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 | MIỀN TUỆ UYỂN – TUE GIAC MONASTERY
“The beauty of the four seasons helped him heal his mind and heart from the wounds of war. The peaceful and wholesome atmosphere of the campus helped him have many deep insights, flowers, and fruits of the practice. Perhaps that is why Thay always remind us that nature can help us heal ourselves.”
Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh – [At home in the World]
Location:
Tan Binh commune, Nhu Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Size:
1,53 hectares
Services:
Master plan, Architecture and Interior design
Status:
Approved Master plan at scale 1/500, 2024
Under construction.
Team:
HVV Architect & Partners
Intro
As our society advances and technology continues to evolve, our quality of life has seen remarkable improvements. Yet, the desire for relaxation, tranquility, and a deeper connection with oneself has become a fundamental part of our daily existence. This need is increasingly pressing, given the rising prevalence of mental health challenges like stress and anxiety.
The relentless pace of modern life, combined with the pressures of work, often leads to heightened stress, anxiety, and various mental health concerns. Taking a moment to pause and breathe can offer us a valuable chance to reconnect with nature and reflect on ourselves. Nature holds a profound healing power: when our minds are no longer disrupted by the constant noise of traffic, when our emotions are no longer constrained by concrete jungles, and when we can breathe clean, unpolluted air, we experience true inner peace. Immersed in nature, we rediscover the serenity that lies within our souls.
Thus, creating a meditation retreat that harmonizes with nature is essential. This sanctuary will offer a tranquil haven where individuals can find solace, cultivate mindfulness, practice meditation, heal their souls, and share positive values with the world.
Site location
Tue Giac Zen Monastery is located northwest of Song Muc Lake – in Ben En National Park, Tan Binh Commune, Nhu Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province; The distance from this area to Tho Xuan airport is about 143374ft along National route 15.
The planned research area features a convergence of hillside topographical elements, with valleys and lakes nestled below. It is a location that boasts pristine natural landscapes. Furthermore, the terrain’s structure and geomorphology provide many sites with expansive, diverse, and breathtaking views.
Design principles
Master plan
To create a space for returning, studying, and practicing the teachings of Buddhism, cultivating virtue, and enhancing moral awareness. A place that offers a harmonious environment with nature, where individuals can engage in meditation, seek enlightenment, and liberate themselves from the afflictions and suffering of life.
The architectural layout harmonizes seamlessly with the natural terrain, incorporating a variety of structures within distinct spaces to create visual appeal. The pagoda, meditation hall, main hall, guest house, and dining hall are arranged in a descending terraced formation. The design employs overlapping and rhythmic elements, offering dynamic perspectives from different viewpoints and highlighting the surrounding natural beauty of the mountains, lakes, and cliffs. The architecture, landscape, and on-site activities are interwoven in a cohesive and fluid manner.
Next project | Majestic Hotel Renovation
Established by the Hui-Bon-Hoa Company (owned by a Chinese-Vietnamese businessman known as Uncle Hoa), the hotel is located at the corner of Catinat Street (now Dong Khoi Street) and Quai de Belgique Street (now Ton Duc Thang Street). Designed in the popular baroque architectural style of the time, the hotel became one of Saigon’s most elegant and impressive buildings upon its completion in 1925.
The Majestic initially had three stories and 44 bedrooms, as per the original design by a French architect. In 1948, the Indochina Tourism and Exhibition Department, led by the Frenchman Franchini Mathieu, purchased the ground and first floors of the hotel and leased 44 rooms for 30 years.
The hotel was officially rated as a five-star establishment in 2007. In July 2011, construction began on two new towers along Nguyen Hue Street, adding 353 rooms to the hotel.
However, over time, the usage of the space and the integration of modern equipment have diminished the building’s original value. The goal of the redesign and renovation is to restore its luxury and evoke the essence of the famous Indochinese architectural style, reminiscent of old Saigon.
Next project | Ruộng thức
Bước đi trên thửa ruộng, một bên đang chín vàng và một bên tuổi mười sáu, lòng như bước vào một ngã rẽ thời gian. Vựa lúa đồng bằng không ngủ để mang thóc gạo đến các hải cảng, để chuyển đến nơi cần đến. Vậy mà nó không một khoảng lặng nghỉ ngơi giữa các mùa vụ để hồi sinh. Ngày xưa, người dân cho đất nghỉ sau các mùa vụ canh tác; thế mà giờ đây nó phải đầu tắt mặt tối, phải gồng gánh sức nặng của mưu sinh. Một khi không được nghỉ ngơi vào mùa nước tràn đồng thì đất sẽ suy kiệt do không ngậm được phù sa, cái thưở mùa nước nổi cả đồng bằng như vào một ngày hội lớn: sự tất bật tạm lắng lại để tiếng cười và tiếng thở của đất được rền vang và hồi phục. Giờ đây, đến mùa nước nổi, cánh đồng vẫn vậy, nước không tràn qua đê bao bảo vệ mùa vụ. Dòng phù sa được ví như dòng sữa mẹ nuôi dưỡng vùng Châu thổ thì giờ đây đã cuộn cuộn chảy ra biển tạo thành các cù lao, ụ nổi ngăn đường ra biển lớn.
