“This is a project to preserve and develop the Mang Thit traditional brick and masonry heritage area, combining production space and water landscape. This area is planned into a contemporary product with different functional layers: preserving ceramic tile craft villages, expanding living space along the river and recreating the unique river landscape of the South. The multi-level dike approach helps maintain riverside living space, supports ceramic production and also develops eco-tourism, turning the area into a cultural and experiential destination for visitors.”
HVV Architect & Partners
Client:
Board of Civil and Industrial Construction Project Management – Vinh Long province People’ s Committee
Location:
Mang Thit dictrist, Vinh Long province, Vietnam
Size:
3.060 hectares
Services:
Masterplan
Status:
Approved on 2024
Team:
HVV Architect & Partners – Urban Planning Institute
Intro
Mang Thit District, Vinh Long Province, is one of the few remaining localities in Vietnam that preserves a unique and extensive architectural complex alongside a traditional craft. This architectural ensemble comprises nearly 1,000 domed kilns, spanning over 3,060 hectares along the banks of the Thay Cai, Hoa My, Cai Nhum canals, forming a southern arc that extends to the Nhon Phu and Hoa Tinh canals within the district. This is truly a valuable treasure, shaped by over a century of cultural and technological exchange between Khmer, Kinh, and Hoa people, resulting in a distinctive architectural heritage and traditional craft. However, this treasure has not been fully recognized or appreciated.
Over the past decade, more than 1,000 kilns have been demolished, and the remaining kilns are deteriorating and face the imminent threat of complete destruction. Given this alarming situation, it is imperative and urgent to conduct research and develop solutions to preserve and promote this architectural complex and traditional craft.
Learning from the Past and Looking to the Future:
Over 100 years of formation and development, the structure of the craft village ecological system have established with 6 main space, including: surface water, brickyard system, yards, storage, fruite garden and house, fields.
The system of canals and land has formed a distinctive, easily recognizable landscape. Rivers and canals flowing from Co Chien River along Thay Cai canal, going deep into agricultural areas, have determined the main landscape axes; Residents live along the canals, inside are fruit and vegetable gardens, and deeper are fields and aquaculture areas. The ecosystem associated with the brick kiln area has created a closed process in the production of Mang Thit red ceramic. This is a characteristic and value that needs to be preserved and promoted.
Adaptive conservation in continued development
Adaptive conservation in continued development – preserving the existence of production space heritage, symbiotic ecological space, and Southern garden development cultural heritage; These valuable materials and spiritual values have been perfected during the development process, providing a contemporary breath and improving the quality of each space, gradually improving the quality of life of local people, so that their politics will gradually transform, reviving the soul of the place.
The heritage of Mang Thit – known as The Red Kingdom will be an interesting destination in Mekong Delta and should not be missed in your lifetime.
Zonning plan
No.1. Mixed-Use Development (Services – Tourism – Rural Residential): Approximately 347.91 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, mixed-use development (tourism services – rural residential), mixed-use development (services – urban residential), public services, public utility green spaces, specialized green spaces, other technical infrastructure, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
No.2. Mixed-Use Development (Services – Urban Residential) along Co Chien River: Approximately 250.05 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, mixed-use development (services – urban residential), public services, public utility green spaces, specialized green spaces, heritage and religious sites, other technical infrastructure, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
No.3. My An – Hoa My Residential Area: Approximately 415.50 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, mixed-use development (services – urban residential), public services, public utility green spaces, specialized green spaces, heritage and religious sites, other technical infrastructure, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
No.4. Cai Nhum Eco-Residential Area: Approximately 150.31 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, public services, public utility green spaces, other technical infrastructure, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
No.5. My Phuoc Eco-Resort: Approximately 106.43 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, public services, public utility green spaces, tourism development, other technical infrastructure, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
No.6. My Phuoc Eco-Residential Area: Approximately 253.76 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, public services, public utility green spaces, specialized green spaces, heritage and religious sites, offices, other technical infrastructure, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
No.7. Nhon Phu Eco-Residential Area: Approximately 309.78 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, public services, public utility green spaces, heritage and religious sites, offices, other technical infrastructure, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
No.8. Hoa Tinh Eco-Resort: Approximately 198.23 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, mixed-use development (services – urban residential), public services, public utility green spaces, heritage and religious sites, offices, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
No.9. High-Tech Agriculture Area: Approximately 1,028.03 hectares, with primary functions including residential development, public utility green spaces, tourism development, other technical infrastructure, transportation, agricultural areas, and other functions.
Master plan
The plan identifies 3 main development axes including:
- Mang Thit brick and ceramic kiln space at the center combined with service corridor along Co Chien river, agricultural experience corridor – traditional garden village along Cai Nhum river, high-end resort tourism corridor in the South;
- Mixed service axis – contemporary residential area in the Southern region of the West;
- The Eastern resort tourism axis will create motivation for development of the entire region.
