SOUTH ASIAN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

VIETNAM
• A country in Southeast Asia and the
easternmost country on Indochinese
Peninsula.

• 15th most populous country in the

world.

• Vietnam shares its land borders

with China to the north,
and Laos and Cambodia to the west.
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
• Vietnam's land is mostly hilly and
densely forested, with level land
covering no more than 20%.

• Mountains account for 40% of the

country's land area, and tropical
forests cover around 42%

• Due to differences in latitude and

the marked variety in topographical
relief, Vietnam's climate tends to
vary considerably for each region.

• During the winter or dry season,

extending roughly from November to
April, the monsoon winds usually
blow from the northeast along the
Chinese coast and across the Gulf
of Tonkin, picking up considerable
moisture.

• The average annual temperature is

generally higher in the plains than in
the mountains, especially in
southern Vietnam compared to the
north.
 Evaluation of Vietnamese Architecture

Vietnam architecture is a composition of both Asian and European style.

Its history can be divided into highlight stages namely,

• ancient architecture,
• colonial architecture,
• new architecture,
• contemporary architecture.
Ancient architecture

• In particular, the development of Vietnam architecture

is different in each period of history.

• The original Vietnamese design ought to be

originated from the Hung Kings dynasty.

• At that time, wood was used to build house for

protecting people from wild animal.

• They designed their house in two shapes: one was

boat formed and another different was tortoise – shell
shaped.

Colonial architecture

• The French left their mark throughout Vietnam.

• This kind of architecture was developed in parallel

with the process of colonial exploitation of the
colonialism.

• Characteristics of geographical and climatic

conditions are relatively different; so the European-
style architecture had to have certain changes in
order to deal with Vietnam’s weather conditions.
Modern Architecture

• As Vietnam continues to invest in its tourist industry, all

sorts of new architecture has been springing up in the
country.

• This type of the architecture could be formed from the

mid-20th century, after the exit of Vietnam's colonial
period from the French.

• With the development of economy Vietnam formed a new

architectural trend.

• In opening stages, this architectural style much brought

chaos by copying foreign architectural features.

Contemporary Architecture

• Now a days, the architects are more concerned about

the culture and tradition of Vietnam.

• A new era of architecture has evolved where local

building technique and materials, vernacular aspects,
clime responsiveness, sustainability etc. are being
focused.

• architects are reinterpreting past building techniques to

create neo-traditional homes grounded in contemporary
life
 Neo-Traditional Architecture

• Contemporary architecture that

borrows from the past.

• Neotraditional buildings are

constructed using modern materials
but the building design is inspired
by historic styles.
 Examples of
Contemporary Architecture of Vietnam
VTN Architects (Vo Trong Nghia Architects)
• Based in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Infuses its work with lushly planted walls, hanging vines, structure-piercing trees, weathered
stones and sunken landscapes.

• It also incorporates traditional Vietnamese building techniques, like complex bamboo trusses,
perforated blocks, cooling water systems, shaded terraces and thatched roofs.

• Their vision: the creation of architecture that merges nature, local vernacular and
through modern materials and methods.

• Vo Trong Nghia’s firm meditates every day, which helps in their approach to refining urban
environments.

• Examples: 1. House for Trees

2. Viettel Offsite Studio
3. Viettel Academy Educational Center
4. Castaway Island Resort
5. FPT University Administrative Building
House for Trees

• House for Trees, a prototypical house

with a tight budget.

• The aim of the project is to bring green

space back into the city,
accommodating high-density dwelling
with big tropical trees.

• Trees grow on top of five concrete

boxes, like oversized pot plants.
Banyan trees were chosen for the
roofs because they have above-
ground roots. "This tree has aerial
roots, and fewer underground roots, so
we think it is suitable to plant on top of
the boxes”- stated by the architects.
House for Trees
Layout

• Fitting into the informal shape of the site, five

boxes are positioned to create a central
courtyard and small gardens in between.

• The boxes open to this central courtyard

Ground Floor Plan
with large glass doors and operable
windows to enhance natural lighting and
ventilation, while remain relatively closed on
the other sides for privacy and security.

