A symphony of earth and water that whispers of hidden desires. This enchanting scene blurs the line between reality and illusion, inviting the viewer into a realm of sublime beauty. The interplay of light and shadow evokes a sense of eternal mystery, reflecting the poet’s fascination with the ephemeral and the divine. It is a mesmerizing vision of a garden stripped bare, revealing the seductive essence of nature’s true form.

Thien An Community Park, Hue symbolizes the exchange process among communities settling in a new land. They bring with them vast knowledge, unique customs, and aspirations to build a life in this new place. The community serves as a space for openness, exchange, learning, and growth. The process of convergence, interaction, and experimentation among these communities has shaped a distinctive character for the culture of the historic ancient capital.

The park recreates the process of community formation through five main spaces:

• Meeting Space
• Exchange Space
• Agglomeration Space
• Experimental Space
• Performance Space

Each space embodies a unique form and function, representing a distinct stage in the process of community and cultural exchange.

Phuoc Tich Ancient Village, established in 1470 during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, lies 40 kilometers north of Hue, embraced by the gentle flow of the O Lau River. Within the village, 26 ancient wooden houses (nhà rường), each over a century old, stand as testaments to traditional craftsmanship. Among these, 12 houses are particularly esteemed for their architectural and artistic value. Additionally, the village is home to 12 water docks, iconic symbols of the rural charm of Hue.
Phuoc Tich pottery, renowned for its meticulous firing process in robust, high-temperature kilns, boasts exceptional durability—resistant to cracking and brittleness—while retaining heat and preserving flavors. The intricate designs etched into Phuoc Tich pottery are distinctive and refined, making them unmistakable among other ceramic products. Historically, Phuoc Tich pottery surpassed many renowned competitors to become the exclusive choice for the imperial court of Hue.
Today, the art of Phuoc Tich pottery is experiencing a revival, driven by passionate young artisans dedicated to preserving the traditional craft passed down through generations. Visitors to the ancient village can immerse themselves in its cultural heritage by participating in pottery-making workshops with local artisans, creating a memorable and hands-on connection to this timeless tradition.

HVV Architect & Partners embodies a vision where architecture resonates deeply with local heritage and the natural environment. All their design and construction projects are rooted in a commitment to authenticity, with a distinctive focus on using Phuoc Tich pottery as a core material.
Phuoc Tich pottery are not merely functional but carry the soul of Hue’s artisanal legacy. Their durability, natural hues, and fine craftsmanship make them a perfect medium for creating spaces that blend tradition with modernity. By incorporating the material, HVV Architect & Partners elevates local materials into architectural expressions that honor the past while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
Each project reflects a philosophy of harmonious living, where the choice of materials and design principles creates spaces that are sustainable, culturally enriched, and emotionally resonant. Visitors and occupants alike experience an intimate connection to Hue’s cultural identity through the timeless beauty of Phuoc Tich pottery, seamlessly integrated into innovative and inspiring architectural designs.
Through these efforts, HVV Architect & Partners not only showcases the versatility of traditional materials but also contributes to the preservation and celebration of Hue’s rich artistic heritage. This approach ensures that every building tells a story of place, people, and enduring craftsmanship.

Lake Community Park is situated at the heart of the Huong Thuy new urban area, approximately 13.5 km southeast of Hue city center. The Park is conveniently located near Phu Bai Airport and the North-South railway line, just 3.5 km from Huong Thuy station, offering easy access for tourists traveling to and from the area.

Lake Community Park is built upon five core values:

1. Green Lung: The park features over 23% water surface area and over 16% natural coverage.
2. Central Location: Strategically positioned to connect neighboring areas and Hue city center.
3. Transport Hubs (TOD): Integrated with national highways, railways, and aviation systems.
4. Balanced Spaces: Harmonizing ecological, agricultural, and eco-residential areas.
5. Enhanced Land Use Value: Diversifying functions based on ecological footprints to maximize value.

The goal is to enhance connectivity between Can Gio and neighboring provinces, particularly Vung Tau. As Ho Chi Minh City continues to expand, the demand for infrastructure grows, posing potential risks to Can Gio’s ecological integrity. Special attention is given to strengthening links with the nearby beach resort of Vung Tau, initially through a speedboat network and eventually with the proposed construction of an undersea tunnel.
While the jury found the tunnel proposal highly debatable, they acknowledged that the previously approved masterplan lacked adequate provisions for improving these connections. Team 4 prioritized these links, making them a central focus of their proposal.

Another key aspect of the development proposed by the team is the diversification of tourism activities. These could range from walking or boating excursions through the mangroves to farm visits, beach activities, and trips to nearby provinces made more accessible through the improved transportation links.
The team also presented a project to reclaim land and create two artificial islands off the coast at the eastern and western ends. These islands are envisioned as hubs for diverse tourism activities, offering unique experiences to visitors.

Achieving these objectives will require significant improvements to infrastructure. A high-speed transportation system must be implemented in a way that respects the environment and minimizes pollution, bringing Can Gio closer to nearby development areas.
Freshwater supply is critical for both residents and tourists. A sustainable water collection and recycling system should be established to optimize this valuable resource while preventing water pollution.
The construction of eco-houses will help balance the infrastructural development, ensuring harmony with the natural surroundings. Additionally, all other modes of transportation within the area will be designed to be environmentally friendly.

The project seeks to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Can Gio. This will be accomplished by preserving and upgrading traditional activities such as farming and those along the beach.
Locals will be encouraged to participate in service, trade, and production activities to meet the demands of tourism while maintaining their cultural heritage. Traditional practices will be promoted, enabling those living in the forest, on the beach, or along the river to share their unique ways of life.
Additionally, numerous public spaces and recreational activities will be developed, fostering leisure and entertainment opportunities for both residents and visitors.

