From 1954-1975, Saigon, under the management of the national government at the time, with the social situation had a temporary period of peace, the economy was developed, the urban attraction increased, leading to the urbanization rate. rapidly developing. Since the 1960s, the economy has depended on massive aid from allied capitalist countries, especially the United States. Saigon urban area has the opportunity to develop further. The networks of roads and main roads were expanded and newly built. The population of Saigon at that time was more than three million people and had become a huge metropolis, a population center, a center of employment and a refugee camp. The Library of General Science, designed by architect Nguyen Huu Thien and architect Bui Quang Hanh, completed in 1972, is highly appreciated for its architectural solutions to adapt to hot, humid tropical climates and heavy rains. In the early 1970s, due to the economic investment policy to attract foreign capital, the city’s industry developed strongly, and a series of large-scale enterprises appeared. In parallel with the development of technical infrastructure, traffic, electricity, water; social infrastructure, public works, commerce, services, large residences, buildings, hospitals, universities are invested and developed with higher quality than before. In addition, a large number of highly qualified and numerous scientific and technical workers, technical workers and craftsmen were born. In which, a team of Vietnamese architects trained from many domestic and foreign sources such as France and the US have met the design and construction needs of Saigon. Based on the contemporary socio-economic foundation, construction activities developed together with close exchanges with Western capitalist countries have created conditions for art movements in the world to be imported into Vietnam. freely. In which, the popular international modern architectural style has contributed to changing the appearance of Saigon architecture. This architectural style has begun to gradually replace the cumbersome and restrictive Western classical and neoclassical architectural forms before, making Saigon architecture bring many elements of a modern urban architecture. compared to other countries in Asia at this time. Notably, most of these architectural works are designed and constructed by a team of Vietnamese architects who meet international modern standards. The stylized stilt house standing on the lake and the flower wall on the reading room façade is a reasonable solution. Columns, beams, cantilevered roofs, roofs reaching out from the walls are familiar traditional images . The trend of modern architecture when entering our country has been applied by the architects to suit the local climatic conditions and has formed the style of “tropical modern architecture”. In fact, this style appears almost widely in countries with tropical climates such as Brazil of South America, some South African countries, South Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka or from Southeast Asian countries. They have the common characteristics of simple shapes, high-rise buildings, reinforced concrete construction materials, aluminum and glass, high functional value, use of detailed structure of couches, sunshades and corridors in accordance with the requirements of the project. humid tropical climate. However, a special feature is that “tropical modern architecture” in Saigon has been skillfully combined by Vietnamese architects between Western modern technical elements and Eastern culture, exploiting the traditional architectural features in the building. The harmony between architecture, people and nature has made these buildings truly worthy contemporary works to be treasured. Tropical features and Saigon nuances Referring to the typical architectural works of this period, it is impossible not to mention the Independence Palace by the architect. Ngo Viet Thu and his associates designed. My colleagues also have an analysis of this work in the same issue, however, I still want to emphasize, this is a work that shows a harmonious combination of Western and Eastern cultural elements. , creating a project with a “tropical modern” style as a monumental highlight at the end of Le Duan street. Independence Palace seen from above. Photo: Zing The facade architecture of the building is divided into three solid – hollow – and solid pieces, which partly repeats the layout of the previous Norodom Palace, however, can also recall the silhouette of the traditional three-room, two-gable house, similar correspond to the functional areas inside. The ground floor is designed with large glass doors to bring trees and water surface into the building as much as possible. The prominent image on the façade is the unique “stone flower curtain”, the author’s name for his work. Because the facade of the building faces East – North, in order to have a lot of natural light and still limit solar radiation, the author has cleverly combined Western technical materials with traditional aesthetic concepts. The tradition creates the image of the curtain, making people think of the images of the shuttle or the bamboo structures, which are symbols of the gentleman in the concept of the Eastern people. They bring a very familiar feeling to Vietnamese people. Inside the flower curtain is a wide and long porch filled with light, reminiscent of a porch in folk architecture. The indoor spaces are created by the author according to the principle of natural ventilation and open space to exploit the surrounding landscape and also to suit the climate here. Even the roof insulation solution is taken care of. The roof has a two-layer floor structure, the bottom is a bearing concrete layer, the top is a heat-resistant knitting sheet placed on a brick pillow 40cm from the floor, it is thanks to the convection air cushion in the middle that should keep the indoor temperature at all times. cool either. At the same time, in the work, some specific materials are used such as washing stone, grinding