How to build Hue ancient capital city? The question has been raised since the day the Nguyen Dynasty relic in Hue was recognized as a world heritage site by Unesco, especially since the day Hue was decided by the Nation as a typical Festival City, many seminars also mentioned, but until now, no idea has been recognized. It is known that Architect Ho Viet Vinh is a Hue hometown, is teaching at the University of Architecture in Ho Chi Minh City, has done a Master’s thesis about Hue, has many construction works for Vietnam in the 21st century. He has the opportunity to study many ancient capital cities, many ancient cities of the continents of Europe, Asia, America, Australia, Africa, TTH newspaper asked him these questions.
1. TTH newspaper. New spring is coming, TTH newspaper is very happy to meet you. Knowing you are a Hue’s hometown, having studied planning and architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty, could you please tell me what you are thinking about Hue City today?
Arch.Ho Viet Vinh: Hue-The Heritage City is in the process of expanding its boundaries and transforming urban spatial structure. From a strictly ordered city on a large area stretching from the Royal Capital to the villages, gradually transitioning to an irregular and chaotic urban structure. Therefore, the disturbances in urban spatial organization are causing concerns for residents, tourists and even urban experts. An issue placed on the conference table that still has no satisfactory solution is whether this is a normal change of a Heritage City on the path of integration and development or a deviation in orientation. this particular urban development. For a valid argument, we need to go back nearly 700 years to see the treasure of Hue urban heritage values accumulated through historical periods to orient the way for the future. Hue Heritage Urban has been formed through the following stages:
• The period before 1558: the first inhabitants came to Thuan Chau land
• The period from 1558-1775: the migrations to find the land of Phu Xuan capital
• The period from 1802-1885: the plan to build the Capital has the largest scale and the most complete function in urban history.
• The period from 1885-1945: the southern expansion of the Perfume River formed a two-structure urban model: the Vietnamese quarter and the Western quarter.
• The period from 1945-1986: nature-war-planning economy (subsidy period) changed urban spatial structure towards filling urban voids.
• The period from 1986-1993: the formation of subdivisions and the isolation of the heritage in the spatial distance.
• 1993-present period: historical transformation plan to turn medium-scale urban-heritage into large-scale urban area (Thua Thien Hue City under the sixth central government of Vietnam).
Indeed, over a journey of nearly 7 centuries, Hue with its architectural appearance and heritage formed and developed over a long period of time with many historical changes has created a Hue city full of unique characteristics. distinctiveness in the cultural space of Ngu mountain-Perfume river. Hue urban structure identifies the Perfume River as the main layout axis that creates the shape of the Citadel and nurtures the human spirit of Hue. Yet the urban expansion of the late 20th and early 21st centuries has turned its back on the river, creating a pervasive urban structure, stretching and filling in precious gaps in the existing urban structure. 2. You have surveyed and studied many ancient cities, many ancient capital cities, what do you think is different from Hue compared to those ancient cities?
Arch.Ho Viet Vinh: I also had the opportunity to survey and research some heritage cities such as Kyoto-Japan, Siem Reap-Cambodia, Bali-Indonesia, Luang Phrabang-Lao, CapeTown-South Africa, Lyon-France, Casablanca-Morocco must recognize that each city has its own appearance, in harmony with the natural setting. The difference between Hue and these cities is the behavior between people and nature and between people and people. In such a way, the people of Hue have created a slow and relaxed way of life to achieve the wonderful harmony between Man and Nature.
3. What can we learn experiences from these ancient cities?
Arch.Ho Viet Vinh: These heritage cities preserve the form and spirit of the place of history at the time it was born, any interference in the development process is carefully considered not to do damage to the monument whether it is open space or landscaped terrain. The first and most valuable lesson for Hue is that the developed urban structure must accept the Perfume River as the layout axis and respect the central role of the Hue Citadel in the development in harmony with nature. The second lesson is that the concept of heritage adaptation needs to be placed in the context of the new urban environment that is a continuation between the past and the future. New construction within the influence of the heritage must inherit and highlight this continuity based on the spirit of place. Each work, cluster of works must be created based on the unique spirit of the Heritage City. Building a place must match the times, away from the habit of copying and imposing architectural models without selection.
4. How was the construction in that old city?
Arch.Ho Viet Vinh: I would like to mention the conservation and development plans of some heritage cities that Hue can refer to and study.