The southern area of Can Gio along the beach will be developed with a focus on preserving the connections between the forest and the sea. Six key axes will serve as the foundation for these links: an agricultural production axis, a commercial axis, a festival axis, a handicraft village axis, a traditional market axis, and a public space axis.
This approach ensures that development respects the natural and cultural heritage of the region while creating vibrant and functional spaces for both residents and visitors.

The ultimate aim of this proposal is to evoke and enrich people’s senses and emotions, creating an “emotional city”. Both visitors and locals will be immersed in a symphony of sensory experiences:
They will listen to the soothing sounds of the forest and the rhythmic waves of the beach. They will marvel at breathtaking views of the sea and lush forests, swim in the waves, and feel the textures of the forest’s natural wonders.
The air will carry the refreshing scent of the sea, mingling with the intricate fragrances of the mangrove. They will savor the local flavors, from seafood harvested from the river and sea to traditional delicacies.
Beyond these sensory delights, their emotions will be further deepened by the rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless traditions of Can Gio, making every moment a journey of discovery and connection.

Team 4

• Ho Viet Vinh – Leader Architect, Urban Planner
• Pham Phu Cuong – Architect
• Nguyen Hong Minh – Architect
• Hoang Anh Tu – Architect, Urban Planner
• Pham Anh Tuan – Architect, Urban Planner
• Nguyen Anh Tuan – Architect, Landscape Architect

Team 4, comprised entirely of Vietnamese professionals and led by Architect Ho Viet Vinh, brought a profound vision for the future of Can Gio. The team outlined a series of key objectives, including the preservation of the mangrove ecosystem—both its core and transitional areas—the optimization and development of local production activities, and the protection of water resources from pollution originating from the Saigon-Dong Nai River and the sea.
For their insightful and forward-thinking approach, Team 4 awarded a special mention from the Workshops of Cergy-Pontoise.

Rêu không phải là cỏ cây, cũng không hoàn toàn là rong rêu trôi dạt theo dòng nước. Nó là một thực thể kỳ lạ, vừa nguyên sơ, vừa vĩnh cửu. Rêu không có rễ, nhưng lại bám chặt vào đá. Không có thân cành, nhưng lan rộng như một tấm thảm. Không có tiếng nói, nhưng lại kể những câu chuyện cổ xưa hơn bất cứ cuốn sách nào từng được viết ra.
Thế giới của Rêu là một vùng giao thoa giữa cái hữu hình và cái vô hình. Nếu nhìn từ xa, Rêu chỉ là một lớp xanh nhạt, một mảng màu lặng lẽ trên nền đá xám. Nhưng nếu cúi xuống thật gần, ta sẽ thấy một hệ sinh thái thu nhỏ, nơi những sợi tơ mềm mại vươn lên, đón lấy ánh sáng đầu ngày. Rêu không chỉ sống trong không gian – nó còn bám vào ký ức, len lỏi vào những vết nứt của thời gian.
Tôi gọi Rêu mang một diễn trình với tên gọi “biên niên sử”: một cuốn sách không cần giấy mực, nhưng lưu giữ được những gì đã qua. Một hạt rêu nhỏ bé có thể mang theo nó câu chuyện của hàng trăm năm. Nó lớn lên trên bề mặt những công trình cổ, trên đá núi, trên mái ngói, trên những phiến đường rêu phong của một thành phố cũ. Nó ghi lại dấu vết của từng cơn mưa, từng đợt nắng, từng trận gió mùa.
Và như thế, Rêu bước vào cuộc đời tôi như một chứng nhân lặng lẽ nhưng không thể nào lơ đãng. Cùng với Thời gian, Rêu tồn tại trong một vũ điệu chậm rãi, không màng đến sự hối hả của thế gian. Tôi trở thành người chứng kiến: không, đúng hơn là kẻ lang thang giữa những lớp ký ức thời gian mà Rêu lưu giữ, cố gắng hiểu những gì mà nó muốn nói.
Nhưng liệu Biên niên sử Rêu có thực sự là một câu chuyện thú vị? Hay chỉ là tôi đang cố gắng tìm kiếm ý nghĩa trong một thứ vốn dĩ vô ngôn?

Kiến trúc sư Hồ Viết Vinh, Huế 2025

Amid the chaos of modern life and urban development, where humans are in constant, fast motion, nature is an important element to remind ourselves of and return to. In this duo exhibition by Patricia vd Moreen and Devon Nguyen, we find ourselves stepping into another world filled with harmony between humanity and nature.
“Biophilia and Naturalis” features the most recent works by two unique artists. Works of oil paintings and ceramics call to mind living entities glowing in the darkened space and reveal the connection between humanity and nature. While Patricia’s works highlight the concept of Naturalism, Devon’s works speak for the concept of Bipholia, which emphasises the harmony between humans and nature.

To read the full article by Saigoneer, please click on this link.

An elegant white tone as the main theme, featuring multi-layered spaces with depth and subtle connections. The space is shaped with soft curves inspired by abstract nature creating a sense of fluidity and natural flow in the architecture. The decorative surfaces of loose furniture are finished with high-quality Vietnamese lacquer techniques. Natural light blends harmoniously with artificial lighting, interacting with materials like glass, lacquer, premium fabrics, and marble, evoking emotional contrasts between light, material, and space. The overall design exudes a contemporary artistic elegence.