• Common spaces such as the dining room

and library are located on the ground floor.
Upper floors accommodate private
bedrooms and bathrooms, which are
connected through bridge-cum-eaves made
of steel. First Floor Plan

• The courtyard and gardens, shaded by trees

above, become part of the ground floor living
space.

• Blurring the border between inside and

outside, the house offers a tropical lifestyle
that coexists with nature.

Roof Plan
House for Trees

Steel
bridge

Central Courtyard- an open-air living space

House for Trees
Design Considerations

• Local and natural materials are utilized to reduce

cost and carbon footprint. The external walls are
made of in-situ concrete with bamboo formwork,
while locally-sourced bricks are exposed on the
internal walls as finishing. A ventilated cavity
separates the concrete and brick walls to
protect interior space from heat transfer.

• Considering the unique structure, it was a tight

budget, so we minimized the finishing materials,"
said the architects. "The ceilings are exposed
concrete and the interior walls are exposed brick,
which is one of the cheapest materials in Vietnam."

• The roofs are also designed to retain storm water in

order to prevent flooding, with soil more than 1.5
metres deep, which required significant structural
support beneath. Therefore contribute to reduce the
risk of flooding in the city when the idea is multiplied
to a large number of houses in the future.
House for Trees
Viettel Offsite Studio

• It is located on the outskirts of Hanoi, Locate on a light slope, besides a quiet lake and landscape abundant
trees.

• Viettel Offsite Studio’s facility for meeting is prepared for their leaders to have boot camping meeting to
make discussion and decision located at the corner of Viettel Academy’s campus (which provides
education for their engineers). These studios also supply an offsite short-term working place for the
leaders, after getting away from busy cities and miscellaneous.

• The large concrete pavilions are arranged into a zigzag formation, which have V-shaped sections.
The tall concrete slabs are connected by a single-storey office block.
Viettel Offsite Studio

Architectural Features

• Viettel Offsite Studio is inclusive 6

units; a welcoming reception, a
dinning and four studios.

• The six V-shaped wall blocks

which freely arranged follow the
lay of land and connected by an
open corridor. These blocks
from triangular surface spaces:
two sides closed, and the other
side opens towards lake and
trees. The wall create an open
book shape that exhibits “open
from inside to nature”. While
the open side directly faces to
surrounding environment allow
people to both relax, be
immersed in nature and
concentrate.
 Viettel Offsite Studio

Architectural Features

• To the north the meeting rooms

themselves overlook the lake with
full-height glazing, with large
meeting tables mirroring the shape
of the building itself.

• To the south, this low block is

fronted with an arcade shaded by
concrete columns.
Viettel Offsite Studio
Viettel Offsite Studio

Design Considerations

• VTN Architects' design aims to relate

interior spaces directly to the
exterior, with glazed meeting rooms
accessed via gaps created between
the high concrete walls.

• These concrete slabs create

sheltered, sky-lit internal courtyards
or bright, north-facing external
terraces potted with trees.

• The studios are opened to North

direction where offers most beautiful
greenery view to people.
Viettel Offsite Studio

• The V-shaped walls are design to be high to cut strong harsh sunlight from East and West
with giving impressive exterior facade for the entrants.

• The roof garden works as outside studio.

Viettel Offsite Studio

• Patterns of small square openings in these

V-shaped walls allow some direct sunlight
onto the garden terraces, and slices out of
their points - which face directly south –
allow a controlled amount of light onto roof
gardens and into the double-height lobby
of the central pavilion
Viettel Offsite Studio

• Stairs provide access to between the

different levels of terrace, the highest
being with those overlooking the lake
featuring a stepped profile.
Viettel Academy Educational Center

• Viettel Academy Educational

Center is located in a Training
Center Campus at Viettel
Academy’s campus in Hanoi.

• It has a cooling microclimate as

it is surrounded by beautiful
landscape, lakes and abundant
green space.

