H.01
hiên_01
The project is conceived as an information and pastoral centre serving parishioners and visitors to St. Joseph Cathedral, accommodating a reception area, bookstore, and gift shop.
Situated within a highly symbolic setting, the proposal extends beyond functional requirements to address the relationship between old and new, while responding to the religious character of the site. Rather than reproducing established ecclesiastical symbols, the design seeks to reinterpret the dual nature of Catholic architecture through a system of oppositions: high and low, solid and void, fixed and fluid, visible and hidden, material and ethereal. These relationships establish a dialogue between the new structure and the historic cathedral precinct.
The architectural response is expressed through a restrained palette of glass, steel, and existing vegetation, most of which is retained and woven into the new intervention. A large canopy acts as a protective “shade”, reducing the visual presence of the building and allowing the cathedral itself to remain the primary focus. The project therefore emphasises absence as much as presence, giving way to what already exists.
While the relationship to its surroundings is clearly legible, the architectural language itself remains intentionally ambiguous. Drawing from both traditional northern Vietnamese architecture and the notion of complementary duality, the design balances opposing qualities while resolving the conflicting demands of minimising visual impact and providing functional space.
Beyond fulfilling practical requirements, the proposal also reflects our position on conservation, landscape, and the treatment of heritage sites of exceptional cultural value.
The project is conceived as an information and pastoral centre serving parishioners and visitors to St. Joseph Cathedral, accommodating a reception area, bookstore, and gift shop.
Situated within a highly symbolic setting, the proposal extends beyond functional requirements to address the relationship between old and new, while responding to the religious character of the site. Rather than reproducing established ecclesiastical symbols, the design seeks to reinterpret the dual nature of Catholic architecture through a system of oppositions: high and low, solid and void, fixed and fluid, visible and hidden, material and ethereal. These relationships establish a dialogue between the new structure and the historic cathedral precinct.
The architectural response is expressed through a restrained palette of glass, steel, and existing vegetation, most of which is retained and woven into the new intervention. A large canopy acts as a protective “shade”, reducing the visual presence of the building and allowing the cathedral itself to remain the primary focus. The project therefore emphasises absence as much as presence, giving way to what already exists.
While the relationship to its surroundings is clearly legible, the architectural language itself remains intentionally ambiguous. Drawing from both traditional northern Vietnamese architecture and the notion of complementary duality, the design balances opposing qualities while resolving the conflicting demands of minimising visual impact and providing functional space.
Beyond fulfilling practical requirements, the proposal also reflects our position on conservation, landscape, and the treatment of heritage sites of exceptional cultural value.
Awards
Silver prize of Vietnamese National
Architecture Award
Special mention of Architizer Awards
Silver prize of Vietnamese National
Architecture Award
Special mention of Architizer Awards
H.01
Function : Pilgrimage Centre
Phase : Built
Genre : Public
Area : 140m2
Year : 2019
Location : Hanoi, Vietnam
Photo : Chimnonstudio
Function : Pilgrimage Centre
Phase : Built
Genre : Public
Area : 140m2
Year : 2019
Location : Hanoi, Vietnam
Photo : Chimnonstudio