The resort spaces around heritage area (My Phuoc eco resort, My Phuoc Eco-Residential area, Nhon Phu Eco-Residential Area, Hoa Tinh Eco-Resort) offer a variety of ecological, cultural and agricultural production experiences, taking the ceramic brick kiln area as inspiration for creativity.
With 5 gateways – 5 landscape architectural spaces typical of the Southern rivers and the ceramic brick kiln area, it will be an unforgettable, impressive identification point when visitors approach the ceramic brick kiln area by both Water transport and road transport.
Conclusion
This is a project to preserve and develop the Mang Thit traditional brick and masonry heritage area, combining production space and water landscape. This area is planned into a contemporary product with different functional layers: preserving ceramic tile craft villages, expanding living space along the river and recreating the unique river landscape of the South. The multi-level dike and heritage landscape approach helps maintain riverside living space, supports ceramic production and also develops eco-tourism, turning the area into a cultural and experiential destination for visitors.
Next project | SONNET
Evoking the tranquil undulations of the river a symphonic concerto of colors whispering the poetics of the natural world. The geometric shapes, with their curves and angles, juxtapose the organic with the mathematical, creating a visual sonnet that blurs the lines between the ephemeral and the eternal.
Ho Viet Vinh
Acrylic on canvas, 130 x 97cm, Maison d’Art, 2024
Next project | Waterscape
The waterscape of the living complex in the Mekong Delta beautifully embodies the harmony between architecture and nature. Drawing inspiration from the region’s rich waterway traditions, the design integrates fluid forms and organic materials that reflect the surrounding landscapes. The layout, with its interconnected waterways and lush greenery, fosters a sense of tranquility and connection to the environment. Each villa, positioned to maximize views of the water, invites natural light and breezes, enhancing the sensory experience. This approach not only celebrates local culture but also promotes sustainable living, making the project a poignant example of emotional architecture in contemporary design.
Next project | The Unveiling of Trịnh Công Sơn’s Sculpture
At 4:30 p.m. on February 28, the Trịnh Công Sơn Park in Gia Hội Ward, Huế City, will host a significant event—the unveiling of a bronze statue of Trịnh Công Sơn, sculpted by the late artist Trương Đình Quế (1939–2016). This bronze statue, weighing 500 kg, stands 170 cm tall, with a width of 230 cm and a depth of 160 cm. Its design exudes a sense of intimacy and familiarity.
The project is the culmination of years of dedication by Mr. Lê Hùng Mạnh from Gia Hòa Company in Ho Chi Minh City. The journey to place a statue in a public space was far from simple, but his passion for commemorating artists didn’t stop there—he dreams of creating similar tributes for other cultural icons, such as the poet Bùi Giáng.
The choice of Trương Đình Quế as the sculptor was deliberate. He was one of Vietnam’s most renowned visual artists, celebrated with numerous national and international accolades. Born in 1939, the same year as Trịnh Công Sơn, Quế graduated from the Gia Định College of Fine Arts in 1960—the very year Trịnh penned his first song, Ướt Mi. This synchronicity in their lives laid the foundation for a deep friendship rooted in a shared passion for art and music, allowing Quế to capture the essence of his lifelong friend with ease.
The statue took a year to complete at Giang Điền Waterfall in Đồng Nai. Reflecting on the creative process, Mr. Mạnh shared, “Trương Đình Quế and I agreed on how Trịnh should be depicted—as you now see him, leaning forward, as if gazing into a book, or perhaps into his own soul. Naturally, we couldn’t forget the ‘companion’ who stayed with him from ‘the day my mother bore me into this life of burden’ to ‘the noon field, where we met and vanished into the void’—his guitar.”
“The image of Trịnh bowing is intentional,” Mạnh explained, “and it aligns with his own lyrics: Cúi xuống. Cho tình dấy lên. Cho da thịt mềm. Cho cơn mặn nồng ngất lịm. Cúi xuống. Cho đời lãng quên. Cho mây trời chìm. Cho đêm mở hội âm thầm.
When designing the statue’s base, we collaborated with architect Hồ Viết Vinh, who envisioned it as an eye—650 cm long, 350 cm wide, and 55 cm high. This symbolic choice reflects Trịnh’s longing for human compassion: Những con mắt trần gian, Xin nguôi vết nhục nhằn. Những con mắt muộn phiền, Xin cấy lại niềm tin. Even when inspired by Bùi Giáng’s poetry, Trịnh expressed hope and tenderness: Con mắt còn lại nhẹ nhàng từ tâm. Nhìn em ra đi lòng em xa vắng. Con mắt còn lại là đêm tối tăm. Con mắt còn lại là đêm nồng nàn.
This collaboration between sculptor Trương Đình Quế and architect Hồ Viết Vinh embodies the essence of Trịnh Công Sơn’s music—where visual art and sound converge in a harmonious message of love and humanity.
Today, as we gather to unveil this statue on Trịnh Công Sơn’s birthday, it is more than a celebration—it is the realization of a dream. With hearts full of love for his music, Mr. Mạnh and his team gift this statue to the city of Huế as a gesture of gratitude.
