Saigon Chuyen
a cultural center of traditional & contemporary arts & crafts
ANGIE NGOC TRAN
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER
.
.
TO PRESERVE . TO INNOVATE . TO REPRESENT
Hochiminh City,VIETNAM self-isolation
25.9%
Only live in the visual world
YOUNG GENERATION
FOREIGN INFLUENCES Follow trends and lose own heritage
2011 population by age
Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named , is the largest city in Vietnam. It is a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the whole country forward with its pulsating energy. 7.396 mil in 2010 expected to be 13.9 mil in 2025
OVERWHELMING INFORMATION Not enough sufficient knowledge to evaluate and appreciate own culture and tradition
Little exposure to arts and crafts since young age
The goals of the project are to preserve and represent the traditional Vietnamese arts and crafts and its innovative applications. At the same time, it is also to support and raise awareness of the community, engage and educate the young generations through the production process and encourage local designers, artists to contribute to the improvement of the industry.
Hopefully in a near future, the Vietnamese arts and crafts will be made known to the world. The project is a solution not only to the current challenges of one of the oldest industries in Vietnam but also to the contemporary issues of the young generations in its largest city.
indirect transaction Most of the profits go to the dealers/ art collectors
commercialized Lose the quality of craftsmanship, the traditional skills and job opportunities
repeated VIETNAMESE
Traditional
No new design Narrow the market Only found at tourists’ stores
ARTs AND CRAFTs
disappearing
Lack of the community’s appreciation toward traditional arts and crafts Low demand
SCATTERED
Lack of mutual support and community’s awareness Small scale
what needs to happen?
THE CULTURAL CENTER
facility type
location District 1
old apartment complex
- In the heart of the city - Concentration of fine arts and related activities - Favorite gathering spot of young generation and tourists
Cultural and historical values
- Acoustical advantage - Easily accessible - Remains some old architectural elements
Reflect the building’s function and program
design style Mix of old vietnamese architectural styles
program
Workshops of selective Vietnamese traditional arts and crafts Provide tours and learning courses Retail shops: to sell products made directly at the workshops
Represent Ho Chi Minh City Educate and raise awareness of Vietnamese architecture and its influences
Carry the architectural traces of the many phases of its history
Donation for the needs or for preservation: profits from selling products made by the students A multi-purpose auditorium Gallery/ Showroom A cafe Operational Offices
INNOVATION IN APPLIED ARTS - Develop and improve new products based on contemporary trends and techniques - New design/ new style - Increase in demand, and buying options - Open to new markets
INTRODUCTION
project
- Present the country’s cultural values to other countries through tourists and outreach activities - Avoid overwhelming foreign influences
G OA L S
PRESERVE - IMPROVE
engage - encourage - Educate young generations through participation in the making process - Prepare them to create and develop new ways of thinking - Encourage young artists and designers to produce new design utilizing traditional skills
- Preserve the traditional skills that are about to be extinct - Avoid products to be sold at high prices - Profit to improve the working condition at the craft villages
RAISE AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION - Educate the community about Vietnamese history, tradition, culture, arts and crafts - Strengthen their identity, value and beliefs
JOB OPPORTUNITIES SUPPORT the COMMUNITY - Provide jobs to people with physical disabilities and orphans - Profit to support local community
A NATION'S CULTURE RESIDES IN THE HEARTS AND IN THE SOULS OF ITS PEOPLE -- MARCUS GARVEY
precedent
analysis
experiential design
spacial structure
Niigata City Konan Ward Cultural Center Architects: Chiaki Arai Urban and Architecture Design Location: Niigata, Japan 5002.0 sqm Area: Year: 2012
The design was developed out of an extraordinary degree of public collaboration. The community-based system engaged the potential users into its design process through community workshops.
CAFE
COMMUNITY CENTER
The design decisions were based on feedbacks from the local community.
LIBRARY
entrance
MUSEUM
MUSIC ROOM
topophillia love of place
Unexpected perspectives created by volumes with complex gemeotry are to make strong visual impression and capture curiosity.
The lighting design incorporates with new technology is to maximize the natural lights, thus save on energy bills.
THE CROSS TREET
local identity
The structure is not only used for activating and facilitating the building but also for aesthetic intrigue. Flexible - sliding walls and stage with configurable depth.
The idea of building a cultural center was started as a response to the urban change of Niigata City and the new demand of the local community.
