An exhibition reveals the original blueprints and illustrations of the famous examples of French colonial architecture in Hanoi, writes Duc Hanh.
France’s contribution to the architectural heritage of Hanoi is undisputed. The city is filled with glorious colonial-period villas and salubrious European style avenues. Opulent buildings such as the Hanoi Opera House and the Sofitel Metropole would not look out of place on a Parisian boulevard.
An exhibition now running at L’Espace offers a chance to see some of these classic buildings in unique detail by displaying the original blueprints and accompanying architectural illustrations.
In total there are 32 French colonial architectural works built from 1875-1945 showcased at the exhibition, which also features a selection of photography revealing construction work in progress and the completed project.
Hanoi Opera House
Architecture students will be fascinated by the detailed blueprints of buildings such as the Presidential Place, Long Bien Bridge and Hanoi Railway Station.
The French colonialists officially occupied Hanoi in 1883 and the French administration quickly designed a master plan for the city’s urban development.
The area around Ho Guom (Hoan Kiem) was the first zone of reconstruction. You can still see an inscription at 3 Hang Khay street, which indicates construction commenced in 1886.
During the second phase of development from 1894-1896 ponds, lakes and waterways, including the To Lich River, were filled in, and much of the old citadel was destroyed.
The ancient streets were straightened and infrastructure was added. Some of the old houses’ were reconstructed with some of original architectural style retained. Others were completely demolished and replaced by western style houses. Much of the “western style” architecture can seen today south of Hoan Kiem lake – an area still often referred to as the French Quarter.
The Palace of the Governor General of Indochina (now the Presidential Palace) was built from 1900 to 1902. Most of the villas around it were built in the style of architecture found in northern France where you will find inclining roofs and smart, meticulous decorations over the doors and on the roofs.
The blueprints of Long Bien Bridge are also displayed. The bridge was designed by the French architect Gustave Eiffel and built from 1899-1903. Before Vietnam’s independence in 1954, it was known as Doumer Bridge after Paul Doumer, the Governor-General of French Indochina at the time, who went onto become the president of France.
Upon completion it was one of the longest bridges in Asia with a length of 2,500m. For the French colonial government, the construction was of strategic importance in securing control of northern Vietnam. More than 3,000 Vietnamese took part in the construction.
The blueprints of the Vietnam Historical Museum (former the Luis Finot Museum) are also on display. Designed by the renowned architect Ernest Hebrard, the building was constructed from 1928 – 1932 in a style that reflected both European and Asian architectural styles and influences.
Blueprints created by the architects who designed Hanoi Opera House are also on display. The landmark theatre was built from 1902 to 1911 in the style of the Paris Opera.
The exhibition introduces blueprints by the architect Adolphe Bussy who created the Palace of the French Resident Superior (now the Government Guest House), in 1919 at 10 Ngo Quyen street.
The streets constructed during this period all contribute to the architectural richness of Hanoi, a city of harmonious beauty, enhanced by the natural landscape and cultural heritage. This city still maintains features and characteristics that have disappeared from other cities in the world.
“The exhibited buildings with precious blueprints and photos are mainly the cultural heritages of Hanoi and popular tourist spots,” says Michel Flesh, the French Cultural Counsellor to Vietnam.
“This is also a good opportunity to highlight the role of French architects in bringing one-thousand-years of French architecture to Vietnam.”
The exhibition is on until October 16 at L’Espace, 22 Trang Tien, Hanoi.
Source: Timeout (Vietnam’s leading magazine for travel, lifestyle, leisure and culture)