• The Educational Center is very

accessible from the residential
zone and other facilities due to
its central location within the
campus.
Viettel Academy Educational Center

The project is aimed to create a quiet and peaceful space for the trainees to focus on their studies, away from
the hustle and bustle of city life. It will provide short-term accommodation and training courses for the staff of
Viettel Corporation, Vietnam’s largest mobile network operator.
Viettel Academy Educational Center

Architectural Features

• The Educational Center consists of 12

blocks, accommodating classrooms,
meeting rooms, halls, and offices. The
main blocks are 4 to 5 stories whereas
the rest are only 2 to 3 stories high.

• These blocks are surrounded by an

overflow pool, which not only creates
beautiful reflections of the buildings and
surrounding landscape but also help in
regulating its microclimate.
Viettel Academy Educational Center

Architectural Features

• The blocks are connected by multi-

level circulation paths, such as
corridors, ramps, and staircases. This
offers many interesting views as well
as various quiet areas for studying.

• Due of the humid tropical climate in

Hanoi, a lightweight concrete roof is
designed to cover the majority of semi-
outdoor spaces, which also functions
as sky walk. Besides, the roof helps to
reduce direct radiation from sunlight.

•
Viettel Academy Educational Center
Viettel Academy Educational Center
Viettel Academy Educational Center
Material Considerations

• Local bricks are used as the building

finishes, creating an impressive red-
brick facade for the whole project.

• The monolithic facade exudes a

strong and rustic presence.

• The 300-400 mm-thick facade is

made of 2 layers of brick-wall with
void in-between for insolation to
reduce energy use.

• The brick facades become the

backdrop of activities that are taking
place around the blocks, creating a
vivid memory for the participants
during the training course.

• The combination of red bricks facade

with green space will bring a
harmonious atmosphere with nature.
Viettel Academy Educational Center
Consideration for greenery

• The first-floor garden system is arranged alternately among the blocks,

creating a friendly atmosphere for trainees and bringing them closer to
nature.

• Roof gardens on different floors form a series of hanging gardens that

provides students a relaxing space for interaction during breaks
 Castaway Island Resort

• Castaway Island Resort is in a tiny beautiful island in Cat Ba Archipelago, a well-known tourist
destination in Vietnam.
Castaway Island Resort

• The site is only accessible by boat, which takes about 2 hours from Hai Phong port.
• The resort’s aim is to provide a memorable stay at the island which is surrounded by tropical nature.
• It can accommodate up to 160 guests, mainly international tourists.
Castaway Island Resort

• In a private beach of 3,000 m2, surrounded on one side by a beautiful mountain range and on the
other by an expansive shore of white sand.

• the resort consists of five huts, a restaurant and a pavilion, which are designed to immerse the
guests in nature.

• The resort sits gently on the white-sand shore, caressing the nature and being a natural part of it.
Castaway Island Resort
Guest Huts

• Five living units are built as A row of modular

bamboo framed huts which offer an intimate
space for each guest.

• These frames are assembled on site to

accelerate construction time and ensure
quality of craft.

• An assemblage of recycled timber shutters,

typically used in traditional vietnamese
colonial villas, form the huts’ façade.
Castaway Island Resort
The restaurant
• features a hyperbolic-parabolic shell structure, which forms a semi-outdoor space for social gathering
and interaction. Each of the 13-bamboo shell unit is composed of 80 straight bamboo, creating a
wavy ceiling and rhythmical roof landscape.
Castaway Island Resort
Material Considerations
• For the project, bamboo, an environmental-
friendly material is used that can integrate in
and be easily removed afterwards without
affecting the natural beautiful gulf at the site
where the project is built.

• The bamboo structure is covered

with thatched roof, offering authentic
Vietnamese cultural experience as well as
reducing environmental impact.

• The bamboo are treated with a natural

traditional method developed at a Vietnamese
craft village, which involves soaking the
bamboo in mud and smoking afterwards.
Castaway Island Resort
• These bamboo structures not only enhance guests experience on the island but also become a landmark of
this popular tourist destination, where many boats cruise through the Cat Ba Archipelago.