stone to paint the walls, but there are people who put the Independence Palace in the category of “tropical architecture that creates Saigon’s nuances in the overall design of the city.” Vietnamese contemporary architecture”. In 1972, the construction of the General Science Library designed by architects Nguyen Huu Thien and Bui Quang Hanh was completed. The work is located in a quite favorable position in the city center, opposite the old Gia Long Palace – now the City Revolution Museum – at the corner of Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Ly Tu Trong streets today. The authors have combined the building block in functionalism by creating two blocks with a clear geometric shape but cleverly arranging them to contrast each other. The horizontal block is the reading room and the vertical block is the bookstore, along with the solid and hollow façade solution to bring unexpected and impressive visual effects. Although this is a tactic that we often encounter in some modern Western works, here the authors have shown the consistency from content to form an architectural solution adapted to the situation. The climate is tropical with lots of sunshine and lots of rain. At the same time, the authors also know how to skillfully combine Western aesthetic elements and traditional Vietnamese elements to create a work with unique nuances. General Science Library Architecture. Photo: Flickr That is the architectural treatment of the facade of the bookstore with solid walls running in the horizontal direction, symbolizing books stacked on top of each other and leaving only small window slots just enough to get light, to Avoid direct sunlight to yellow the documents inside. Or like the image of a stylized stilt house standing on a lake in a cubic layout of the building’s facade, the ground floor floor is raised from the ground to bring a sense of closeness and enjoyment but without losing the grandeur of House. Because the work is facing northwest – southeast, the use of a flower wall on the facade of the reading room block is quite reasonable, both against solar radiation and creating ventilation for the corridors and rooms inside. . Especially here the authors have modernized traditional architectural elements to create decorative motifs that are extremely expressive, bringing great success. The work that makes a strong and unforgettable impression is thanks to this flower wall. The building is no longer a homogeneous box-shaped block, but has used many elements of traditional wooden architecture such as columns, beams, cantilever, roof raced out from the wall, even the familiar bare surfaces of the building. The large wall panels in modern architectural style are also treated with stone materials and decorated with dragon and phoenix reliefs. The shapes and details show that the Vietnameseization as well as the tropicalization of modern architecture at the Library of General Science has reached its peak. University of Medicine and Pharmacy project. Photo: MINH@K It is possible to point out another project, which is the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Located in a large campus, with a distributed layout but the blocks are linked together by rows of covered corridors on all three floors, so the circulation between functional blocks is quite convenient. It is also thanks to this layout that the building organically connects with the gardens, trees, water surface, weaving in the campus to create a fresh atmosphere, softening the harsh sun of the climate. It also demonstrates the application of the principles of the school of organic architecture that such masters as Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto, Richards Neutra have proposed. Although there is a limitation of square shapes, but due to the way of creating a liberal floor plan, due to the flexible solution of space, it has been quite closely combined between the indoor and outdoor spaces. between architectural works and nature in a harmonious and lively manner. The project of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy is a very successful example of a solution against solar radiation. For the east and west facing facades, a vertical and thick slat system combined with the corridor was used. As for the south and north facing sides, the corridor solution is combined with the mixed roof system. The blocks are linked together thanks to the corridors covered with all three floors, so the circulation between the functional blocks is quite convenient and organically connected with the gardens, trees, and the sun. country. This is also a successful work on solutions against solar radiation. For the facades facing east and west, a thick and vertical slat system in combination with the corridor was used. As for the south and north facing sides, the corridor solution is combined with the mixed roof system. Photo: MINH@K In general, the architecture of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy has a high consistency thanks to the use of a wide corridor system solution combined with blue forms, herringbone stairs, whitewashed stone walls that stand out on the green background of trees. All of them create a very typical style of “Saigon tropical architecture”. Although there are only a few typical examples in the overall picture of Saigon urban architecture in the period 1954-1975, it also gives us an idea that Saigon architecture in this period has taken a step forward. outstanding, both adapting to the tropical climate and meeting the needs of the new urban lifestyle of the people here. Whenever mentioning this period, everyone is proud of an architecture with the common name “tropical modernization”, a title favored by many international researchers. With a fairly smooth combination between modernity and ethnicity in architecture, between architectural, climatic and human factors, the works in this period really laid a solid foundation for the the next step of contemporary Vietnamese architecture. Posts: Assoc. Nguyen Khoi

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.

