Beyond being a mere art book, Hanoi Architecture: The Cultural Intersection of Vietnam and France stands as an academic historical work, offering a fresh and artistic perspective on the architectural beauty of Hanoi through various historical periods.
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| The book presents a sweeping panorama of French colonial architecture in Hanoi, showcasing its evolution over time. |
Serving as a historical chronicle of Hanoi, the book guides readers on a journey through the city’s architectural landscape, exploring its transformation across three distinct parts: Ancient Thang Long-Hanoi, Colonial Hanoi, and Post-1954 Hanoi. Part 1 delves into the ancient roots of the city, while Part 2 uncovers the fusion of Western and Eastern architectural styles during the colonial era, including Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, and Indochine influences. Part 3 reveals how Hanoi’s architecture continued to evolve, blending global trends with local culture.
As readers delve into the book, they will feel as though they are stepping back in time, exploring 18 representative architectural masterpieces from different eras. From the Presidential Palace and Hanoi Opera House to the Supreme People’s Court and Hoa Lo Prison, each structure tells a story of Hanoi’s rich history and cultural exchange. The book also highlights the skilled integration of traditional Vietnamese decorative elements within colonial-era buildings, showcasing the unique blend of cultures that defines Hanoi’s architectural heritage.
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| The book is a bilingual publication, accessible to both Vietnamese and French readers. |
Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Chairman of AA Architecture Construction Joint Stock Company, emphasizes the significance of architecture as the pinnacle of creative synthesis between fine arts and construction science. “This book,” he says, “is our attempt to preserve Hanoi’s invaluable architectural heritage and share it with the world through a fresh lens.”
More than just a collection of stunning images, the book aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Hanoi’s architectural and cultural legacy, especially among the youth. By understanding the past, the younger generation can embrace their role as custodians of this heritage, ensuring its preservation and promotion for future generations.
Architect Phan Dang Son, President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, commends the book’s concise and coherent presentation, stating that it “skillfully navigates the upheavals in Hanoi’s architecture, offering a unique contribution to the preservation of the city’s rich cultural history.”
Architect Le Thanh Vinh, formerly of the Vietnam Institute of Cultural Heritage Conservation, adds, “This book serves as a timeless testament to the remarkable structures of late 19th and early 20th-century Hanoi, celebrating their aesthetic and functional significance in shaping the city’s beauty and urban development.”
The project, initiated in 2022, is sponsored by the Sun Group, Maurice Nguyen – the great-grandson of renowned architect François Charles Lagisquet – and other partners, all of whom share a passion for preserving and celebrating Hanoi’s architectural legacy.
With a limited release of 1,500 copies, the book is a collaboration between AA Architecture Construction Joint Stock Company, Dr. Tran Quoc Bao, an architect and lecturer, and translator Tham Yen Linh. The stunning visuals, captured primarily by photographer Le Hoang, are accompanied by insightful text, offering a comprehensive guide to Hanoi’s architectural journey.
Former residence of the Governor of Tonkin, now the Government Guest House.
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Library of Chu Van An High School.
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Interior of the Hanoi Opera House.
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Interior of St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
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Window detail of Cua Bac Church, a Roman Catholic church in Hanoi.
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