“With this sincere endeavor,” Mr Lê Hùng Mạnh remarked, “we are grateful for the support from the Huế City authorities and the province of Thừa Thiên-Huế, who have made this possible. Today, as the statue of Trịnh Công Sơn stands in the park bearing his name, we believe it brings joy to millions across the country who remember him. And surely, our gifted musician and his dear friend, sculptor Trương Đình Quế, would be pleased. For in life, they shared many moments of artistic communion, exchanging ideas and toasting to the beauty of creation.”
Next project | VOICES of NATURE
Bathing in the mist of the mountains and forests, we are like super crooked footsteps. Overconfidence has given way to humble trembling. Following the breath we look back at the decaying frame of the mythical years. I falter, bowing my head not to beg, but to apologize for the unruly bare-headed man.
Voices of nature
The melodious reverberation of the mountains and forests,
Clouds cover the rising sun,
I silently curled up in the wind,
Absorb the mist of the dawn light.
Âm vang núi rừng
Du dương vọng tiếng hoà ca rừng núi,
Mây ngập tràn che khuất mặt trời lên,
Ta lặng im cuộn mình trong làn gió,
Men hơi sương ngút ngọn ánh bình minh.
Ho Viet Vinh, Dalat 2021
Next project | The VIDE Villa
Next project | Maison des Marais
Supported by AI
Maison des Marais embodies the ethereal dance between the tangible and the intangible. The structure, elevated on stilts, mirrors itself in the serene waters, creating a dialogue with the reflections that blur the boundary between reality and illusion. The thatched roof and wooden textures harmonize with the surrounding marshland, evoking a sense of timelessness and serenity. This architectural poetry captures the essence of nature’s abstraction, where each element, seen and unseen, contributes to a symphony of spatial resonance, reflecting the invisible threads that weave through the fabric of existence.
Supported by AI
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
(Sparkle, Acrylic on canvas, 130x97cm, Maison d’Art 2024)
Next project | Angel
The powerful little angels are flying freely in the world of perfection. Each angel represents each characteristic of the ego, breaking free from bondage, being free and enjoying the triumphant moments of the long journey to eliminate the ego.
Description
Exucuted in April 2020.
Styles
Lyrical Abstract
Technique
Acrylic on Canvas
Dimensions
60 Wx 80 H x 2 D cm
The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the HVV Architect &Partners. A certificate of authenticity maybe delivered by the Company upon request to the buyer.
Vinhho Biography
Ho Viet Vinh, a Vietnamese, graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1995 from the University of Architecture of Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam; he received the award for the creative design in the Final Year. He is a Registered Architect in Viet Nam and also a Registered Urban Planner in Ho Chi Minh city, as well as a Member of Association of Architects and Urban planners of Viet Nam. Ho Viet Vinh career began in 1995 when he did some competitions in Ho Chi Minh city. He becomes lecturer of Urban planning Department of University of Architecture in 1995. In 1998 He received second prize of international competition held by Summer workshop of Cergy Pontoise-France with subject “Ho Chi Minh city and Saigon river”. In 2005 He awarded special prize of international competition held by Summer workshop of Cergy Pontoise-France with subject “Can Gio Emotional city”. In 2010 he participated the International Visistor Leadership Program of USA in subject Sustainable Urban Planning. In 2015 He is choosen by Lebadang Creative Foundation to design the Lebadang Memory Space Museum in Hue. It was at this time that He becomes Director of that Fund.
Next project | PHU DOAN PLAZA
Phu Doan Plaza at Committee Popular of Thua Thien Hue province (also called City Hall) is a lively and contemporary embodiment as a “Hue ancient capital”. Today the Plaza is an inclusive hub of Hue’s life outdoors but for decades this was not the case. Prior to renovation Plaza was an uninviting and inaccessible maze of raised and sunken terraces, hidden passageways, and gloomy malnourished trees. The opportunity for change raised the park, both physically and metaphorically, to the prominence of its location at the foot of Hue City Hall. The Plaza provides universal accessibility by bringing the entire site to street level, and encourages use throughout the day. The entire Plaza, with its generous lawn, interactive fountain, café, and ample seating amidst green groves of native plantings, are all built atop the nexus of Hue City center’s multi-modal transit system and acts as a connective gateway to all neighborhoods. The park functions as a 8.190 sq.m creating a welcome all-season spot for relaxation and public recreation.
Products
- Landscape Forms
- Granite Stone
- Advanced Soil Technologies
Plant List:
- Bombax ceiba
- Asian palmyra palm
- Laurus nobilis
- Cinnamomum camphora
PROJECT INFO
| Type: | Public Realm |
| Year: | 2020 |
| Location: | Hue City, Thua Thien Province |
| Team: | Ho Viet Vinh Ngo Hai Tan Duong Thi Thanh Thanh Nguyen Dinh Nhat Thu |
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