• Despite the construction of the project, the site is left intact, the nature preserved thanks to using such an
environmental-friendly bamboo structure.

• This is this environmentally-conscious aspect that this project wanted to approach.

Castaway Island Resort
FPT University Administrative Building
• The FPT Technology building is part of the first stage of a larger master plan to convert the university to a globally
competitive environmentally conscious university.

• Since FPT University offers Information Technology (IT)-related courses, the campus is designed to maintain a
healthy balance between physical and virtual environment, as well as to improve our relationship with nature.
 FPT University Administrative Building

• The building acts as a gateway

to the campus and the green
façade clearly dictates the future
direction of the campus.

• As the building is the first stage

of the expanding university it has
been designed to be adaptable in
it program to accommodate the
varying programmatic
requirements of the future.
FPT University Administrative Building
 FPT University Administrative Building

Design Consideration

• This University is situated in an area of

Vietnam that experiences frequent energy
shortages.

• Passive design is employed to reduce the

buildings dependence on active systems
so that during blackouts the building can
function on minimal generated backup
power.
FPT University Administrative Building
Design Consideration

• A shallow plan allows copious natural

light into the building reducing the need
for artificial lighting.
FPT University Administrative Building

Design Consideration

• The trees within each window opening

operating as a green skin to reduce
direct heat transfer through the
windows.

• The building is orientated to the

prevailing breezes and employs cross
ventilation for cooling.

• The green skin of trees and adjacent

lake help to reduce the air
temperature.
FPT University Administrative Building

Design Consideration

• The façade has been designed as

simple modules that express the
simplicity of the sustainable design.

• The structure is built out of affordable

concrete construction, the
standardized modules allow higher
quality finish to be achieved together
with economical time.
FPT University Administrative Building
Design Consideration

• The increased urbanization and densification of

Vietnamese cities are having a large impact on
urban vegetation and what was once the urban
population’s strong connection with the
environment.

• Due to current situation, the building design ensures

that the students are exposed to greenery and
maintain the connection with nature even when they
are away from home.

• The trees in each room and outdoor gardens allow

a constant connection with nature. And there are
also trees beside open spaces with void, students
use these space freely.

• Landscape is also integrated at the top of the

building to form a public stepped garden for the
students and staff members.

• This connection helps raise awareness of the

environment through the constant reference and
experience of the benefits of a sustainable passively
designed building.
MIA Design Studio
• The projects of MIA Design Studio are valued for their formal simplicity, integration of interior
and exterior into fluid spaces with special attention to landscape and climate conditions of
each project.

• MIA Design Studio seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by
efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy and development space.

• Examples: 1. Naman Retreat Pure Spa

2. The Drawers House
Naman Retreat Pure Spa

The Naman Retreat Pure Spa is an oasis of tranquility and facilitates the five-star
Naman Retreat, Danang. A true space where all senses are touched, and the mind
comes to peace
Naman Retreat Pure Spa
Layout

• Fifteen stunning treatment rooms are endowed with lush open-air gardens, deep soak bathtub and
cushioned daybed built for two.

• Keep fit at the equally sleek health club with gym, meditation and yoga sessions held at the open
lounge garden in the still cool mornings.

• The ground floor contains open spaces with relaxing platforms surrounded by serene lotus ponds and
hanging gardens.
Naman Retreat Pure Spa
Design Consideration

• Ingenious use of natural ventilation keeps

the building cool and gives the guest a
refreshing experience.

• With use of local plants, each retreat

becomes a healing environment where
the guest can enjoy a luxurious wellness
in privacy.

• A large atrium dominated by a pool and

surrounded by hanging gardens forms
the focal point of the ground floor.

• Planting trails from the green roof and

upper floor of the building, creating a
vegetated screen around the water
Naman Retreat Pure Spa
Design Consideration

• Different area’s flow smoothly into each

other and the beautiful landscape creates
an amazing journey into a dream like
experience.

