Looking Behind the Doctorate – Get to know Hà Mai Lê Ngọc
Projects, Study, Research, International |
Hà Mai Lê Ngọc is a doctoral candidate at the TUM Professorship of Recent Building Heritage Conservation, TUM School of Engineering and Design, since April 2024. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in architecture from the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (UAH). Before joining TUM, she worked as a lecturer and freelance architect in Vietnam for 19 years. Her research topic is "Residential Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City from the Perspective of Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development".
1. You first joined TUM as a guest doctoral researcher and officially started your doctorate here in April 2024. Why did you choose Germany and TUM? Could you tell us about your journey?
While searching for a Ph.D. position focused on the adaptive reuse of architectural heritage, I came across deeply moving words by Professor Andreas Putz. He spoke about how rare and challenging it is to pursue academia in architecture, a concern I’d been carrying for years. I had put off my Ph.D. for a long time, partly because I felt our field was more about practical skills than theory, and partly because of my responsibilities as a mother. But as a lecturer, I knew I needed a deeper research foundation. Reaching out to Andreas was a leap of faith, and I was thrilled to find out he had actually visited Ho Chi Minh City and understood my work. Moreover, Germany boasts a world-leading academic landscape, and TUM is a highly prestigious institution. So, being at TUM now feels like a tremendous honor for me.
2. You will be one of the speakers at our “Global Perspectives – Southeast Asia” event in July, where you’ll share insights into your research and experiences. Could you briefly introduce your research topic?
I am delighted to share my perspectives, having had the opportunity to study and conduct research in both Germany and Vietnam. My research topic focuses on "Residential Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City from the Perspective of Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Development." While adaptive reuse has long been practiced in Germany and other European nations, particularly to address housing needs in the post-war era, Ho Chi Minh City also underwent a period of post-war recovery, during which it repurposed existing housing stock not only for residential use but also for other functions, such as public and commercial purposes. This experience has provided me with fresh insights and allowed me to gain valuable knowledge, drawing from both theoretical frameworks and the practical implementation strategies employed in the field.
3. Having worked within both the German and Vietnamese research systems in the field of architecture, how have you connected these experiences, and what key insights have you gained over time?
Having worked in both systems, I’ve seen two very different worlds. Germany has this deep-rooted tradition of precision, discipline, and logic. In contrast, Vietnam’s architectural identity is built on layers of Eastern philosophy and culture, influenced by centuries of history. I don't see them as opposites, but as complementary pieces of a puzzle. Architecture, after all, sits right at the intersection of engineering and art, and it thrives when we bring these two perspectives together.
4. You are effectively “at home” in two different countries – and even continents. Was it a tough decision to move so far away from Vietnam to pursue your research? And how do you manage to stay in touch with family and friends?
I am currently at a rather fascinating stage of life, one I have never experienced before. Each year, I return to Vietnam for three to four months to teach at my home institution, Van Lang University. For the remainder of the year, I head back to Germany to focus on my doctorate. My daughter is attending high school in Finland, allowing me to visit her easily while I am in Germany, whereas my son remains in Vietnam with my husband. I make a point of cherishing every precious moment spent with each of my loved ones, whether I am in Vietnam or Europe. My friendships, too, offer a unique delight; thanks to my doctorate at TUM, I have more friends than ever before - young, enthusiastic individuals who provide me with fresh insights into both life and my career.
5. How does your work–life balance during your doctoral journey look like and what advice would you give to others in a similar situation?
To be honest, I didn’t get it right at first. Last year, I got a bit too carried away exploring Europe - it’s hard to resist such incredible culture and scenery! As a result, my research hit a bit of a standstill. I felt regretful about this and subsequently tightened my self-discipline, limiting my travel to only select occasions: attending conferences or gathering data on housing in specific European cities that served as relevant case studies, such as Dresden-Hellerau, Berlin, and Copenhagen. I’m still learning, and honestly, I’m constantly inspired by how my colleagues manage their time so much better than I do.
6. You already gained work experience before your doctorate. What was your motivation to pursue a doctorate?
I’ve been teaching and practicing architecture since 2005, but the last two decades in Vietnam have been transformative. The world is also changing so fast with climate change, AI, and global shifts that I felt I couldn't just stand still; I had to evolve. Publishing my first book last month, a translation focusing on design for the climate emergency, was an important and meaningful step in that journey.
7. Looking ahead, what are your future plans after your doctorate, and how have your international experiences shaped these goals?
At the moment, I am focusing on my doctoral research stage and am also actively seeking opportunities to expand my professional network within my field. In addition, I am exploring sustainable housing development projects in Germany and across Europe, as well as research funding opportunities in both Vietnam and Germany, such as those offered by Nafosted (National Foundation for Science and Technology Development). Furthermore, if the opportunity arises, I would like to participate in educational cooperation projects between our two countries. Higher education in Vietnam is currently highly ambitious; we aspire to implement transformative improvements and make tangible contributions to the country's scientific and technological advancement.