MULTIPURPOSE THEATER
Community Engagement
The color scheme is to reflect an abundant rice paddy - an image that is familiar to the local community. The building’s interior design feels like a sci-fi movie set, which does not convey the building’s identity – a cultural center. The exterior is plain and not attractive, which does not express the building’s function or reflect its interior.
cultural values
Cultural Center
Multipurpose Theatre Library Local Museum Community Center
. nature ANIMA art idea . music . action
Cultural Center Architects: Location: Area: Project Date: Year:
Bernard Tschumi Architects Grottammare, Italy 7,190 mq (Building Surface) 2012-2014 2016 (Scheduled Opening)
ANIMA Cultural Center is not only a regional activator but also a cultural, social and architectural generator. OBJECTIVES: create a building that is simultaneously abstract and figurative, economical without being cheap, simple but not simplistic while conveying a strong local identity and a global commitment. east cortile garden north cortile outdoor west cortile market South cortile expo
main room
simultanouesly abstract & figurative With the slightly tilted main room in the center, the rest of the space is divided into four trapezoidal courtyards for social encounters and gatherings. Additional to the main pathways, there are series of ramps that contribute to the circulation and dynamic of the space. The interior generates unexpected events through plazas and gardens. The series of ramps create new perspectives at varying heights. Attract the community by the participation of artisans, performers, organizations, actors and singers. Creativity and Italian cultural identity are expressed right from the five facades. The interior is read as a “small town”, which recalls the city’s historic value. The interior is mainly made up by plain concrete - not reflect the cultural values and the local identity that are successfully expressed by the exterior.
cafe labs offices support spaces
entr
ance
The ambiance is modern but cold and uninviting with a little too many design languages going on. In addition, the interior elements do not represent the center’s program stated in its name - ANIMA.
Cultural Center
Multipurpose Auditorium Recreation Spaces Events, Exhibitions Educational Spaces 2500-400 Seat Meeting Room
precedent
analysis
experiential design
spacial structure
children’s villages lavezzorio S O S community Center Architects: Location: Ownder Area: Year:
Studio Gang Architects Chicago, IL, USA SOS Children’s Villages 10,000 sqf - 25,000 sqf 2008
Community Engagement
local identity
nurture children Coordinating different settings throughout the open plane helps to maximize the space utilization. The open and naturally lit spaces and the multi-purpose main staircases offer a wide range of activities, as well as support wellness.
The community center provides spaces for educational enrichment with a focus on personal growth and encourages social interaction.
The color scheme is vibrant and happy, which creates a healthy and positive environment. Support local community through different foster related activities. The design does not focus on local identity.
food prep
mechan- sick ical room Main Hallway
office
infant day-care classroom
Day-care mechanstepped class rm ical seating Day-care Day-care class rm courtyard class rm
Lobby
playground
entrance
In the consideration of a tight budget, the materiality of the building is expressed in its most direct way. For example, the wavy concrete layered bands on the exterior are to reflect its liquid nature. Since the space will have many activities for kids going on at once, acoustical consideration is important. However, the open spaces along with most of the elements made in concrete do not provide much of the acoustical values.
cultural values
FOSTER Center Services for foster care Training foster parents Events, Reuniting siblings
N a n j in g community Center
Architects: Beijing Newsdays Architectural Design Co. Location: Nanjing, China 13,000 sqf Area: Year: 2013
Used to be the capital of China for several periods, Nanjing plays a significant role in Chinese history and culture. The design does not end at preserving the cultural elements but instead, modernizing them. “Like an installation in a contemporary box” - Cai Wenqi
preserve modenize Seamless flow between indoor and out creates a medley of funcitonal comfort and recalls the old Chinese architectural style. With the new materials, the space is transformed into a modern expression of Chinese history and culture.
A gathering space provided with luxury, comfort and tranquility.
With elements that express local environment and daily living modes, such as “rain in June in the South of Yangtze River”, the space effortlessly shares a special bond with the local community.
The design strongly reflects the Chinese culture through subtle references and the renovation process – recycling antique salvage
Promoting an ambiance of tranquility and luxury, the space is not suitable for social activities that require acoustical consideration.
community Center Old Clubhouse
precedent
analysis
experiential design
spacial structure
Community Engagement
showroom for
Architects: Location: Area: Year:
&tradition
branding human scale
NORM Architects Copenhagen, Denmark 13,000 sqf 2014
In its minimal setting, the “village” is constantly evolving with a new concept every six months. Even though sharing the same architectural style, each house has its own setting and function, which invites the visitors to explore every corner of the “village” and experience different moods, as well as seeing products displayed in multiple ways
Creating a showroom by building a cluster of minimalist “houses” in a former warehouse on Copenhagen’s Paper Island.
