Kiến trúc sư Hồ Viết Vinh (Đêm giao thừa đón Xuân Ất Tỵ 2025 tại Cố đô Huế)
Trong bối cảnh hiện nay khi thế giới đang đối mặt với những thách thức lớn về môi trường, biến đổi khí hậu và sự phát triển bền vững, giá trị phổ quát của kiến trúc chính là nâng cao phẩm giá của con người trong mối tương quan với thiên nhiên. Phẩm giá này được tạo dựng dựa trên các nền tảng sau:

1. Kiến trúc là cầu nối giữa con người và thiên nhiên: Kiến trúc không chỉ là việc tạo ra những công trình để che chở con người mà còn là cách để con người kết nối với thiên nhiên một cách hài hòa. Thiết kế kiến trúc tốt phải tôn trọng và phản ánh mối quan hệ tự nhiên giữa con người và môi trường, thay vì tách biệt hoặc đối đầu với thiên nhiên.
2. Nâng cao phẩm giá con người: Kiến trúc có khả năng nâng cao chất lượng cuộc sống và phẩm giá con người thông qua việc tạo ra những không gian đẹp, tiện nghi và ý nghĩa. Một công trình kiến trúc tốt không chỉ đáp ứng nhu cầu vật chất mà còn nuôi dưỡng tinh thần, cảm xúc và nhận thức của con người.
3. Thiên nhiên là nguồn cảm hứng vô tận: Thiên nhiên không chỉ là yếu tố cần được bảo vệ mà còn là nguồn cảm hứng vô tận cho kiến trúc. Các nguyên tắc tự nhiên như sự cân bằng, đa dạng và thích ứng có thể được áp dụng vào thiết kế. Kiến trúc tương lai cần học hỏi từ thiên nhiên để tạo ra các giải pháp bền vững và hiệu quả.
4. Kiến trúc bền vững là trách nhiệm đạo đức: Trong bối cảnh biến đổi khí hậu và suy thoái môi trường, kiến trúc có trách nhiệm đạo đức trong việc bảo vệ thiên nhiên và giảm thiểu tác động tiêu cực. Kiến trúc bền vững không chỉ là xu hướng mà còn là sự cần thiết để đảm bảo tương lai cho các thế hệ sau.
5. Kiến trúc tương lai chính là tạo dựng sự hài hòa giữa con người, thiên nhiên và công nghệ: Kiến trúc tương lai cần kết hợp hài hòa giữa nhu cầu của con người, sự tôn trọng thiên nhiên và ứng dụng công nghệ tiên tiến. Công nghệ không nên là yếu tố thống trị mà là công cụ để hỗ trợ con người sống hòa hợp với thiên nhiên.

Kiến trúc tương lai cần đặt con người và thiên nhiên vào trung tâm, từ đó tạo ra những không gian không chỉ đẹp và tiện nghi mà còn bền vững, nhân văn và giàu ý nghĩa. Đây không chỉ là mục tiêu của kiến trúc mà còn là trách nhiệm của toàn xã hội trong việc xây dựng một tương lai tốt đẹp hơn.

“Happy Teachers will change the world.”

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

Những con sóng nối tiếp nhau trườn trên bãi cát vẽ nên những đường cong tự do phơi mình dưới ánh mặt trời.
Sóng muôn hình vạn tướng: thấp cao, nghiêng ngã, cong tròn, méo lệch, yếu mạnh hợp quần tạo nên sắc khí của đại dương.
Cái thể tính bất phân ly tạo nên tính cách riêng biệt của sóng chính là sự tràn đầy. Năng lượng tích tụ vượt lên trăn trở bộn bề, trải qua một cuộc trường chinh đầy gian khó, nay đã gặp bờ để thổ lộ niềm kiêu hãnh.
Ấy vậy mà hình trạng của sóng chợt tan biến, ẩn khuất trong lớp lớp tạo tác liên tục của sự va đập không ngừng nghỉ.
Trong chiều quay biến thiên của sự tồn tại, mọi hình hài đều trở nên mong manh trước sự biến đổi của chính nó.

Kiến trúc sư Hồ Viết Vinh.01122025

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

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.

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.

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!

Capturing The Movements Of The Heart: The ‘In Motion’ Exhibition By Ho Viet Vinh

Architect Hồ Viết Vinh presents a new and relatable artistic experience to the youth of Saigon, blending abstraction with familiarity.

Once upon a time, three monks observed a flag waving in the breeze and engaged in a debate. The first monk remarked, “The flag is moving.” The second countered, “The flag itself cannot move; the wind is moving.” The third monk posited, “Both the wind and the flag move in harmony.” A fourth monk, passing by, declared, “Neither the wind nor the flag truly moves; it’s our perceptions that shift.”
As I explored Hồ Viết Vinh’s “In Motion” exhibition, I felt a mix of emotions and thoughts. Each artwork was filled with different colors and hinted at movement, even though they were still pictures.
Every painting by Hồ Viết Vinh is a visual delight. While his intent might have been to capture the essence of motion in nature, he achieved something profound: a reflection on the inner movements of our souls.