• The heritage city of Lyon (France): located on an oasis at the confluence of the Le Rhône and Saône rivers, the world heritage space is located on a part of this oasis and another part owned by the Saône river in the area. central position of the urban spatial structure. The traffic axes of the northern belt (péripherique du nord) and the southern belt (péripherique du sud) are located at two ends to avoid affecting this area. The enhancement of connectivity through continuous traffic axes between the historic center and the new urban area. The development model that combines the old and new structures on both sides of this river also ensures the parallel development and conservation goals of this contrasting heritage city.
• The heritage city of Venice (Italy): was selected to develop in a way that completely preserves the spatial structure based on the unique water transportation system in the world. New and old spaces are connected on the same system of canals, creating a common rhythm of spatial continuity as well as increasing the overall harmony. The modern transport system is located far away and ensures that it does not affect the completeness of the urban structure. The model that strictly preserves the compositional character has created a magical heritage city full of romance.
• Kyoto Heritage City (Japan): Kyoto Heritage City is developed sequentially and interlaced between old and new on the existing urban structure, ensuring a balance between construction and urban gaps. The city still preserves Temples-Pagodas-Temples located in the intact mountainous landscape to the east and west of the citadel built in the past, attaching the shape of religious works to the spiritual landscape of the mountains and forests. . Heritage buildings such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the old town, pagodas and temples are preserved intact the authenticity of history and spirit of the place. The modern urban area is harmoniously interwoven into the existing urban structure, creating a bustling atmosphere without creating pressure on the historical space.
• Amterdam Heritage City (Netherlands): The heritage city of Amterdam-Netherlands maintains a new system of co-structured canals that create a transitional space between the old urban part and the new urban part to enhance diversity. morphological form of urban space structure and ensure uniformity. 5. What factors help these ancient cities to retain their traditional characteristics while still integrating into modern times and successfully developing their economy in a sustainable way
Arch.Ho Viet Vinh: As I mentioned above, these heritage cities always respect the historical value created by previous generations, even though there are differences in views and attitudes towards the historical role. its history. After all, Heritage is the crystallization of the values and efforts of the community on the ideological foundation of the ruling class, so preserving the heritage is like preserving the nation’s treasure for future generations. thinking and shaping the way for the future. Therefore, there is no antagonism between Conservation and development, conservation is the foundation of development and vice versa, development creates conditions for better conservation. The city is a living entity that moves and develops over time, the architectural heritage that is a component of it also moves and develops. Although the heritage itself does not change, the changing environment leads to a different perception of the heritage and becomes more and more attractive and valuable. Therefore, to manage the Heritage City, it also needs good, enthusiastic and brave people to make appropriate development policies and exploit the treasure value to serve humanity in the spirit of UNESCO, because The reason is that the Heritage is “unique”, there must be a “unique” Person to govern.
6. In order to get rid of the current stagnant situation, what should Hue ancient capital city do to look forward to the future where it can stand side by side with ancient cities in the region and in the world?
Arch.Ho Viet Vinh: In my opinion, it’s time to carry out a plan to rebuild the Heritage City based on the new idea of a Hue City – 21st Century (referred to as Hue 21) developed in parallel with the Citadel. The heritage street in the continuity relationship receives the Perfume River as the main layout axis. This idea will help the Heritage City to escape from the “oil slick” development model of most urban areas in Vietnam, the consequences of which are the encroachment and distortion of historical spaces. In my Master’s thesis on Hue in 2001, I also outlined the shape of the spatial structure of Hue City in the 21st century with a linear urban model (about 8km in length and 2km in average width) located in the center of the city. symmetrically with the Citadel through the lower part of the Perfume River with an area of about 1600 ha. The driving force of urban development extends 8km towards Thuan An estuary, this is an ecological avenue with modern landscapes combined with a network of rivers and canals spreading to the lower Huong River to create a new balance. between modern architectural works surrounded by village ecological environment. The waterways perpendicular to this boulevard were dug up to raise the foundation for construction areas according to traditional feng shui principles.
The urban structure is built according to the 21st century ecological urban model, suitable for new lifestyles and modes of living in order to complete the function of the Heritage City in the future. The concept of Landscape Urban (Paysage urbaine) of heritage city goes hand in hand with the concept of Village Urban (Village urbaine) of the 21st century – An era aimed at protecting the environment and improving the quality of life, perhaps the right choice for the future Hue (see outline diagram).