With a new concept every six months, the space is constantly transforming, which attracts and re-invites the visitors.
“This is a unique opportunity to be able to display the entire collection in one space and to show how our products work together in different settings,”
The 12 minimalist houses form into a “cityscape” with archetypical elements like “the city square, the church tower, the main streets, the alleys, the perfect grid and the imperfect irregularities that occur by chance”, a reminiscent of a Mediterranean village.
- &tradition brand director Martin Kornbek Hansen.
main event
Kvadrat House Tower Display
Workshop
Wardrobe & Kitchen
entrance
Meeting Room Display House
stage
local identity
The minimalist design successfully represents the company’s brand. Bringing some green elements to the space can help develop the idea of bringing the outside to the inside. Even though the products are displayed in different settings, lacking of home accessories makes the space feel more like a museum rather than providing home setting options.
cultural values
showroom event space
Showroom Large Multipurpose Space Meeting Space Offices
Conclusion
- Maximize space utilization - Configurable and constantly transforming - Apply a mix of selective architectural styles and design languages
- Capture the visitors’ curiosity through unexpected events and new perspectives - Strong visual expression - Recall of Vietnamese culture, tradition and history - Share a strong bond with the local community by reflecting daily life elements and events - Create a reminiscent of the city through sensual experiences
applications
- Reflect and introduce Vietnamese culture in not only the structure but also the furniture, lighting and other elements - Express the “old� in a modern way with materiality and technologies
- Represent Hochiminh city in its historical phases, different living modes and old architectural styles
- Offer a wide range of social activities - Provide gathering, community and event spaces - Invite the visitors to observe and participate in both of the design and manufacturing process - Occasionally have new concept for space configuration
china hanoi
myanmar laos thailand
sea
gulf of
vietnam
cambodia andaman
south china sea
hochiminh city
T hailand
The Socialist Republic of VIETNAM
malaysia
geography topography
128,000 sq mi Vietnam's climate is as complex as its topography. Although the country lies entirely within the tropics, its diverse range of latitude, altitude, and weather patterns produces enormous climatic variation. North Vietnam - two basic seasons: a cold, humid winter from November to April, and a warm, wet summer for the remainder of the year. Summer temperatures average around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 22 C), with occasional typhoons. The northern provinces of Central Vietnam share the climate of the North, while the southern provinces share the tropical weather of the South. South Vietnam is generally warm, the hottest months being March through May, when temperatures rise into the mid-90's (low-30's C). This is also the dry season in the south, followed by the April-October monsoon season.
HISTORY
CHINESE colonization 1000 years (200BC - 938AD)
Political Structure - Confucianism Social Culture Art Religion
vietnam independence french colonization
(950 - 1859)
*note: Nguyen Dynasty’s flag
(1874-1954)
Japanese invasion (1941-1945)
french indochina war (1945-1954)
vietnam civil war (1954-1975)
vietnam reunification & independence (1975-Present)
us support
The Socialist Republic of VIETNAM
CULTURE religion
Confucianism
Taosim
Buddhism
Roman Catholicism
0.4% Other religions The rest of the population is non-religious Religion has exerted a deep influence on Vietnamese culture and the Vietnamese concept of life. The religions of Vietnam are varied and rarely clear-cut. Although some people call themselves Buddhists, they do likely practice Confucian and Taoist principles, ancestral worship and a little animism, and superstitions as well. Actual beliefs have developed over centuries from a melting pot of many ideas.
45.3%
16,4%
8.2%
Holidays
The most important festival of the year is Tet, a week-long event in late January or early February that heralds the new lunar year and the advent of spring. Celebration consists of both raucous festivity (fireworks, drums, gongs) and quiet meditation. In addition to Tet, there are about twenty other traditional and religious festivals each year.
Nôm Characters
Nho Characters
Roman Letters (Current)
literature
The Vietnamese language has been influenced by Chinese more than any other language. Chinese was the language used by government officials, scholars, and artists during the thousand years that China ruled Vietnam, but Vietnamese remained the popular language. As a language, Vietnamese is exceptionally flexible and lyrical. Poetry plays a strong role in both literature and the performing arts.
