05:51, 06/08/2023
Hue architects have just held the third discussion on architectural issues in this urban area, with the hope of presenting to management levels positive opinions on the choice of preserving and promoting the values of the ancient capital's architectural works. This once again raises the question of the need to find standards and locate suitable architectural motifs for developing urban areas such as Buon Ma Thuot City.
Lasting value in urban architecture
Architect Dieu Quang Hung ( Dak Lak ) recognizes that each urban area has a different "soul" state, related to its development history and residential habits. Architectural culture is a clear expression of that state. The more historical and long-standing the residential community, the more distinct the architectural nuances, the higher the harmony between old and new in architectural works. Respecting the old and developing the new is the spirit that architects and urban architectural managers must demonstrate.
In the course of history, it is necessary to see that between Buon Ma Thuot City and some urban areas, including Hue, there is a certain association. That is the mark of French architecture during the colonial period. Buon Ma Thuot, along with Da Lat, are urban areas in the highlands with clear marks of French architecture. Hue, with the position of a capital when the French were present to manage the colony, was also influenced by the construction of works in the French style, as a way to show the intellectual protection. Therefore, in the existing works to this day in Hue, Buon Ma Thuot, traces of French architecture are there, which is historical evidence.
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| The house model with a long and sloping roof is considered suitable for Buon Ma Thuot urban architecture. Photo: Huu Hung |
The problem raised by Hue architects is how to preserve the “original” architectural values of Hue, as a capital city of the Nguyen Dynasty, demonstrating the intellectual strength of an independent and self-reliant nation. These are the motifs of ancient houses, royal and aristocratic garden houses, with pure Vietnamese architecture, three-room houses with two wings, “with a lotus pond in front and a flower garden in the back”…
Those buildings are not tall and multi-storey, harmonizing the natural landscape of trees and grass with the structure of the building, which is mostly made of bamboo, wood and natural materials. Preserving these architectural models is a mindset that grasps the lasting values of urban architecture in Hue. As for the French colonial architectural models in Hue, there needs to be a scientific assessment to preserve them in a more updated, modern spirit, more suitable to the lifestyle of local people.
From this perspective, Mr. Dieu Quang Hung believes that the architecture of houses in Buon Ma Thuot also needs to have a perspective of preserving traditional values, in addition to updating new, more modern and civilized architectural models.
Roofed houses in the highlands
According to Mr. Hung and his architect colleagues working in Buon Ma Thuot City, the architectural model that should be prioritized for construction in this highland urban area is houses with roofs, keeping the traditional Ede long-house roof as much as possible. Some constructions during the French colonial period followed this spirit, with very high, wide roofs, tight structures that tightly hug the buildings, preventing leaks and not collapsing.
The houses are usually only two stories, located in the middle of large gardens, with priority given to the backyard with lush fruit trees. The division of living rooms in the houses depends on the homeowner's intention, but there should be spacious and formal living spaces, as has been the custom of the Central Highlands people for generations.
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| Many new business premises in the center of Buon Ma Thuot tend to choose traditional house architecture. |
“We should not follow the model of houses built in urban areas with a high proportion of concrete, and should not build high-rise buildings in the heart of Buon Ma Thuot. Choosing low-rise houses is suitable for today's social context, the typical family does not have many children and grandchildren anymore, and also corresponds to the concept of the Central Highlands having a large land area and few people,” architect Dieu Quang Hung suggested.
According to Mr. Hung, what is worth learning from Western architecture is that the landscape is respected in residential buildings. Most private houses are garden houses with open spaces. Street-front houses still have a small front yard and a small garden behind the house to grow flowers. If these house layout planning models are harmoniously combined with the traditional sloping roof house model, Buon Ma Thuot City and other urban areas in the Central Highlands will certainly be very aesthetic, luxurious and have long-term value.
Architect Dieu Quang Hung’s viewpoint may not represent all architects in the Central Highlands. However, compared to the proposed activities that architects in Hue are demonstrating, the concerns of architects with the urban area of Buon Ma Thuot are really necessary. Finding the right standard architectural model for this highland urban area will always be a question worth asking.
Because according to Mr. Hung, the image of new urban areas, which are modeled after large Western cities or those at both ends of the country, is really not suitable for the landscape, land and people here. Managers need to listen more, so that the urban architecture of Buon Ma Thuot can be constantly improved!
Nguyen Duc
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