Why are castles and neoclassical architecture springing up so rapidly in Vietnam?

'The architecture of this region or that in Europe is now present in urban areas and resort projects throughout Vietnam. When will our architecture be strong enough to overwhelm all those outdated foreign trends?'.

European neoclassical architecture springs up all over Vietnam - Photo: QUANG THE

Architect Le Truong - Chairman of the Vietnam Furniture Association - expressed his concerns about the profession in the discussion "Vietnam's architectural interior trends 2026-2030" taking place until the evening of June 6 in Hanoi .

The program attracted a large number of participants from researchers, business organizations, architects, and many domestic and international designers, with lively discussions about architectural and interior design trends in Vietnam lasting until the evening of the same day.

Why?

The hottest topic discussed at the seminar was the trend of foreign-style worship in Vietnamese interior and architecture; and the question of when our architecture and interior will have a clear and distinct portrait among the "faces" of world architecture.

Architect Le Truong - Chairman of Vietnam Furniture Association - shared at the seminar - Photo: Organizing Committee

Architect Le Truong - Chairman of the Vietnam Furniture Association, said that with the current aesthetic chaos, people (customers) will approach whatever is most eye-catching.

Therefore, most private houses today are built in neoclassical architecture, or castles, becoming a strong trend that is deeply ingrained in society.

And all the rich people, with high positions in society, choose to build and buy houses in that style.

Interior design trends "disconnect" and heal

Presenting about the global movements that will shape interior trends in the next 5 years, Ms. Gemma Riberti - director of the trend forecasting organization World Global Style Network, presented one of the interior design trends that is to take advantage of connectivity but still leave space for users to disconnect, to live truly in the physical environment...

Another trend is helping consumers heal through restorative spaces and design.

As a result, the architecture of this region or that in Europe is now widely present in urban areas and resort projects throughout the provinces and cities.

"When will our architecture be strong enough to overcome all those outdated foreign trends?" Mr. Truong asked and answered himself that this reality will continue.

"We have just moved from a backward society to a more prosperous society. People's knowledge is also limited. So now we have to accept the reality that neoclassical architecture and castle architecture are springing up like mushrooms," said Mr. Truong.

According to Associate Professor Vu Hong Cuong - Head of the Department of Interior Design, Hanoi University of Architecture - the Vietnamese people's foreign-oriented mentality puts Vietnamese architecture and interior design at great risk of losing its identity.

However, Mr. Cuong admitted that it is difficult for Vietnamese people to avoid this foreign trend in interior design because Vietnamese interior design does not have any significant products for people to choose from.

Associate Professor, Dr. Vo Hong Cu said that if Vietnamese people prefer foreign products, but if they don't, Vietnamese interior design has few good options for users - Photo: BTC

30-35 years from now, Vietnam's architecture and interior design will have a portrait

Regarding the question of when Vietnamese architecture and interior design will be able to establish itself in the international arena, architect Hoang Thuc Hao said this depends on human resources.

Before 1954, Mr. Trinh Huu Ngoc had such difficulties but he alone established a workshop and designed furniture very successfully. The tables and chairs made by his MEMO workshop, after nearly 100 years of use, are still beautiful and valuable.

If Vietnam had 100 Mr. Huu Ngoc, it would define its architecture and interior design.

Mr. Truong said that our architecture and interior design today have their own identity. But from identity to becoming a distinct architectural portrait recognized in the world, it requires synthesis, refinement, long-term practice and a systematic process, carried out and coordinated by many organizations.

Mr. Truong predicts that it will take 30-35 years, with a methodical roadmap and thoughtful planning, for Vietnam to begin to form a defining portrait.

Associate Professor Vu Hong Cu proposed a solution for Vietnamese architecture and interior design to be recognized on the world map. That is, only by going into identity and tradition can we go out into the world.

"We must go into ourselves to go out into the world. If we just follow the world, we will never be equal, we will always fall behind. But simply exploiting traditional techniques will make us wither. We need to absorb and adapt to world trends to renew our traditional identity," he said.

Trend 26+, the first publication predicting interior trends 2026-2030 in Vietnam - Photo: T.DIEU

On this occasion, the interior trend forecast publication called Trend 26+ was officially released.

Associate Professor Vu Hong Cu said the publication synthesizes practical experience from many countries around the world to build a theoretical basis for Vietnamese design and architectural practices.

Architect Phan Dang Son - Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Architects - assessed that Trend 26+ will contribute a valuable foundation for architecture - interior design to have more opportunities to blossom and bear fruit, imbued with local character, reaching out to integrate internationally...

BIRD OF PARADISE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-lau-dai-va-kien-truc-tan-co-dien-moc-len-am-am-o-viet-nam-202506070029372.htm