Son Tra Art Exhibition Center,
designed by Ho Khue Architects
The center, located in the Son Tra district of the port city of Da Nang, Vietnam, is more than just a space to display artwork. The building, designed by the Vietnamese studio Ho Khue Architects (APLES Green Design & Build), is distinguished by its fluid and dynamic form, which interacts naturally with the surrounding landscape.
Art Exhibition Center in Son Tra, Vietnam - an outdoor park
Photo by Hiroyuki Oki © Ho Khue Architects
innovative approach
to exhibition spaces
Traditional exhibition spaces are often characterized by simple, geometric forms. In contrast to the numerous skyscrapers that dominate Vietnam's landscape, the design team presented a new, dynamic concept. The main inspiration for the design was the image of a seagull, a typical bird for the coastal region of Son Tra. The fluid form was incorporated into both the building layout and the continuous concrete ribbon that coherently connects the exhibition areas to the outdoor park.
The Art Exhibition Center in Son Tra, Vietnam - a concept sketch referencing the image of a seagull, a typical bird for the coastal region of Son Tra
© Ho Khue Architects
building with a park on the roof
The structure formed by three levels has an L-like projection. The second floor contains the lobby, a hall leading to a spacious gallery, a cafeteria and service rooms. The upper floor, connected to the lower floor by a spiral staircase, contains a smaller exhibition space and an outdoor plaza. A garden with vegetation and walking bridges are located on the roof.
Art Exhibition Center in Son Tra, Vietnam - walking bridges create fluid, dynamic forms
photo by Hiroyuki Oki © Ho Khue Architects
Visitors can move amidst vegetation, stroll across a winding bridge that gives the impression of being suspended among the treetops, and enjoy views of the Han River. Slender columns run the full height of the building, supporting an elliptical ribbon that acts as a walking path.
Art Exhibition Center in Son Tra, Vietnam - longitudinal cross-section
© Ho Khue Architects
To breathe life into spaces, enrich the urban landscape and contribute to the environmental protection of our planet
- This is the mission statement of Ho Khue Architects.
The Art Exhibition Center in Son Tra, Vietnam - a diagram of the layout of each floor
© Ho Khue Architects
The selection of trees was adapted to the specific climatic conditions of central Vietnam. The selected plant species are compatible with the natural growth of grass on the paths leading to the park located on the upper level. A terrace system was used to protect the sloping roof and prevent soil erosion during heavy rainfall. Inspired by traditional mountain farming methods, the solution promotes the development of lush vegetation that blends in with its surroundings, echoing the rice terraces characteristic of Vietnam.
The Art Exhibition Center in Son Tra, Vietnam - a spiral staircase inside the building
photo by Hiroyuki Oki © Ho Khue Architects
Ho Khue Architects have created a building, distinguished by its fluidity and dynamism, which interacts naturally with the surrounding landscape. The Son Tra Exhibition Center is characterized by freedom and openness, redefining the way public spaces are designed.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Ho Khue Architects.