Walking Amidst the Colors

I visited the exhibition on a Sunday afternoon in the vibrant and spacious Audi Charging Lounge. The first thing that struck me was the ingenious arrangement of paintings interspersed within the existing layout of the Audi Charging Lounge – primarily a venue to display and charge vehicles.

In front of the art display area stood an Audi car, embodying the spirit that Architect Hồ Viết Vinh captured in his paintings: the relentless transition of all things. This particular notion resonates with the theme of “art in motion” – the fusion of art and movement, the convergence of paintings and cars, as the artist shared during his talk at the exhibit.
Eighteen paintings were showcased in the space. Some were mounted on walls, while others seemed to “fall” from the ceiling, unexpectedly appearing before the viewers, illustrating the serene shifts of nature.
Among these “falling” artworks, clusters of three or four paintings merged. The movement of these pieces wasn’t merely vertical from the ceiling downwards but also spanned horizontally, unfolding right before the viewers. Additionally, these “falling” artworks leaned against one another, forming pairs that seemed to hover in the air.

Beyond these elements, there appeared to be no specific intent in the sequential arrangement of the paintings, whether front to back or outer to inner. True to what Architect Hồ Viết Vinh mentioned in his interview with Vietcetera: “Relax, let your guard down, and take your time with details that captivate you. If none do, it’s alright to move on.”

Experiencing Art Beyond Just Sight

The first time I saw these paintings, it was a delightful and captivating confusion, and I think many young people who aren’t familiar with art felt the same way.
Almost all the artworks did not depict any tangible objects. Viewers might struggle to grasp solid subjects or sharp features if they cling to traditional aesthetic experiences such as realism or the expectation that every object must be explicitly depicted.
To truly appreciate Hồ Viết Vinh’s art, one needs to feel it in ways beyond just sight. In front of certain paintings, after meticulously following every brush stroke, I had to close my eyes to visualize and organize my perceptions. The essence of understanding his art lies in engaging multiple senses and individual experiences.
What really caught my eye in his artwork was how he played with colors. Some colors smoothly flowed into each other, while others looked intentionally uneven, giving the impression of swirling winds and twisting waves.

The painting that struck me the most, “Untitled 18,” seemed to involve not just paint but also wood – or what seemed like wood. I say this because the canvas isn’t truly flat: upon close observation, you can discern the coarse wooden texture emerging from it. To me, this painting exploits light and material to play with the viewer’s perception.
From a distance, it feels as if you’re looking down a long corridor illuminated by a sidelight, with the soft yellow glow of a house at the end. However, as you draw nearer and notice the rough surface, the perception of depth fades, and the corridor seems to vanish, leaving behind intertwined hazy squares.

The Untitled: Letting the Work Speak for Itself

On the day of my visit to the exhibition, architect Hồ Viết Vinh had a sharing session with the media and attendees. He talked about his artistic endeavors, the confluence of architecture and fine arts, the motivations behind the exhibition, and his insights into his creations.
The highlight of this sharing was his revelations about drawing inspiration from nature and the artistic ethos he adopted. Hồ Viết Vinh expressed a deep resonance with the artworks of Caspar David Friedrich, the emblematic painter from the Romantic era.
Vinh’s pieces echo the evocative style and liberality of nature portrayed in Caspar David Friedrich’s paintings. He saw harmony in Friedrich’s illustrations, emphasizing humanity’s humble stance against the overwhelming majesty of nature.
This sentiment is palpable in Vinh’s “Untitled 5” – a portrayal of the ocean that captures human awe and humility before nature’s magnificence, reminiscent of Friedrich’s “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog.”

He also shared the reason why all the paintings are untitled. He didn’t want them to be confined to a predetermined meaning, aiming instead for viewers to find both familiarity and uniqueness in their interpretations. I find this approach intriguing.
Indeed, it’s always insightful to admire a painting and then hear the artist’s thoughts on it, understanding the emotions and intentions behind the colors and strokes. Yet, I often found that my interpretations didn’t fully align with his explanations.
While observing his work and listening to his insights, I began to grasp his artistic intentions. But still, I found myself resonating with emotions that he might not have anticipated.
This disparity might be the essence of art: it’s not about uniformity but about individual interpretations, as long as there’s mutual respect. This seemed to be the core of the discussion: listening, understanding, and appreciating the diversity of perspectives on art, life, and nature.

From 1^st to 10^th September 2023, the ‘In Motion’ art exhibition was held at Audi Charging Lounge, 6B Tôn Đức Thắng. Jointly organized by Lotus Gallery and Audi Vietnam, it was supported by Vietcetera, Saigon Cider, and Cara Lighting, drawing over 2,000 attendees.
The artworks remain displayed at Lotus Gallery (1^st floor, Cspace Center, 12-13 N1 street, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City) until 24^th September 2023, as part of ‘Olfactory Odyssey – Beyond Perfume,’ blending visual arts with fragrance artistry.

The original article is of Vietcetera via the link.

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.