Architecture and Fine Arts during the reign of Khai Dinh, a historical perspective - Ho Viet Vinh Architect & Partners

Architecture of each nation evolves and develops along a historical trajectory. Particularly, royal architecture establishes solid foundations refined over time, becoming the formal language through which art thrives. Each dynasty selects its own stylistic language as a benchmark for evaluation and a marker of its era.
The selective inheritance across dynasties shapes the orthodox architectural tradition. This tradition adheres to strict principles of form-making, setting standards that serve as measures of artistic creativity. However, the end of each dynasty invariably signifies adaptations to external influences. Ultimately, the flow of architecture is once again reshaped and renewed, continuing its progression.

Khai Dinh tomb. Source: @molon.de

Emperor Khai Dinh utilized to infuse a sense of national identity into the architectural and artistic works of the royal court. These projects, executed during the late Nguyen dynasty, reflect a deliberate effort to adapt proactively to the changing circumstances.

Nearly a century later, the art of ceramic mosaic from the Khai Dinh era continues to flourish in temples, pagodas, shrines, and tombs.

To read the full research article below.

Next project | Harvest

“Harvest, the golden hues evoke the poetic allure of a ripe field. The textured amber expanse whispers of abundance and the cycle of life, where each brushstroke is a hymn to the earth’s generosity. Darker, shadowy lines intersect, suggesting the inevitable passage of time and the shadows that dance upon life’s bounty. This interplay of light and dark captures the ephemeral nature of harvest.”

Harvest
Vinhho, Acrylic on canvas, 97x130cm, Maison d’Art, 2024

Next project | Lotus

Ngẩng đầu nghe gió hát,
Tắm mát mạch nguồn khơi,
Chơi vơi miền êm ả,
Nghiêng ngã một đời không?

Ho Viet Vinh
Photo by Vinhho @ Aobaom

Next project | Waterscape

Waterscape | Vinhho, Acrylic on Canvas, 92x252cm, Maison d’Art reserved, 2025

Next project | VINHHO Studio

HVV Architect & Partners, supported by AI

Sắc kia ai vắt lên trời,
Nửa chìm trong nước,
Nửa phơi nắng vàng.

Ho Viet Vinh

Next project | SPARKLE

“Whispers of ephemeral beauty, a tranquil moment captured in the chaos of existence. Shades of yellow and brown morph together, cradling hints of white and red, embodying the fleeting glimmer of life. Amidst this tumultuous beauty, the painting proposes a reflection on the essence of “sparkle” – not as mere glitz, but as a profound glitter of existence, intricate dance of light and shadow, beauty and decay.”

Ho Viet Vinh
Sparkle
Acrylic on canvas, 130x97cm, Maison d’Art 2024

Next project | Cloud

Solid and rough are the emotions of BAOLOC. Spatial topography consists of interlaced hills, layers hidden under layers of cold pine forests. In that autumn silence, the clouds are the witch who transforms to soften the rough, dry and cold.

Solid and rough are the emotions of BaoLoc. Spatial topography consists of interlaced hills, layers hidden under layers of cold pine forests. In that autumn silence, the clouds are the witch who transforms to soften the rough, dry and cold.

CLOUD
Following the wind, the stream flows in all directions,
The foggy road is dotted with flying dew drops.
Love is drunk at night in dreams,
Filled with the call of the human realm.

Vinhho.2022

Next project | Cape of Rapids

Cape of Rapids
Waves filled with clouds, letting time drift by on the cape of rapids. The cape stretches out to await the sunset, ignoring the trembling sands as the tide rises.

Ho Viet Vinh

Description
Exucuted in April 2020
Style
Lyrical Abstract
Technique
Acrylic on Canvas
Dimension
100W x 100H x 5D cm

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by HVV Architect &Partners. A certificate of authenticity maybe delivered by the Company upon request to the buyer.

Next project | Forest rain

Forest rain.

Streams of water weave across the sky like a loom, tracing delicate horizontal lines. Thick fog veils the forest in the dark of night.
Vertical and horizontal water jets carve an intricate painting into the air.

Ho Viet Vinh 2020


Description
Exucuted in April 2020
Style
Lyrical Abstract
Technique
Acrylic on Canvas
Dimension
97W x 130H x 4D cm


The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by HVV Architect &Partners. A certificate of authenticity maybe delivered by the Company upon request to the buyer.

Vinhho Biography
Ho Viet Vinh is a Vietnamese architect who graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1995 from the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he received an award for creative design in his final year. He is a Registered Architect in Vietnam, a Registered Urban Planner in Ho Chi Minh City, and a member of the Association of Architects and Urban Planners of Vietnam.
Vinh’s career began in 1995 with participation in several design competitions in Ho Chi Minh City. That same year, he became a lecturer in the Urban Planning Department at the University of Architecture.
In 1998, he won second prize in the international competition organized by the Summer Workshop of Cergy-Pontoise, France, with the theme “Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon River.”
In 2005, he was awarded a special prize in another international competition by the Summer Workshop of Cergy-Pontoise, France, for his project “Can Gio Emotional City.”
In 2010, he participated in the U.S. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focusing on Sustainable Urban Planning.
In 2015, Vinh was selected by the Lebadang Creative Foundation to design the Lebadang Memory Space Museum in Hue. During this time, he also became the Director of the Fund.

Next project | Clay Pottery Gallery

Inspired by Professor Thai Kim Lan’s collection of over 7,000 ceramic artifacts recovered from the Perfume River, the idea was conceived to restore and elevate these artifacts to reflect their true value. All ceramic products originate from the earth and are matured through fire. The intense heat of fire hardens the earth, enabling it to endure the test of time.
To symbolize this tempering quality, dark red painted steel will be used. The interplay of contrasting elements—hot and cold, hard and soft—will be applied in the design language to accentuate the significance of time and place.

Type
Art gallery
Year
2019
Project
Thai Kim Lan Garden house
Team
HVV Artchitect & Partners, Ho Viet Vinh, Tran Thu Ha

Next project | Maison de la LUNE

Maison de la Lune embodies a poetic interplay between architecture and nature, where the invisible space reflects upon the surface of existence. The fluid curves of the structure mirror the organic forms of the surrounding environment, creating a harmonious dialogue between the built and the natural. The expansive glass panels invite the outside in, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. Light and shadow dance across the surfaces, evoking a sense of tranquility and introspection. This architectural masterpiece is a serene sanctuary, a place where the essence of nature is captured and reflected, offering a contemplative retreat from the chaos of the world.

Maison de la Lune
HVV Architect & Partners with AI supported