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.

Cơ duyên cho Tôi gặp và hóng chuyện với danh hoạ Hồ Hữu Thủ: là một trong những tên tuổi hàng đầu của nền mỹ thuật Việt Nam.
Thế giới nghệ thuật của ông là sự kết hợp độc đáo giữa các hình tượng quen thuộc: thiếu nữ – hoa sen – mảnh trăng. Những hình ảnh này không đơn thuần là miêu tả hiện thực, mà đã được chọn lọc và biến thành những biểu tượng mang vẻ đẹp tinh khiết, hồn nhiên trong một không gian vừa thực vừa siêu thực.

Ghé thăm triển lãm “Hội hoạ trừu tượng Cha và Con” tại TAA Gallery, Tôi như được gặp lại phong thái nho nhã pha lẫn minh triết nơi Ông.

“Kiến trúc sư cần phát triển khả năng suy nghĩ sáng tạo, đột phá các giới hạn thông thường mà AI có thể khó bắt chước. Các ý tưởng độc đáo, cảm xúc sâu sắc và nghệ thuật trừu tượng luôn khó được mô phỏng bởi AI, vì chúng phụ thuộc nhiều vào trải nghiệm sống và hiểu biết văn hóa của con người.” – KTS Hồ Viết Vinh

Ancient Greek legend has it that the pig was the favorite animal of Demeter – goddess of crops and farming on earth. This was the holiest god for the Greeks. Since ancient times, people have used pigs to sacrifice this goddess. The magical transformation that turns humans into pigs appears in many myths, such as in Homer’s epic Odysseus. In this story, the crew of the hero ship was turned into pigs by the goddess Circe. Pig is one of the 12 animals that represent the 12-year cycle of Dizhi of China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, North Korea and many other countries in Asia. It is associated with the Zodiac Pig. Those who believe in Chinese astrology have always attached pig characteristics to people born in the year of the Pig. Those born in this year are often considered lucky and have a prosperous and leisurely life. PIG House is life within and beyond the form of this animist.

Êm đềm tựa giọt sương tinh khiết gieo mầm an lành.
Can trường cắm cội rễ sâu bền trước bão lũ.
Hoa trôi nở hương thơm giữa dòng nổi sóng, bờ cỏ lặng lẽ tựa mặt hồ thu.
Hương Giang trở thành ngọn đuốc chánh niệm – vừa tỏa sáng tự thân, vừa soi đường dẫn lối.

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.

Garden of Eden

The Garden of Eden is an embodiment of the invisible woven into the fabric of existence. Its design reflects a poetic dialogue where nature’s abstraction meets architectural form. The undulating lines and textured surfaces echo the silent whispers of the earth, creating a harmonious interplay between light and shadow. This spatial composition blurs the boundaries of the tangible, inviting contemplation of the unseen. Through the use of natural materials and organic forms, the garden becomes a sanctuary of tranquility, mirroring the serene and introspective essence of the divine landscape.