Specifically, passengers with Vietnamese, Vietnamese, Hoan, Toan, Thong, Nhat names traveling on flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will receive special gifts, including aircraft models and vouchers up to 75% off. domestic journey fares when buying tickets via website or mobile app of Vietnam Airlines. The lucky guests received a surprise gift from the airline – Photo: Vu Tuan The bustling atmosphere of the holiday was also spread by the National Airlines from the Lotus Lounge to the flights across the domestic network during the peak days. Deploying the prevention and fighting against epidemic closely, passengers are checked their body temperature – Photo: Vu Tuan Lotus living room is specially decorated during holidays In particular, to commemorate the historic moment when the flag of the provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam was lifted onto the roof of the Independence Palace, at 11:30 on April 30, all flights of Vietnam Airlines will At the same time, the song “Like Uncle Ho on a great day of victory”. On one flight, the song was performed by the flight attendant of Vietnam Airlines when the plane was at an altitude of over 10,000 m. The flight attendants sang “Like Uncle Ho on a Happy Day” on the flight Photo: Vu Tuan Facing increased travel demand in the period April 30 and May 5, Vietnam Airlines Group (including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and VASCO) provided more than 610,000 seats, equivalent to nearly 3,200 flights.

– Anh Toan! 843 is stopping at the front, how is my car? – Just run! – Toan was determined. Exercising to release the clutch, the car leapt up and slowly increased its speed, saw the white tall house behind the iron fence on the right-hand side, on the roof was a three-striped flag. Toàn affirmed: “Here is the Independence Palace” and shouted: – Speed ​​up the entrance to the main gate! When the engine twisted and died, Hoa hastily stepped on the clutch and pressed the start button. The sound of engine gears started working but could not pull the tank engine, he thought very quickly in his mind: “Since the gearbox is still at number three, the battery cannot pull the engine” and hurriedly pulled the gear lever back zero”. The stubborn gear lever lay still, not moving like teasingly. Fire loosened his hand and stepped on the clutch twice, then gritted his teeth and yanked, but still couldn’t. Turning to the right, Than saw the 390 approaching vehicle, he asked Hoa: – Mars is it? – The car is stuck in gear, can’t start the engine! – Fire pulled the shift lever and answered. Kidney raised his head and put his eyes on the driver’s glasses and looked as if he were fascinated in the ivory-white four-story house in front of him. That was the main aim of this battle, of this whole war and now it is right in front of you, the sooner you conquer it, the sooner the war ends and will be less. how much blood is shed. In a moment, images of the Soviet Red Army soldiers holding flags on the roof of the German National Assembly and our troops flagging flags on the roof of the Do Cat tunnel in Dien Bien Phu appeared in the mind of Than. The house is still lying silent and full of mystery. Who knows what are behind those windows, the pillars, and is there a gunman aiming at you? To get here, you had to go through so many dirt roads, so many bones and blood filled it. There is only a little more left, even sacrificing right here is not wasted. But there is still your car behind you, and so many of your comrades are coming, they will protect you and avenge you. Thinking so, Than decided to jog in, he told the car: – If I don’t see me down after a while, I’ll be dead, and you guys will keep hitting the palace with how many bullets. After saying that, Than turned on the door, the head of the car protruded from the antenna and took the flag of liberation. At that moment, the 390 car arrived in front of the Dinh gate, Xi slightly reduced the oil pedal and pulled the right handlebar to the “planet” position, the car turned 90 degrees opposite the main gate. Practice increasing the oil leg rushed into the gate, one gate collapsed, the other wing swung to a tilt, following the momentum