7. In your opinion, what has kept Hue City from developing? How to overcome that?
Arch.Ho Viet Vinh: Hue urban architectural heritage is the diversity of spatial forms formed through historical periods, including: the system of Palace and Palace of the Nguyen Chua, Thanh Ha commercial port area, and neighborhoods. Bao Vinh town, Imperial City area, Nguyen King’s Tomb area, east commercial area of the Citadel, Kim Long-Vi Da garden house, Western quarter, multi-functional commercial street formed on the background of the locality. Spatial morphology of the Nui Ngu-Perfume River region. However, due to many reasons, the urban heritage fund is being degraded due to the invasion of time and the lack of human intervention. Even the efforts to restore and recreate the heritage in the region are expensive but do not bring vitality to the monument, in addition, the new construction without a strategic vision is turning Hue into a “popular city”. . According to a survey of tourists who come to Hue for the first time, they do not want to return because the attractiveness of the Heritage City is dwindling. Therefore, Hue Heritage City is currently losing its attractiveness in the competition between domestic and international heritage cities, statistics show this correlation:
• Kyoto-Japan Heritage City has a natural area of 827 square kilometers, a population of 1,473,746 people, and an annual number of tourists 30 million, of which about 1.2 million are international visitors.
• The Bali-Indonesia heritage city has a natural area of 5,780 km2, a population of 4,225,384 people, the number of international tourists 3.5 million.
• The heritage city of Siem Reap-Cambodia has a natural area of 10,299 km2, a population of 896,309 people, and the number of international visitors 1.6 million.
• The Hue-Vietnam Heritage City has a natural area of 5,062 km2, a population of 1,115,523, the number of visitors 2.4 million, of which about 0.9 million are international visitors.
The most common point is that the main economic activities of these Heritage Cities are tourism and activities related to exploiting tourism services to serve and satisfy visitors. In the competition for attractive destinations, the Cities will attract tourists and ensure an annual growth of over 10%. Many conferences and seminars have mentioned the weakness of Hue tourism industry and pointed out many reasons leading to this situation, but two important factors can be clearly seen: in planning The economic development strategy of Thua Thien Province has not yet considered tourism as a spearhead economic sector and has not had suitable measures to enhance the attractiveness of tourism products to serve the needs of domestic and foreign tourists. countries in competition with destinations in the region and the world. Although Hue is a national festival city, cultural activities are held every 2 years in the form of theatrical organization which is difficult to attract people and tourists. In addition, people still stay out of these festival activities because the organization is still heavily directed by the government and lacks the encouragement of participation from the local community – an important factor. keep the soul of cultural festivals in Heritage Cities.
8. In your opinion, to attract Hue people and Hue lovers outside Hue, what should Hue City do?
Arch.Ho Viet Vinh: The 21st century is the era of a knowledge-based economy in which the role of good and dedicated professionals is respected and created favorable conditions for dedication. Hue is the land of talented people, so many outstanding Vietnamese people have lived, studied, worked and fell in love with Hue. Having the opportunity to live and work in this Nervous land must be the dream of young intellectuals to fulfill their future ambitions. The important issue that Hue leaders must do is to seek advice and truly respect and trust to entrust important tasks to the next generation, rather than looking for people with many qualifications. In order to help Hue in the construction of the ancient capital city, one must have vision (knowledge of the ancient city), heart (love Hue), and even money. In order to attract that partner, in Hue, it is necessary to have an equal leadership team, have specific regulations, have appropriate policies, and have strong charismatic people (Hue people in Hue do not lack these people). ) Help.
9. Thank you Mr.Ho Viet Vinh
Next project | FRAGILITY
FRAGILITY
“A sea of swirling blue, evokes the tempestuous depths of the soul, adrift in a world of fleeting beauty and despair. The stark white, a beacon of hope, struggles against the relentless tide of azure, a poignant reminder of the fragility of human existence.”
Ho Viet Vinh
Acrylic on canvas, 130x97cm, Maison d’Art, 2024
Next project | Wooden Carving House
For generations, the wood carving craftsmanship of Hue carpenters has been etched into history. Intricate embossed patterns on armrests, beams, arches, and panels reveal the profound artistry embedded within each wood grain.
