Vietnam Architecture: An Important Part Of Vietnam Culture

Asian and European architectural influences coexist in Vietnamese architecture. Its history may be broken down into key eras, including the ancient, colonial, modern, and current periods of architecture.

The Vietnamese architecture, which depicts a portion of culture, is one of the most notable features for visitors. Due to colonial rule, Chinese and Western architectural influences were present in Vietnam, but we also developed our own distinctive style. And despite battles, Vietnamese architecture's sophistication can still be seen in the Hanoi Old Quarter, ethnic stilt homes, a wide variety of temples and pagodas, community homes, and historic villages all throughout the nation.

Vietnam, which is part of the Indochina Peninsula, has a steep, heavily wooded topography that influences its architecture. The geography between the northern highlands and the southern lowlands is distinct, which results in a variable environment where varying temperature and humid conditions have to be met by architecture. Vietnamese architecture developed a flexible and adaptive nature as a result of being built amid basalt plateaus, continuous beaches, and the Red River Delta.

The growth of Vietnam's old design is "expounded with the natural surroundings and socioeconomic condition of things”, according to the Vietnam Architecture Association. From simple, monument-like traditional designs to elaborate, opulent structures like palaces, local materials like bamboo, wood, leaves, and stone were used, eventually being replaced by brick, ceramic, earthenware, etc. Ratio, correlation, and size are required for the pillar, frame, and beam systems.

WHAT IS VIETNAMESE ARCHITECTURE CALLED?

The building and decorative style of the Vietnamese people as a result of historical evolution as well as the incorporation and absorption of regional and global architectural styles is known as Vietnamese architecture (Vietnamese: Kiến trúc Việt Nam).

WHY IS ARCHITECTURE SO IMPORTANT?

The primary purpose of architecture is to construct the physical surroundings in which people live, but it also plays a significant role in our society. It serves as a metaphor for how we perceive the world and how we see ourselves.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VIETNAMESE ARCHITECTURE

Vietnamese architecture is incredibly amazing and varied, and it may be classified into four categories according to its historical periods: ancient, colonial, modern, and contemporary. Traditional Vietnamese architecture has certain recognizable traits.

Regional and localized: From the north to the south, from ancient times to the present, each local has their own design aesthetic. Vietnam's architecture is diverse and diversified in terms of both structure and appearance.

Simple and Humble: Other than the regal structures, the rest are as straightforward and lowly as the Vietnamese people themselves. Simple and modest ornamental elements are used.

Nature friendly: It is related to the surrounding natural environment. The overview should be seen from the outside in. They carry the ties to nature like mountains, greenery, the ocean, or rivers from the site and usage of the structure to the view outside. Many of them rise to the top tourist destinations, including the citadels of Hoa Lu, Hue, Thay, and Thien Mu.

Details are balanced in great harmony: The importance of balance in any building is due to its beauty and long-term stability.

Simple in color: Although every building has a distinctive hue, this just increases the utility of the structure.

Using local material: All of the traditional architecture in Vietnam makes use of locally accessible materials for long-term and cost-effective purposes.

WHAT IS THE MOST FAMOUS ARCHITECTURE IN VIETNAM?

The Imperial City in Hue, central Vietnam, is one of the country's most well-known buildings. This image depicts the entrance to the Imperial City, which previously housed Vietnamese aristocracy. The One Pillar Pagoda, a tiny pagoda in Hanoi that stands on one leg, is one of the country's oldest buildings. 

Besides, there are also many attractive destinations that related not only to ancient Vietnamese architecture but also modern Vietnamese architecture

Ancient Vietnamese architecture

Each historical era has seen a distinct growth in Vietnam's architecture. The Hung Kings dynasty should be where the original Vietnamese design first appeared. Homes were once constructed out of wood to protect inhabitants from savage animals. They built their home with two distinct shapes: a boat-shaped one and a tortoise-shell-shaped one.

Cham Towers

From the 7th through the 19th century, the famous seafaring Cham, who were originally from India, established in portions of Central and Southern Vietnam. Thanks to its exceptional construction and endurance, Cham stone ruins may still be seen in Vietnam today. One of the greatest historical towns in Southeast Asia and close to Da Nang is My Son Sanctuary, where you can see Cham architecture. Another fantastic illustration from this intriguing time of Vietnamese history is the Po Nagar Cham Towers in Nha Trang.

Cham architecture is strong and lovely, with intricate sculptures drawn from Hinduism. The Cham minority in Vietnam still congregates at the temples to observe Cham festivals despite having been forced south into the Mekong Delta centuries ago.

