The most unique architectures in Vietnam

Vietnam’s architecture is anything but ordinary. Thousand-year-old temples squat next to sterling skyscrapers. Modern apartments nest atop creamy French villas. The old and new, local and foreign mingle in an eclectic mix. This distinct blend is what creates unforgettable urban spaces and rewarding exploration in Vietnam. Whether you are already an architecture lover or just a casual admirer, this chronological primer will walk you through the best of Vietnam’s must-see architecture.

Tran Dynasty Temples

Nobility and governance came to Ha Noi during the time of the Tran Dynasty. Today many Tran Dynasty structures, temples and pagodas remain in the capital, adding to its rich architectural diversity. The Tran Dynasty is often considered a golden era for art, culture and science in Vietnam. Tran architects championed these ideas, and their work also reflects the decadance and development of this era.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Ha Noi, where the Tran kings ruled, is an essential stop for history lovers. Look out for the massive flagstaff and ancient bulwarks they built expanding the original Ly structure. Slightly south you will find the Temple of Literature. Though this Confucian learning centre was initially built in 1070, it was rebuilt and enhanced during the Tran Dynasty. The temple has seen many additions and changes over the years, but its innovative carpentry, enchanting temples and numerous courtyards make it one of Ha Noi’s most-loved attractions.

Modern skyscrapers and bridges

Vietnam’s booming economy means a new era of urban growth has arrived. Enormous skyscrapers are in the works in major cities, serving spectacular views of the changing skyline. Standing at 461 metres tall, Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam, and can be seen throughout the city. Construction for this colossal building began in 2015 and ended in 2018. The Bitexco Financial Building is another emblematic element of the Ho Chi Minh skyline. In the progressive city of Da Nang, the iconic Dragon Bridge and Golden Hands Bridge are both favourite photo stops, and symbols of Vietnam’s relentless forward motion.

Colonial architecture

Whilst walking around Vietnam, you may have to stop when suddenly being confronted with a typically French building. Architecturally, the French left their mark throughout Vietnam, all of the big cities have a number of stately structures that date from colonial times and, in many cases, they carry on serving the same function as they did under the French. This kind of architecture was developed in parallel with the process of colonial exploitation of the colonialism.

Particular characteristics of geographical and climatic conditions are relatively different; as a result, the European-style architecture had to have certain changes in order to deal with Vietnam’s weather conditions. While many of the old French residences have crumbled badly, others have been renovated and given a new lease on life as upper crust hotels full of French trimmings or restaurants.

Nguyen Dynasty

Hue city became the capital under Nguyen Dynasty so the development in the North was slowed down. In Thang Long, Khue Van Cac (Constellation of Literature pavilion), Ngoc Son temple and some structures were built. In contrast, the project in Hue were developed, especially, garden - house complex. Nowadays, we still see this distinctive design through the remained citadels, palaces, tomb, and gardened houses in Hue that is quite different from the tube type of houses in Ha Noi.

Relics of early imperial rulers

During the 10th century Vietnam was divided into 12 feuding kingdoms ruled by fearsome generals. One overthrew the rest, establishing the first united and imperial kingdom of Vietnam, Dai Co Viet. His capital was Hoa Lu, located in present-day Ninh Binh. This secluded region was strategically chosen for its steep karsts and winding rivers, which formed natural barriers from Chinese invaders. Over the course of 42 years the people of Hoa Lu saw three different dynasties and six kings, resulting in a mix of temples, pagodas and fortifications in Ninh Binh.

Vietnam’s capital was later moved to Ha Noi, however the Hoa Lu Citadel, the former seat of power, is still a must-see stop for its astonishing craftsmanship and calm atmosphere. For a peek at later architectural styles, visit Hang Mua for typical examples of Tran dynastic details and the equally picturesque Bich Dong Pagoda. Here you will find dramatic stone steps cut into limestone karsts, and pagodas tucked inside ancient rock faces.

See more: The most beautiful destinations in Northwest Vietnam

Source Internet

Top most impressive architecture works in Shanghai

The city of Shanghai has undergone some of the fastest and most dramatic changes over recent years. With so many buildings to choose from and so many fascinating architectural feats presently in progression, this list is just a drop in the ocean of the awe-inspiring architecture to be found in the bustling city of Shanghai.