folk art, music and others Folk art, which flourished before French colonization, has experienced a resurgence in beautiful woodcuts, village painting, and block printing. Vietnamese lacquer art, another traditional medium, is commonly held to be the most original and sophisticated in the world. Music, dance, and puppetry, including the uniquely Vietnamese water puppetry, are also mainstays of the country’s culture. The origin of Vietnamese music traces back nearly 4,000 years ago. Its variety ranges from ritual music, chamber music, ensemble music, folk music to theater and poetry accompaniment. It also differs depending on the regional traits found in the music. These traits identify the music as originating in the North, Central, South or Highland region of Vietnam.
vietnam (13th in
in general
Population: aprox. 90 millions the world) Density: 273.11/km2 Socioeconomic system: Communism Capital: Ha Noi Largest City: Hochiminh City Official language: Vietnamese Spoken language: Vietnamese, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and many minority and mountain area languages
Ethnic groups 85.7% Kinh (Major) 1.9% Tay 1.7% Tai 1.5% Muong 1.4% K’mer 1.1% Hoa 1.1% Nùng 1% Hmong 4.1% Others
Hochiminh City Founded in 1698 Renamed in 1976 Population: 7,955,000 Area: 2,297 km2 (809.23 sq mi)
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city, the greatest port, and the commercial and industrial center of Vietnam. It has a both international and dosmestic airport and is the focus of the country's highways, railroads, and Mekong delta waterways.
street l i f e
Saigon’s street life is one of its best assets.
The city never sleeps. Everywhere you look there is colour and movement. Each saigonese grew up with those images engraved in their mind, which results in their affection toward their beloved city.
Coffee culture:
“It’s coffee, but not as we know it. In Ho Chi Minh City, I learn to love the drink that fuels a nation” - Nicola Graydon
french colonial
architecture
There is definitely a French influence in Ho Chi Minh City that extends beyond their architecture. You can see it in their baugettes. There are many shops selling oil paintings and the Vietnam has it’s own artists and writers. But the Architecture is the most striking. French Colonial is a style of architecture used by the French during colonization. Many former French colonies, especially those in Southeast Asia, have inherited and applied the style on their buildings during that time.
Saigon, the former capital of South Viet-Nam, is famous for its colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and exciting bustling nightlife. The French laid out Saigon’s broad, tree-lined boulevards and erected imposing villas and public buildings. When they’re not working, Ho Chi Minh City’s residents are having fun. Food is a highlight here. The city is packed with eateries, ranging from simple sidewalk stalls to five-star hotel dining rooms. The juxtaposition of past and present is more visible here than anywhere else in Vietnam. Gleaming new skyscrapers tower above lavish French colonial villas. Imposing Soviet-style facades stand beside ancient pagodas. You’ll find yourself swept up by the city’s enthusiasm. Ho Chi Minh City is a shopper’s paradise, with trendy new boutiques and modern shopping centres just steps away from traditional open-air markets.
The goals of the project are to preserve and represent the traditional Vietnamese arts and crafts and its innovative applications. At the same time, it is also to support and raise awareness of the community, engage and educate the young generations through the production process and encourage local designers, artists to contribute to the improvement of the industry. Hopefully in a near future, the Vietnamese arts and crafts will be made known to the world. The project is a solution not only to the current challenges of one of the oldest industries in Vietnam but also to the contemporary issues of the young generations in its largest city.
INNOVATION IN APPLIED ARTS
engage - encourage
RAISE AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION
INTRODUCTION
project goals
PRESERVE - IMPROVE
JOB OPPORTUNITIES SUPPORT the COMMUNITY
april 30th
Park
For a city that is well known for its noise, chaotic traffic & general busyness, HCMC also has its fair share of very chilled out parks. 30/4 Park is one such place that offers a welcome break from the continually hectic environment. It is very popular with locals (especially the youths) & tourists alike, most people come here to people watch, relax or just enjoy the lovely environment.
Although located on a one-direction street, the building still has great potential for attracting visitors due to its active surrounding environment.
REUNIFICATION PALACE
Surrounded by Royal Palm trees, the dissonant 1960s architecture of this government building and the eerie mood that accompanies a walk through its deserted halls make it one of the most intriguing spectacles in Ho chi minh City. Each day, the palace welcomes thousands of tourists, both citizens and foreigners from all over the world.
Traffic Circulation Green Elements
entrance
Traffic Circulation
PUBLIC PARKING N
The existing French Colonial architectural elements also help accentuate the historic and cultural values that will be implemented in the building.
RECEPTION
multipurpose space
offices
cafe
Workshops
retail
exhibition
storage
spacial structure
experiential design
Maximize space utilization - configurable and constantly transforming (Occasionally have new concept for space configuration)
Capture the visitors’ curiosity through unexpected events and new perspectives with engaging sensual experiences.