The touch of the craftsman is incredibly refined. As the chisel glides along the wood grain to remove the excess, the shapes of phoenixes, flowers, and leaves emerge, filling the void with intricate beauty. The wooden panels are not merely decorative; the dual framing system creates overlapping layers, adding spatial depth and transforming physical boundaries into the perception of infinity.
These exquisite carvings have elevated Hue’s palaces, temples, pavilions, mausoleums, and traditional homes beyond mere material structures to the realm of emotional art. This mastery has earned them recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage.
The pride lies in the soul delicately carved by talented artisans from across the nation, each seeking to present their finest beauty to the Buddhas, Kings, and Ancestors.
Type
Garden house
Year
2012
Location
Thu Duc city
Team
Ho Viet Vinh
Duong Dinh Vinh
Next project | MANG THIT RED CERAMIC BRICKS FESTIVAL 2024
An Article by Architect Ho Viet Vinh
(Mang Thit 16/11/2024)
Mang Thit – where brick kilns tell stories, where rivers light up Vietnam’s heritage.
A Journey of Riverside Culture and Traditional Craft
Mang Thit – more than just a name, it is the pulse of a riverside culture unique to the Mekong Delta. Inspired by the legendary Thay Cai Canal, where the nearly century-old brick and ceramic craft village flourished, the stage for the 2024 Mang Thit Brick and Ceramic Festival promises to be a creative symbol, not only preserving but also spreading the values of tradition.
1. A Floating Stage on the River – A Symbol of Harmony Between Culture and Nature
Imagine a stage designed as a living painting on water, where wooden boats adorned with shimmering lights drift gently, carrying the echoes of time and life. The main stage is not merely a place for performances but a “creative island” floating on the canal, pulsating as the heart of nature.
On the stage, the iconic imagery of traditional brick kilns will be reimagined through a blend of lighting and materials, creating a space that feels both familiar and magical. The arches of red bricks – a signature of Mang Thit – will be crafted as gateways to a journey of cultural discovery while producing dazzling reflections on the water’s surface.
2. Dynamic Living Scenes – When Riverside Life Becomes Art
Beyond being a static stage, the festival elevates its appeal with vibrant, living scenes performed directly on the river. Boats loaded with red-fired bricks, artistic ceramics, and baskets of orchard fruits will become part of the performance – telling the story of diligent, skillful locals.
The audience will not just watch but feel immersed in the flow of life during the craft village’s heyday. Cultural performances such as traditional opera, southern folk music, or ceramic dance displays will unfold on vividly decorated boats, gracefully moving across the water.
3. Lighting – A Language of Timeless Emotion
Lighting is the soul of the festival. The entire event space will be enveloped in modern artistic lighting, seamlessly blending with natural light reflections on the water. Multicolored laser effects will not only create a mystical atmosphere but also convey the theme of harmony between tradition and modernity.
Light beams will sketch the iconic brick kilns glowing against the night sky, while floating lanterns released on the river will symbolize hope, gratitude, and pride for Mang Thit’s traditional brick and ceramic craft.
4. Explosive Media Impact – Bringing Mang Thit to the World
This festival is not just a local event but an opportunity to showcase Mang Thit on a larger scale. Every corner of the stage, every captured moment from the festival will be a unique work of art – ready to “go viral” on social media. Images of sparkling lights, vibrant boats, and lively performances will make anyone yearn to visit Mang Thit.
5. Conclusion – A Journey of Heritage in a New Era
The 2024 Mang Thit Brick and Ceramic Festival is not just a cultural celebration but a powerful message about the resilience of heritage and the aspiration to rise in a modern age. Come to Mang Thit to experience the beauty of its rivers, its craft villages, and its genuine people. This is not just an opportunity to explore but also a chance for everyone to rediscover a part of their roots in every brick, every smile, and every melody echoing from the rivers.
Brilliant at night and vibrant during the day.
Let’s join hands to promote Mang Thit – the cultural gem of the Mekong Delta – to proudly thrive on the cultural map of Vietnam and the world!
Next project | Phuoc Tich Pottery: Reviving the Timeless Craft of Hue’s Ancient Village
Source: HVV Architect and Partners
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.
Next project | Naked Garden
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.
HVV Architect & Partners with AI supported
Next project | AURA
Inviting a contemplation of the divine within the mundane, a glimpse into the aura of life itself, forever capturing the transient light and darkness that dance within the soul’s depths.