1933 Slaughterhouse

This utterly vast, concrete dominated space is far from its initial use as an abattoir, now home to shops and upscale restaurants. However, the building still maintains some of this previous eeriness, with many of its rooms and walkways left empty and the wide corridors and cattle signs as a constant reminder of its history. A labyrinth of concrete, the building has a circular center that is connected to the exterior walls via 26 ‘air bridges’. These bridges jut out of the walls at obscure angles, giving a different view depending on where you stand within the building.

Longhua Temple

This stunning temple serves as Shanghai’s largest and oldest monastery, dating back to the 10th Century. Like most ancient structures in the city, it has undergone a rich and violent history of war and fire, with much of the building being renovated. It has rained many original features and is considered to be the most authentic temple in Shanghai. An inspiring place to visit, with the name referencing the Pipal tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment, Longhua temple was constructed in 242 AD and covers a vast 20,000 meters squared.

Jin Mao Tower

This 88-story skyscraper was designed by architect Fazlur Khan and represents an Art Deco/modern style. Housing the Shanghai Grand Hotel and a selection of offices, the structure has a beautiful 33-floor atrium. Externally, the building is covered in an aluminium alloy lattice frame, which encloses a wall of glass, granite, stainless steel and aluminium. Sections of the skyscraper stack on top of one another elegantly, and the design intensifies as the build rises taller into the sky, twisting to its peak, an observation deck topped with a pinnacle.

Giant Interactive Group Corporate HQ

Designed by Morphosis Architecture, this long, angular building exists around canals and a man-made lake. Home to office spaces, executive suites, a library, an auditorium, exhibition space and cafe, this ‘compact village’ is impressive both inside and out. With its natural focus, the structure is designed to maximize natural light and also features a green roof to help control temperature. This open feeling continues throughout the building with its composition of glass, straight sleek lines and neutral colors set against joyful shades of natural green. One end of the build hovers over the man-made lake, whilst the rest of the building snakes back into the landscape behind.

Tony’s Farm

Promoting sustainable, green and modern architectural design, this building was structured around an existing warehouse for the largest organic food farm in Shanghai. Using old freight containers, Playze designed the build to appear both functional and comfortable as a hospitality destination. Holes in the green containers create a playful use of sunlight during the day and at night make the exterior walls of the build appear dotted with lights. Surrounded by wooden walkways, the 78 containers maintain a cool character, with the previous warehouse sitting around the back.

Nanpu Bridge

Shanghai is renowned for its many bridges, with a total of six crossing the Huangpu River. The fourth-longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, the Nanpu Bridge was built in 1991 and was the first steel and concrete cable-stayed bridge in Shanghai. Leading in from Puxi, the bridge features an astonishing spiral, an engineering feat admired by professionals all over the world. Large towers soar 150m tall, holding the cables in place, majestically permitting drivers to pass through. The turn of the road also enables passers to view the bridge and admire its grand structure.

Oriental Pearl Tower

Situated on The Bund, this TV and radio tower is a landmark of Shanghai, and rightly so. Its futurist architectural style makes it stand out even against the diverse collection of buildings and structures in this area. Finalized in 1994, it held the prize for China’s tallest structure up until 2007. Made up of a total of 11 spheres, the largest and most central globe is supported by a number of legs that drive deep underground. Perched on the edge of Lujiazui, right by the edge of the riverbank, the bizarre shape of the tower is highlighted at night, when a series of lights shine from the structure, enhancing it as a national landmark.

Shanghai Oriental Sports Center

Like several of Shanghai’s best structures, the Oriental Sports Center can be found along the Huangpu River, on the Eastern side. Made up of three main buildings, this structure resonates a grandiose style. Designed by GMP Architects, the design of the sports center reflects the overall theme of water as it sits beside canals and a man-made lake. Tall, curved sides of the center rise upwards, reminiscent of waves or as many suggest, the sails of a boat. These broad, overreaching arches define all parts of the center but each are impressive in their own right. Inside the gleaming white features enhance the natural light that bounces off the water’s surface.

See more: 5 markets in Shanghai you must visit once in your life

Source: Internet