of the 390 car rushing into the Palace yard. Kidney has removed the flag, he jumped down and ran across the lawn 390 next to the main door, a few shadows glimpsed holding the camera in front. From the car, Toàn saw that Than held a jogging flag next to his car. Thinking in his stomach: “How dangerous! I know how the enemy forces in the palace are but he got out of the car like that “, Toàn reminded Xi: – Reduce speed! Let’s run slowly. Meanwhile, on the side of vehicle 843, Hoa put the gear lever to “zero” and pressed the start button, the engine immediately exploded. He stepped back a little, and then plunged into the yard 390 behind the car. Fire accelerated the vehicle to run parallel to the 390, the two cars acting as two guards on either side for his company captain. Tank of the Liberation Army entered the Independence Palace in the afternoon of April 30, 1975. Photo: Tran Mai Huong / VNA. Both cars rushed to the front hall of the palace, then stopped. Company Captain Than, still holding the flag, ran up the steps and disappeared behind the door. Politician Vu Dang Toan ordered: – Mr. Phuong took 12 cups of 7, the whole car was ready to protect Mr. Than and me. After giving orders, Toàn turned on the door cover, stole his AK, and jumped down and ran after Than into the palace. Company deputy company Le Phuong put on the second gun and embraced the 12-mm gun. On the side of the 843 vehicle, Nguyen Van Ky also put the door on. Both looked as if glued to the palace, hands held ready to pull the trigger. Hoa and Xi remained seated, they kept the second gear and stopped with the handlebars, like this, if you just push the two levers forward, the car will jump right up. On the gunners’ seats, Minh and Nguyen were also glued to the flat glass, the cannon barrels were still pointed straight at the palace, two thumbs were pre-placed on the trigger button. Running behind the 843 car a few hundred meters, Trang clearly saw the situation ahead. When he saw the car 843 stopped, Trang was heartbroken because she was worried about Hoa, not understanding what had happened, he told Tho: – Pay close attention! See who is dangerous, then shoot! Having said that, Trang accelerated, the car rammed on the wide road without a shadow. About a few hundred meters, Trang suddenly saw the 390 running from the right and then turned an extremely skillful “planet” right in front of the main gate. Behind the 390 car were some cars of company 4 and company 3, even a K63-85 wading in some way came here. Trang breathed a sigh of relief. As the cars 843 and 390 approached the hall, the next tank formation spread out in an arc on the grass, forming a tight embrace of the palace. The cannons were still glaring glaring at the palace, ready to release the bullets. Dozens of 550-horsepower engines were still roaring like war elephants still intoxicated by gunfire smoke. A few seconds later, there was no movement, the sound of the engine fading, then completely shutting off, the door covers burst open. Out of the car, bodies jumped out to embrace each other, cheering happily, dozens of working hats bounce off. The two-shot cannon rotates 12 cups and 7 into the sky and pulls the chest of 50 bullets. Behind the cars, armored vehicles carrying infantry were also flocking outside the gate. The infantry vehicle also raised a gun to the sky to discharge cartridges. Where the journalists hid just now, they did not know now, they were quite crowded, taking pictures and taking photos. The guards and staff in the palace had been gathered in a row on the right side of the courtyard in a very orderly manner … Plunging the 380 “broke his lips” into the water tank in the middle of the palace yard, Trang stopped. He just opened the driver’s door and saw Tho jump down, the two brothers hugged each other and jumped, his mouth screaming like a child during the festival. On vehicle 381, platoon leader Tri stole an AK from his armpit and stood at the top of the turret, shouting loudly: – Pay attention! Drivers and second cannons are not allowed to leave the vehicle! The rest follow me to the palace! Tho left Trang to rush to the palace. Trang and the driver wavered to watch their teammates rushing into