoang Thuc Hao and his team and the vision they share that will not only make good and sensible housing and spaces sustainable but affordable to human society. These are the values that deserve to be admired, promoted and emulated. It is for this reason that I welcome the news that the firm of Mr. Hoang Thuc Hao has been honoured with the 2017 Green GOOD DESIGN™ Award by The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. This is yet another proud addition to his growing credentials. I am especially proud that this award is attributed to his design for the GNH Centre in Bhutan of which I was a founder.