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HCMC – Inheritance and continuation of architectural heritage

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Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City was established and developed for over 300 years. To make the appearance today, the history of architecture and construction of the city has gone through four phases: pre-establishment from the beginning of the opening to 1858, French colonial 1862-1954, 1954-1975 and from 1975 to present. . In which, in the period 1954-1975, there were many works whose architecture needed to be inherited and continued.

Reunification Palace (built in 1966, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu). Modern, convenient For a long time, when it comes to architectural-historical heritages, we often refer to the works built from early 1865 to about 1920 with European architectural style, including the Notre Dame Cathedral. , City Post Office, Western Palace (now the headquarters of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City), Opera House, People’s Court, Continental Hotel … But there is a line of architectural products created after 1954 according to the modern school, although the number of imprinted works is not much, but they are used very usefully until today. After 1954, there appeared a large contingent of architects (architects) in Saigon who were well trained from the US, France, Italy and the country. Among them are many famous architects such as Ngo Viet Thu, To Cong Van, Pham Van Thang, Nguyen Quang Nhac, Nguyen Huu Thien, Nguyen Ba Lang, Bui Quang Hanh … They have laid the foundation for a modern architecture. international but still retaining national spirit and suitable for tropical climate. From 1954 to 1975 due to many reasons such as war, the ability to concentrate financial resources and human resources was limited, the number of large-scale construction works was not much. In addition to Tan Son Nhat airport, Saigon Bridge, Bien Hoa Highway, Dai Han Highway, in Saigon appeared a number of modern architectural works, considered the highlight of the inner city. Specifically, about 13 architectural works are considered valuable as the US Embassy Building (wiped out), Independence Palace (1966 – now Reunification Palace), Reunification Hospital (1972), Cho Hospital Ray (1974), Caravelle hotels (1957), Palace (1972), Rex (1959), Arc-en-ciel in Cholon, Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF), Credit Bank on Ham Street Nghi, General Science Library (1967), Xa Loi Pagoda (1958), and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (1971). The common feature of these buildings is modernity in design, building materials and adaptability. At this time, Saigon imported new building materials from the US and Japan such as betong, steel, aluminum, glass, stainless steel, ceramic tiles, artificial wood and modern interior equipment (elevators, machines, etc.). air conditioning), along with modern construction techniques and machinery, allows architects and engineers to build monumental, tall buildings. Even Vinh Nghiem pagoda compared to other pagodas at that time was considered to have a very modern design, using new building materials, functional space layouts that are very reasonable compared to traditional temples, especially the handling convection airflow to create ventilation, even though many people still do not feel frustrated and suffocated. In general, these works follow the school of “functionalism”, oriented to utility, used thoroughly in service of life, without cumbersome decoration, simple colors, clear architectural language, lines. decisively, by straight book. The decoration if any is not pure “aestheticism” but serves other functions. For example, the facade of Thong Nhat Hospital uses a wall of flowers and wind, not only beautifying but also shielding the sun and wind, contributing to highlight the block. It can be said that the construction works of this period influenced the American pragmatism “beauty is usefulness”, so there is almost no excess area and layout. Any space, whether narrow, aisle, a balcony, a doorway or a lawn, is carefully calculated and benefits the user. Bold traditional culture In these 12 buildings, most have the architecture of square or rectangular boxes stacked vertically like the Caravelle hotels, Palace, or arranged horizontally like the General Library, but they are intertwined. with each other and with the surrounding works is very harmonious, high aesthetic. Some modern architectural works but bring the spirit of traditional culture, for example, the front of the Independence Palace is designed in the shape of bamboo and bamboo sticks to both shade the sun, reduce heat from the outside, and both restrict direct views into the interior of the palace; or the front of the General Library is decorated with dragon mascots, stylized phoenixes. In fact, these works are not too unique in terms of architecture, but anyone who has the opportunity to visit will be impressed, because each work brings a few unforgettable images. For example, Thong Nhat Hospital gives the impression of a curved slope on both sides leading into the first floor with a large welcome roof in the entrance hall like an embrace, both convenient for patients and vehicles to access the hospital. , creating a beautiful, friendly landscape. Or the bevelled face of the Rex Hotel, the curved facade of the Palace Hotel also makes a strong impression. With the usefulness and reasonableness, after 1975 these works were put to use right to their original design functions. Due to development needs, at these locations, new projects were built in the Caravelle Hotel, or renovated the terrace at the Rex Hotel, other works were kept intact, just painted, repaired and maintained. . After more than 50 years, these works are still in good condition. In particular, in the process of embellishing and renovating the city, many old buildings have to be demolished, but these 12 works are still preserved, except for the entrance to Vinh Ngem pagoda, which has to be moved to 3m due to the expansion of the South Road Ky Khoi Nghia. After 1990, Ho Chi Minh City has sprung up many modern, high-rise constructions such as Bitexco, Landmark 81, and large apartment buildings of Vinhomes, Novaland … compared to it, 12 works before 1975 are very modest. . However, their images have been imprinted in the memories of many people, especially Saigonese residing overseas, and every time they return to their home country, they walk through these works to find their memories of a while. It is fair to say that these works are not only of historical value of a period, they are still of use and aesthetic value up to now. The academic and classic nature of their architecture and the authors deserve a place on HCMC’s list of structures in need of preservation, when in just fifty years they will become more precious heritage. 100 years old.

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