Utilize provided capacity and materials for interactive and engaging spatial configurations, which provide a range of learning experiences and artistic opportunities
Provide a sequence of events that evokes a feeling of wonders and exploration
local identity Community Engagement Offer a wide range of social activities by providing gathering, community and event spaces that are adjacent the cafe - a “relax, recharge and connect� point Invite the visitors (especially the youth generation) to learn in depth the traditional techniques, its history and modern implementations, and to participate in both of the design and manufacturing process through the exhibition, workshops and occasional events
Create a reminiscent of the city through sensual experiences, and a mix of selective architectural styles and design languages
cultural values Introduce the selective Vietnamese traditional arts and crafts and its modern applications
Stakeholders
b enefits
INVESTORS
co-founders
visitors
The program meets all the programmatic requirements to create a facility where everyone can learn and participate in the preservation and innovation of the Vietnamese traditional arts and crafts.
The joined-business provides economical benefits and mutual support that promotes and expands each invidiual firm by creating a sturdy foundation, broadening the market, attracting various customers and investors.
The program is to educate the community about Vietnamese tradition, culture, arts and crafts, thus strengthen their identity, value and beliefs. It is also to encourage young artists and designers to produce new design utilizing traditional skills, as well as to raise aweareness and appreciation of the youth generation.
Indochina
(Indian + Chinese)
Buddhism: Enlightenment; Pink lotus
represents the highest deity - the Great Buddha himself Hinduism: eternity, purity, divinity, life, fertility, ever-renewing youth, expanding of the soul and spiritual awakening
Vietnam national flower for its cultural significance, symbolism, and popularity
Layers of Petals
Play off light and shadow, form and shape
The petal structure is a way of organising multiple speakers or stories around one central concept. It’s useful if you have several unconnected stories you want to tell or things you want to reveal – that all relate back to a single message. You tell your stories one by one before returning back to the centre. The petals can overlap as one story introduces the next but each should be a complete narrative in itself.
(endless knot) Symbolizing the Buddha’s endless wisdom and compassion
Eternity knot
In doing so, you can weave a rich tapestry of evidence around your central theory. Or strong emotional impressions around your idea. By showing your audience how all these key stories are related to one another, you leave them feeling the true importance and weight of your message.
Petal Structure
Saigon Chuyen is a storyteller who is constantly in the process of taking ancient
images and casting them into contemporary kinds of forms. Its purpose is to take the audience on a journey, leaving them feeling inspired and motivated.
Petal Structure
is one of the most efficient storytelling techniques for engaging the audiences. Inspired by the overlapping structure of the flower petals, the technique weaves different stories around one central topic. Thus, the audience will develop their imagination, understanding, connection and inspiration through layers of events, discovery and moments of surprise.
EXHIBITION
rattan
brocade
WORKSHOPs
RISING ACTION
RESOLUTION
CLIMAX
ceramics
EXPOSITION
cafe
retail
multipurpose space
EXPOSITION
RISING ACTION
CLIMAX
RESOLUTION
retail
rattan weaving
Storage
EXPOSITION
RISING ACTION
RESOLUTION
CLIMAX
kitchen
ceramics
exhibition
bar
restrooms
cafe seating
brocade
RECEPTION STAGE
Entrance Direct/ Adjacent Direct/ Sequence Close/ Convenient
Outdoor exposure Acoustics Privacy
Sunlight indoor outdoor
space planning Workshops Exhibition Retail Cafe/ Lounge Patio Not in Scope
7
8
9
10 14
15
5
6
11
1
furniture plan
cafe entrance
2
13
lounge
1 Exterior Entrance
9 Women’s restroom
2 Reception
10 Men’s restroom
3 Courtyard
11 Exhibition
4 Rattan weaving workshop
12 Retail
5 Brocade weaving workshop
13 Cafe
6 Ceramics workshop
14 Lounge
7 Janitory
15 Patio
brocade ceramics
storage
NIS
exhibition
patio
retail
cafe
2 1 rattan
8 ADA restroom Points of attraction
RECEPTION
1
2
main entrance
4
12
A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. - Marcus Garvey
3
CIRCULATION PATHS
Exterior Entrance
courtyard
RECEPTION
2
1
space planning Ceramics Exhibition Brocade Exhibition Rattan Exhibition Sneak-peak window
Interaction/ Engagement
Movement silhouette
Movement silhouette Sneak-peak window
experiential design
Feeling of wonders
World within worlds
Sculpture Pavillion - Aldo Van Eyck
cafe
lounge