the palace like a waterfall. A journalist with a camera arm held out was facing Trang. At this point, Trang noticed me. The clothes worn from the 27th until now were still stained with red dirt, rubber forest and grease, and many places were still stained with cannon blood. More harmful, somehow, the left leg of his pants tore a line from the knee down to the bottom of his pants. Confused, Trang turned away and slipped into the driver’s seat. It was while sitting in the driver’s seat looking around Trang that fully felt the great event that he and his teammates contributed to and witnessed, Trang understands from now on. The war has completely ended, no more blood, no more death … Looking down at the cruise clock, Trang saw 3,100 on the odometer, he suddenly thought of the road that many generations had passed to reach this final destination today. A thought flashed through her mind, Trang hastily took out the torn “undivided” notebook and scribbled: “When the tank stopped in front of the Independence Palace I was surprised – is this really a dream? The last kilometer – intense battle Is it coming? Two eyes suddenly blurred. Saigon – April 30, 1975 noon. Trang’s eyes were really blurred, he knew that in order to reach this destination today, to this “last kilometer”, many people had to shed blood and sacrifice. Only this “move four” only ten of his teammates have permanently returned their youth on the journey of fighting. Just the other day, Nguyen Kim Duyet, two main cannon of this 380 vehicle, fell down with only a backpack of books. Trang folded her notebook, pressed her forehead against the driver’s door, and closed her eyes to contain her emotions. When he was calmed down, Trang looked up, and on the roof of the Independence Palace, his company leader Than was pulling the liberation flag onto the flagpole. The middle red green flag has a yellow star tinged with gun smoke and a bullet-wound hole in the wind fluttering in the blue sky of April Saigon.

This was a challenge because the requirement was to produce an unconnected whole rug, up to 27 meters long, 11 meters across, a total of about 300 square meters, which is very large. The weavers are trimming the watermarks and trimming the flowers on the giant rug located in the Independence Palace ceremony room at the Dong Hung carpet weaving factory. The picture in the Saigon book looks back a hundred years. Realizing this sheet, Mr. Binh considered the continuation of the tradition of his hometown’s Hang Kenh weaving profession, making the carpet for the most important mansion in the South. To make a large carpet, there must be a large loom, Mr. Binh himself had to design a giant loom made entirely of wood, with a trunk of a wood with a diameter of 50 centimeters. A document showing his own drawing and the Gia Dinh Fine Arts School made. To weave the carpet, Mr. Binh built his own workshop, with up to 60 artisans and craftsmen directly sitting and weaving. The carpet is located in the Independence Palace Palace room built in 1966. Photo: The TGTD newspaper episode XVI number 1. The mat is exactly the same size as above, 1.8 inch thick. The main tone of the carpet is red, the white daisies are scattered prominently on the red background and the border has blue patterns. The design is generally luxurious and modern, elegant and no frills. This giant carpet is heavy and very bulky. When bringing the carpet into the room to use a crane and many helpers. The carpet was used regularly for nine years in the Khanh Tiet room, the largest room of the palace with an area of ​​448 square meters, where it was used to hold large meetings, entertain guests with solemn ceremonies from 1966 until 1975. Fix the carpet in the Unification hall. Photo: Hans Peter Grumpe. It was not until 1991 that this large rug was repaired and thankfully, German photographer Hans Peter Grumpe came to capture this rug repair scene. Dong Hung carpet weaving company probably ended in 1975. The pictures here are published from The Gioi Tu Do, volume IX, number 9 and volume X number 5 (no publication date, about the second half. 1960s) are the remnants of a time when Saigon has developed a proud high-class wool carpet weaving industry.