The trend of exploiting traditional cultural values in architecture

In the context of globalization, the Vietnamese architecture industry is witnessing the rise of a trend of returning to the roots and exploiting traditional cultural values. This trend is not only seen through works winning the National Architecture Award but also in competitions for future architects and designers.

Loa Thanh Award is the most prestigious playground for architecture students in Vietnam. The award has honored thousands of excellent graduation projects, many of which stand out for their approach to national culture. A typical example is the project "Central Sea Culture Museum, Binh Thuan " by Tran Thi Chi (Van Lang University), which won second prize in the Loa Thanh Award 2023 and won first prize in the International Graduation Project Award (IGPA) in the same year.

The project is inspired by the coastal culture of Central Vietnam, with a design simulating the image of waves and fishing nets, harmoniously combined with the natural landscape. The museum space is organized in an open model, creating conditions for the local community to participate in cultural activities, while preserving traditional values such as fish sauce making and the Fishing Festival.

A product from the Project “New Dong Ho - 3D Dong Ho statue souvenir set and statue coloring set”. Photo provided by the Ministry of Education and Training

For future architects and designers, bringing value Traditional culture into specific, highly applicable products is a very popular direction. This can be seen through the architectural interior products that young designers have researched and created. In the 6th "Students with Startup Ideas" Contest - 2024, students from the Faculty of Interior Design, Hanoi Architectural University won second prize with the project "New Dong Ho - 3D Dong Ho statue souvenir set and statue painting set".

Using 3D printing technology combined with modeling software, students have "put on new clothes" for the characters in Dong Ho paintings. The product not only helps preserve and spread the beauty and traditional artistic values of Dong Ho folk paintings but also creates jobs for ordinary workers. Also a student of the Faculty of Interior Design, Hanoi Architectural University, young designer Ho Phuong Bao won the championship of the 2023 Vietnam Wooden Furniture Design Competition with the product "Hanoi chair" inspired by the architecture of village communal houses. This product set uses recycled wood, combining traditional carvings such as dragon and phoenix patterns, but is stylized to suit modern interior spaces. The design not only honors traditional carpentry but also demonstrates sophistication in combining aesthetics and practicality, in line with the popular green interior trend.

The trend of looking back to history and culture in architectural competitions is not only a return to traditional values but also a way for architecture students to dialogue with the modern social context. Award-winning works often demonstrate a combination of indigenous elements and global trends such as green architecture, sustainable development and digital technology. According to Professor, Doctor, Architect Nguyen Quoc Thong, former Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, selectively exploiting traditional cultural values in modern architectural design is a way to create unique works and products that are both modern and imbued with national identity.

The good news is that there are more and more competitions for architecture students to showcase their talents, creating opportunities for them to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Vietnamese cultural identity. The winning works are often highly practical, reflecting the sensitivity of the younger generation to social issues such as urbanization, climate change, and the risk of cultural heritage being lost. Architecture competitions also help students practice their research skills, creative thinking, and practical application. Many award-winning projects have attracted the attention of localities and businesses, opening up opportunities for students to participate in real projects, thereby affirming the role of the younger generation in shaping the future of Vietnamese architecture.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/xu-huong-khai-thac-gia-tri-van-hoa-truyen-thong-trong-kien-truc-5055316.html