Ho Viet Vinh
Acrylic on canvas, 130x97cm, Maison de Corail.2024
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
Acrylic on canvas, 130x97cm, Maison d’Art 2024
Next project | A site visit in Can Tho city
Next project | Vietnam’s new biophilic architecture is going wild
Picture architecture in Vietnam and you might imagine ancient temples buried down countryside lanes or faded colonial buildings lining the city streets. But spurred by unprecedented economic growth, this Southeast Asian country of almost 100 million is revamping its traditional image – and architecture is part of the overhaul. After decades spent trying to keep Vietnam’s unrelenting jungles out of the cities, visionary architects now harness the wilderness to enhance their urban creations. And the countryside is no longer designated for relics of the past – but also innovations for the future. From contemporary art hubs hiding in the hills to city tower blocks blooming with foliage, here is the architecture that is making its mark on Vietnam.
Lebadang Memory Space, by Architect Ho Viet Vinh
Nestled in the countryside together with Hue’s centuries-old royal tombs, Lebadang Memory Space is a lively architectural update to the city’s monarchical heritage. This contemporary art museum is dedicated to late local artist Le Ba Dang, who sketched the drawing that the blueprints are based on. Local architect Ho Viet Vinh designed the structure, completed in April 2019, with a central skylight that allows beams of light to track through the exhibition hall throughout the day.
Sky House by MIA Design Studio
Vegetation bulges from the balconies and rooftops of Sky House, a home in Ho Chi Minh City completed in December 2019. The plot was spacious enough to accommodate a large townhouse, but instead of creating unrequired rooms, MIA Design Studio designated half the house to light, wind, water and trees. The result is a generous sky well that feeds light to the habitable rooms and chambers with no practical purpose but to house plants, trees, and indoor ponds.
Chicland, by Vo Trong Nghia
Award-winning architect Vo Trong Nghia is celebrated for his use of natural materials and foliage, such as bamboo and tropical plants. The 21-floor Chicland Hotel, completed in June 2019 in the modern seaside city of Danang, features both. The on-site café has earthy bamboo interiors while the balconies overflow with greenery. Similarly biophilic, Vo Trong Nghia’s Silver Cloud, slated for completion later this year, is a leafy long-stay hotel that blends with the lakes and mountains of Cuc Phuong National Park, 100km south of Hanoi.
Brick Cave, by Doan Thanh Ha
In Vietnam, bricks have been used for at least a millennium. Doan Thanh Ha, who recently won the Turgut Cansever International Award, constructed the Brick Cave in the suburbs of Hanoi with an additional exterior wall to form a narrow atrium around the house. This perforated exterior casing with large windows invites natural light into the family home while keeping it cool during Hanoi’s scorching summers. The rooftop features a vegetable garden.
Central Park, by LAVA and ASPECT Studio
LAVA and ASPECT Studio won the commission to revamp Ho Chi Minh City’s September 23 Park, one of the city centre’s largest green spaces. As well as outdoor art galleries, performance pavilions and sport zones, LAVA and ASPECT Studio are deploying smart city artificial trees. Water purification trees collect and recycle rainwater, ventilation trees provide fresh air and solar trees generate power. Construction is scheduled to begin later in 2020.
VAC Library, by Farming Architects
While large-scale ventures are making a bold impact, smaller innovations are surfacing more quietly. In Hanoi, VAC Library by Farming Architects (Pictured above) is both climbing frame and reading room set within a three-dimensional grid fashioned from wooden beams. Other small projects of great promise include the Chieng Yen Community House in Son La Province by 1+1>2 Architects, which has a semi-cylindrical thatch roof supported by a bamboo frame. In Danang, architecture studio Tropical Space used brick to construct Cuckoo House, a family home perched above a café.
Empire City, by Ole Scheeren
As Vietnam’s commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City is entertaining many of the country’s most ambitious projects. With Empire City, Ole Scheeren explores how ‘nature can become an iconic element of architecture’ with a complex of three towers overlooking the Saigon River. At the building’s base, layered platforms evoke the swirling rice terraces of northern Vietnam. Over halfway up Empire Tower 88, the tallest of the three skyscrapers at 333 metres, sits the Sky Forest with verdant water gardens that echo the country’s jungles. Construction is expected to start in early 2021.
Next project | Thien An Community Park
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.