Dynamic and Static | Bui Anh Phu Ninh

* Project title: DYNAMIC & STATIC

* Type: Architecture for the Preservation of the Archeological Areas. 

* Site: The Archeological Relics of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel - Hanoi - Vietnam.

* Organizer and Investor: People’s Committee of Hanoi
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CONTEST PROBLEM
• Designing an architectural complex that reflects all the three prominent values of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long:
o Its long cultural tradition
o Its material continuity as a centre of political power, and
o Its diversified layers of relics
• Preserving and promoting the values of the archeological heritage site of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel’s unexcavated sections A, B, C, and other parts to be excavated in the future.
• Building a cultural-historical park in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
• Architecturally, the Complex is expected to stand in good harmony with the surrounding, particularly with the adjacent parliament building. Its rooftop must not exceed 5m in height.
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CONCEPT

The architectural concept of this project springs from the ancient architectural structures treasured underground. This should be viewed as a “Project to preserve underground heritage” and not as a “Project to display exhibits”. As future excavations are likely, any architectural form of immobility for the complex would be improper. Therefore, mobile modules solution is the most suitable one for this project. It seems to be the expression and the representative of this project.

SOLUTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

a.Mobile modules

Modules of 18m by 36m will be placed on top of the excavated sections. Owning to this, the architectural form of the project could be flexibly changed following the excavation need periods in the future. Eventhough, in case any section is to be filled with sand, the module will be moved aside to make way.

Modules of 18m by 36m will be placed on top of the excavated sections. In case any section is to be filled with sand, the module will be moved aside to make way.
This option does not only satisfy the excavation needs but also presents an open, dynamic form of architecture. This formal innovation will convey a connotative meaning. It very much resembles the art of arrangement, diversified and rich in topics, as archeological excavations may cause dislocations and movement of surface things. The movement in its turn that resembles the adaptations of living things to suit the surroundings can be compared to the rise and fall of the past dynasties. The connotation of the project is that the movement on the surface represents the Dynamic that preserves the hidden content – the Immobility.

b.Passage along the heritage site

The axis of the underground structures and visitors’ passage run parallel with the heritage site while the surface complex run parallel to the Parliament building. The heritage, therefore, remains intact – in compliance with UNESCO guidelines for the preservation of world heritage. A 3-tier passage solution includes 00 tier (being tied to a rib system dropping from the ceiling), -3500 and -5000 tiers, would enable visitors to have a full view of the site (close-up, medium, and panoramic), as viewpoints would not be blocked.

The lower passage keeps track of history while the upper follows the modern time flow. The implication is that the former determines the latter; the content determines the outward appearance. The option presents an enriched natural fineness of the relics.

This option does not only satisfy the excavation needs but also presents an open, dynamic form of architecture. This formal innovation will convey a connotative meaning. It very much resembles the art of arrangement, diversified and rich in topics, as archeological excavations may cause dislocations and movement of surface things. The movement in its turn that resembles the adaptations of living things to suit the surroundings can be compared to the rise and fall of the past dynasties. The connotation of the project is that the movement on the surface represents the Dynamic that preserves the hidden content – the Immobility. Moreover, the axis of the underground structures and visitors’ passage run parallel with the heritage site while the surface complex run parallel to the Parliament building. The heritage, therefore, remains intact – in compliance with UNESCO guidelines for the preservation of world heritage. A 3-tier passage solution includes 00 tier (being tied to a rib system dropping from the ceiling), -3500 and -5000 tiers, would enable visitors to have a full view of the site (close-up, medium, and panoramic), as viewpoints would not be blocked. The lower passage keeps track of history while the upper follows the modern time flow. The implication is that the former determines the latter; the content determines the outward appearance. The option presents an enriched natural fineness of the relics.

c. Structure that minimizes ground contact

Walls will be placed on beams that are raised 900mm above level +000. Long-span beams (400 mm x 400 mm) spanning columns will yield more space for better view and passage, and reduce load and stress on the underground structures.

d. Scenery: A flexible park

Plants and grass will be grown in pots or trays. This prevents the underground structures from being damaged by roots and insects. This option at the same time will facilitate the movement of scenery components and any future archeological work.

e.Natural power source: Use of light-transmitting concrete.

As most of the historical remains lie in layers with underground water veins and in a tropical and monsoon area with high humidity, the project proposes drainage channels and water collecting hubs as a solution to draining unwanted water while preserving natural humidity for the relics.

Transmitting concrete is one of materials that let light through. So, applying light –transmitting concrete on wall and roof, the complex will take full advantage of natural sunlight for lighting. This not only brings efficiency in lighting energy savings but also aesthetic value.

CONCLUSION

This project is characterized by its multi-polarity quality: polarity of music and polarity of time. It bases its proposals on scientific and technological advances represented via modules, flexible structures, environment-friendly materials, layers, and open space.