Relics of early imperial rulers

Vietnam was split up into 12 fighting kingdoms throughout the tenth century, each of which was commanded by a terrifying commander. One toppled the others, creating Dai Co Viet, the first united and imperial kingdom of Vietnam. Hoa Lu, in the modern-day Ninh Binh province, served as his capital. Due to its rugged karst terrain and flowing rivers, which served as built-in defenses against Chinese invasion, this isolated area was strategically chosen. Six monarchs, three separate dynasties, and 42 years of rule by the Hoa L people resulted in a mix of temples, pagodas, and fortresses in Ninh Binh.

The Hoa Lu Citadel, the old seat of power, is still a must-visit location due to its incredible workmanship and serene environment even though Vietnam's capital has since been relocated to Hanoi. Visit Hang Ma for characteristic Tran dynasty elements and the equally beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda for a glimpse at subsequent architectural styles. Here, you may find pagodas hidden into old rock faces and spectacular stone stairs carved into limestone karsts.

Ly Dynasty architecture 

The Ly dynasty inaugurated a new era in architecture in the 11th century when the feudal state was coming into being. In general, the architecture of the Ly dynasty was composed of five traditional styles: citadels, palaces, castles, pagodas, and homes. It served Buddhism and was influenced by Buddhism. As a result, the Thang Long Capital's culture closely resembled the tower-traits. pagoda's 950 pagodas were constructed throughout King Ly Thai Tong's reign in 1031.

The Ly dynasty's architecture was characterized by its lofty residential complexes, numerous ornamental roofs, doorways, doorsteps, banisters, and rounded sculptures. All are appropriate for Vietnam's climate and folklore.

Tran Dynasty architecture 

The pagoda, home, temple, and fortress were among the Tran Dynasty's most well-known constructions. Binh Son Tower in Vinh Phuc province, Pho Minh Tower in Nam Dinh province, and Thai Lac pagoda are some notable pagodas at the moment (Hung Yen province).

The Pho Minh temple is an excellent example of the Tran dynasty and later centuries' artistic style due to its intricacy and construction. The foyer, main hall, and sanctuary make up the three main components of the building. The inside yard and garden were crucial to the overall structural complex. It conveys the viewpoint of the cosmos.

The building of the royal palace was created with upper stories and systems of sequential corridors in an outdoor area that was appropriate for a tropical environment.

Le Dynasty architecture 

The traditional building style was a royal palace and royal mausoleum during King Le's rule. A fresh development in ecclesiastical architecture occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries.

However, Thap temple in the province of Bac Ninh is renowned for its architecture and ornamental statues. Folk-art remained to be expressed in carvings, paintings, hunting, sloughing, wrestling, and cutting even after societal order deteriorated. The construction methods for pagodas and temples advanced during the 18th century. Tay Phuong Pagoda and Bang Communal House were two of that era's architectural gems.

Nguyen Dynasty architecture 

Under the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue City was made the capital, which slowed down growth in the North. The Khue Van Cac (Constellation of Literature pavilion), the Ngoc Son temple, and other buildings were constructed in Thang Long. Hue's idea, in contrast, focused on developing a complex of gardens and houses. The remaining citadels, palaces, tombs, and gardened homes in Hue still feature this peculiar architecture, which is extremely distinct from the tube-shaped homes in Ha Noi.

Vietnam colonial architecture

You might have to stop walking when you unexpectedly come upon a classic French building in Vietnam. In terms of architecture, the French left their stamp all across Vietnam; all of the major towns have a number of imposing buildings that originate from colonial times and, in many cases, continue to serve the same purpose they did when the French were in charge. The development of this style of architecture coincided with the practice of colonial exploitation of colonialism. Due to Vietnam's distinct geographical and climatic qualities, significant modifications to European-style architecture were necessary to accommodate the country's climate. While many of the ancient French homes have fallen to pieces severely, others have undergone renovations and been given new life as upscale hotels or restaurants with French accents.

Vietnam Modern Architecture 

Vietnam has been developing various kinds of innovative architecture as it makes investments in the tourism sector. After the French ended their colonial rule over Vietnam in the middle of the 20th century, this style of building began to emerge. The architecture in the north and the south is likewise vulnerable to particular effects based on various historical circumstances. A new architectural style was created in Vietnam as a result of the country's post-renewal economic growth, process of global integration, and introduction of several diverse architectural flows. By imitating foreign architectural aspects in its early phases, this architectural style caused confusion.

In general, Vietnam has a lot of beautiful buildings that you may visit. You may see architectural landmarks, traditional villages, colonial towns, and contemporary metropolises while in Vietnam. Don't forget to bring cameras along with you!