Ruộng thức là trăn trở và tâm sự của một vùng châu thổ trù phú đất ngậm phù sa một thời.
KTS. Hồ Viết Vinh
Next project | FRAGILE
Fragile
“The quiet beauty and subtle melancholy, reflecting the fragility of life and the passage of time, enhancing the sense of fragility and evoking a sense of wonder and contemplation.”
Ho Viet Vinh
Fragile, Acrylic on canvas, 130x97cm, Maison d’Art 2024
Maison d'Art
The fragility of life and the passage of time
The quiet beauty and subtle melancholy
Next project | Ru
Ru
Ru đời mấy giấc chiêm bao,
Xôn xao như gió ngã nhào bờ mê,
Ru quê cho tỏ đường về,
Tỉ tê câu chuyện bờ đê mái đình,
Ru mình chỉ mấy lời kinh,
Tâm minh hồn triết thanh hình sắc tao.
Lullaby
Lull life’s dreams in fleeting flight,
Stirred like winds tumbling on enchanted dikes,
Lull the homeland, reveal the path home,
Whisper tales by riverbanks and village halls,
Lull the self with sacred dharmas,
Enlightened soul, wisdom’s grace in form and rhyme.
Ho Viet Vinh 250412
Next project | DRIFTING
“A delicate symphony of muted hues pirouettes in the ever-changing light. Its dance mirroring the soul’s ebb and flow, serving as a melancholic ode to time’s fleeting passage and life’s ephemeral beauty: a poignant reflection of existential drift.”
Ho Viet Vinh
Acrylic on canvas, 130x97cm, Maison d’Art, 2024
Next project | Marina Saigon Villa
The marina lifestyle has its own allure, and life at Marina Saigon Villa elevates it to a unique experience, allowing you to savor life your way. Even if you’ve never owned a yacht before, you’ll seamlessly join the circle of enthusiasts reminiscent of 19th-century European aristocrats.
From the marina, where every villa boasts its own sparkling turquoise sails, you can personally navigate your yacht to capture moments of emotional conquest and freedom.
Each time you step aboard, you’ll realize that time ceases to be an obstacle. Whether heading to the trading center or the stock exchange in the heart of Saigon Trade Center, the journey is effortless.
In just a few minutes, you’ll arrive at your favorite golf course. Within 30 minutes, you can sail across the Saigon River to breathe the fresh air of Can Gio, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or head upstream to explore the historic Cu Chi tunnels—or venture anywhere your heart desires.
Experience the unparalleled beauty of the vast riverscape and open skies, where every journey is an adventure waiting to unfold.
Type
Residential
Year
2015
Area
20 hectares
Location
District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Team
Ho Viet Vinh
Tran Thanh Hai
Nguyen Dinh Nhat Thu
Truong Anh Thu
Next project | Ngôi nhà của BỤT
Ngôi nhà của Bụt là nơi chốn của sự thanh tịnh hoà lẫn trong sắc thái biến đổi của không – thời gian. Mỗi bước chân như chậm lại để các giác quan tìm thấy mình qua sự va đập với sự chuyển động vi tế nhất. Sự đơn độc trở nên độc tôn toả sáng trong sự đối thoại vụn vỡ tạm thời trước sự sinh diệt của tạo hoá.
Next project | KHỞI NGUỒN
a photo by Vinhho 2025
Tôi không nhớ chính xác lần đầu tiên mình xem Rêu không phải là rêu mà là nhân chứng của thời gian và nơi chốn tự bao giờ? Có lẽ đó là một buổi sáng sớm khi sương còn đọng trên những phiến đá bên bờ suối. Hoặc có thể là một buổi chiều mưa, khi những mảng rêu xanh mướt trải dài trên tường gạch cũ, như những vết tích của một thời đại đã ngủ quên.
Dù là lúc nào, Rêu vẫn luôn ở đó, lặng lẽ, trầm mặc, bám rễ vào thời gian theo cách riêng của nó.
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
Next project | Le Ba Dang Art Space
At the end of November 2024, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts launched the Le Ba Dang Art Space exhibition. The exhibition not only aims to showcase the distinctive creative values of painter Le Ba Dang but also serves as a tribute to the generosity of Mr. Le Tat Luyen and Mrs. Thuy Khue, who donated this collection. Their contribution has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the value of this artistic heritage while fostering the creation of a vibrant art space that inspires future generations.
“The famous painter Le Ba Dang has woven brocade and embroidered the beauty of the country and the Vietnamese soul with a new and unique language of painting.”
Architect Ho Viet Vinh