• The latticework also casts a grid of light

and shadow across the walkways that
connect the internal spaces
Naman Retreat Pure Spa
Façade Treatment

• The facade is composed by lattice patterns

alternated with vertical landscapes that filter
the strong tropical sunlight into a pleasant
play of light and shadow on the textured
walls.

• The network of vertical and horizontal bars

that cover parts of the facade are reflected
in a palm-flanked pool in the grounds,
helping to soften the distinction between
building and landscape

• Various plants are carefully allocated and

become a part of the architectural screens.
The Drawers House

A welcoming home for a family of 4 who love

the freshness of nature. With constant
interactions with nature, man and trees
become more intimate; space is opened up
but maintains privacy of individuals. This is
the daunting problem of living in metropolitan
area with cramped space and pollution.
The Drawers House
Concept

• The Drawer House” is a single – story

located on a 470 square meters piece of
land with a dedicated 60% of land usage for
landscape.

• That 60% is creatively arranged through

partitions so that nature is never out sight.

• With the remaining 180 square meters, the

architects divided it into “drawers”
containing functional spaces, at the same
time insert in between them “drawers of
landscape”.

• These “drawers” are aligned on the same

direction, however by creating alternating
partitions; dwellers have an impression of
unevenly put rooms.

• Just as drawers being pulled in and out

randomly, the architects hope the tenants
and nature intermingle without any obvious
intention.

• Clients when live inside the space will have

different sensations at different rooms
because of continuous altering of solidity –
emptiness, brightness – darkness.
The Drawers House
Design Considerations

• “Drawers” is connected by elongated hallway going

throughout the entire length of the project,
decorated by refreshing line of Bridal Veil Creepers.

• This method of allocating green zone as a natural

blind reducing the intense tropical sunlight as well
as generate intriguing patterns which change as the
sun moves during the day.
The Drawers House

Design Considerations

• As the partition finishes, the in between

gardens creating privacy while act as
transition to the next space.

• The sunlight passing through, cascading

shadow onto the floor forming captivating
views.

• The boundary between the interior and

exterior is being diminished, letting man
sense the fluctuations of nature.
The Drawers House

Design Considerations

• By opening up and closing down “drawers”, accommodate better ventilation, hence cooing down the
entire living space.

• The entire house acts as a living body, with a mission to connect man with man and man with nature.
The Drawers House

• The ideology behind the design of MIA DESIGN

STUDIO is maximizing the connection between
functional spaces with natural light, wind and
gardens while still preserve the privacy for each
individual rooms.

• With the philosophy in mind, the concept for

“The Drawers House” of constructing blocks,
harmonious space, using minimal but effective
materials, produce a project carrying the breath
of nature with suitable methods in order to bring
out the best quality of life for users.
Tropical Space
• Based in Ho Chi Minh city, founded by architects Nguyen Hai Long and Tran Thi Ngu
Ngon.

• With a deep understanding of Vietnamese culture and climate, Tropical Space is

committed to the use of environmentally friendly building practices and sustainable
material selection.

• Examples: 1. Terra Cotta Studio

Terra Cotta Studio

A cube-shaped sculpture
workshop for artist Le Duc Ha.
Named Terra Cotta Studio, the
seven-meter-high building
gives the artist a
dedicated place for creating
clay sculptures and pottery, as
well as display spaces where
he can show off his work
Terra Cotta Studio

• The project is located next to Thu Bon river, Dien Ban district, Quang Nam Province.

• This river has a huge interaction to local life on both side of it.

• Majority of the resident live depending on agriculture, besides with variety of traditional craft villages
such as terra cotta, mat or silk.
Terra Cotta Studio

Layout

• This rural setting prompted Tropical

Space to create an open-air building,
exposed to the sounds of the flowing water
and the cool breeze, which hides an
elaborate bamboo shelving grid behind its
perforated brick walls.

• The project is a cubed-shape building with

the dimension of 7m x 7m x 7m.
Surrounding the studio is a bamboo frame
scaffold used for drying terra cotta
products.

• It’s also designed with two big bench for

resting, relaxing and having tea. At the
same time, this scaffold also function as a
fence to separate the studio with the whole
space of workshop.
Terra Cotta Studio
Terra Cotta Studio
Exterior

• The exterior layer of the studio is made by clay

solid brick, which reminds people about Vietnam
traditional furnace.

• The bricks were built interleaved creating holes

which help the wind ventilating and air
conditioning.

• This layer is not the wall preventing outside

environment from inside the studio, so the artist
can feel the wind, the cool from river and sound
of nature in surrounding area. Meanwhile, it also
creates a certain privacy for the artist

• There also are several square apertures that

form windows, as well as two larger voids that
provide entrances.

• These two openings are positioned on opposite

sides, allowing views right through.
Terra Cotta Studio

Terra Cotta Studio / Tropical Space

Terra Cotta Studio
Interior

• The interior of the studio is the

three-floors wood frame system
creating many space with
dimension of 60cm x 60cm, which
is function as the shelves to put
terra cotta works, hallway and
stairs. The height of the frame is 7
meters.

• The center of the studio has 2

floors. In ground floor, there is a
turning table that the artist works.
The artist and his works can
interact with the sunlight, from the
sunrise to twilight.

• Here, people can find the

conversation of the artist and his
works; and himself with his
shadow in the silence.
Terra Cotta Studio
• At the same time, people can feel and see
the time passing terra cotta artworks by the
movement of the sunlight.

• On the mezzanine, people can see many

different space inside and outside the studio,
as well as observe the artist working by the
round void in the center.

• This is also used for leaving stuffs of the

workshop and the artist’s works in the flood
which happens every year in this area.
Terra Cotta Studio

The design team desires the studio will be a place containing, contemplating and spreading emotion of the
artist with his both finished and unfinished artworks.

The project is a destination to meet and share for people who love terra cotta and want to have the
experience with the clay
Red Roof by TAA Design
The project is a small house in an area of 80m2. The house is meant for a married couple over 50 who has
been living in this rural area since they were born.
Red Roof by TAA Design

The site is located on the main road of the village. Urbanization has changed the architecture and living space
of this village. New houses with styles that one can easily find in big cities have disrupted their familiar
landscape and lifestyle. In the search of a new appropriate typology for the context, it was intended to adapt
the new architecture based on the traditional cultural lifestyle of the couple.
Red Roof by TAA Design

Design Considerations

• Connecting with nature, daily

activities are gardening, paddy drying,
etc. Vegetable gardens and multi-
purpose playgrounds become the soul
of houses in this village.

• In a small site, the ground floor needs

a lot of complex functions, including
bicycle repair space, living room,
kitchen, traditional outdoor wood
stove, bedrooms, toilets, paddy drying
yards, rice warehouse, chicken yard,
etc.

• Therefore, it was proposed to provide

small courtyards in the front, middle
and back of the house, to connect
indoor spaces with nature. Several
courtyards was designed with
different heights, suitable for the
height of the house structure. On the
mezzanine floor, there is a small yard
connected to the yard in the middle of
the house.
Red Roof by TAA Design
Red Roof by TAA Design
Red Roof by TAA Design

Design Considerations

• The rooftop garden is adjacent to

the courtyard of the mezzanine
floor, creating a playground &
vegetable garden that connects
from the roof to the ground floor.

• The products from the garden go

directly to everyday meals, fresh
and always available.

• The couple has happy hours

together growing their own food,
and a lot of times, sharing their
products with the neighbor families,
unexpectedly, the architecture has
been generating community social
interactions as its by-product.

• The rooftop garden also has the

role of insulating the house. The
internal temperature is significantly
reduced compared to the
corrugated steel roof.
Red Roof by TAA Design

• In Vietnamese traditional landscape,

“the red roof” house represented for a
time of regional local architecture.

• Now new multi-story houses with

steel roofs seem to have lost the
identity of the village landscape.

• The stair-step method reduces the

height of the façade, helps urban
space is not overwhelmed and
creates a comfortable slope.

• This establishes the communication

between the space on the roof and
the space under the road. “The red
roof” has the intent to keep, store and
remind the familiar rural lifestyle.