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| Dr. Architect Nguyen Ngoc Tung sharing his research that he did with his colleagues on French architecture in Hue. Photo: Nhat Minh |
Delving into the study of these works, the historical and cultural values unfold like a slow-motion film, reflecting the impact on Hue’s later urban development. This has been analyzed by Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tung (Faculty of Architecture, University of Sciences, Hue University) and his colleagues in the newly published book titled “French colonial architecture and ‘Western Quarter’ in Hue City”, Hue University Press.
Not as huge as in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Lat (Lam Dong), the fund of French architecture in Hue is still considered remarkably distinctive. Over time, many French colonial buildings in Hue have gradually disappeared due to various reasons. The ones that remain today have all undergone renovation or expansion, and very few have been preserved in their original state as when they were first built.
Nguyen Ngoc Tung, architect, and his colleagues spent over 6 years Tung studying 89 French colonial buildings in Hue. All of them were photographed in their current state, with basic information collected, such as location, year of construction, function, and floor plan drawings. Among the 89 surveyed architectural works, 43 have no clear record of their construction year. However, based on architectural style, building materials, structural features, as well as information gathered from local residents, it is evident that these buildings were constructed before 1954.
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| One of the French-style architectural constructions on le Loi Street. Photo: Minh Anh |
From these studies, the team of Dr. Tung classified the buildings into 6 architectural styles: Pre-colonial, Classical/Neoclassical, French Vernacular, Art Deco, Indochine, and Other Styles. Among them, some works simultaneously show the influence of multiple architectural trends. For example, Hai Ba Trung High School carries Neoclassical style in its fence and the stylized columns of the classroom and assembly hall blocks. However, the corbels and arched bricks of the window system and fireplace reflect French Vernacular architecture, while the layered roofs of the great hall and its overall form bear the influence of Indochine architecture.
In the work of researching French architectural works in Hue, it is impossible to overlook the Le Loi axis. This is considered the core street that laid the foundation for the formation and later development of Hue’s urban landscape. Up to the present time, there remain 14 buildings with 27 individual architectural elements along this street. Notable examples include Hue Railway Station, Hue Academy of Music, Hue University, Quoc Hoc High School for the Gifted, Hai Ba Trung High School, several buildings within Hue Central Hospital, the former headquarters of the Union of Literature and Arts Associations of Hue City, and the Center for Culture, Information and Sports of Thuan Hoa District, etc.
These buildings were constructed from before 1900 up to the 1940s. Most have undergone renovation and alterations, yet their exterior architectural forms have not changed significantly. With its diversity of building types and architectural styles, Le Loi Street not only reflects a distinctive stage of urbanization during the French colonial period but also embodies important cultural and artistic values. This is considered an essential foundation for proposing solutions to conserve and promote their significance in the context of contemporary development.
These studies reveal that the French planned Hue according to a dual-axis model, with the Huong River serving as the dividing line. The northern bank preserved its traditional architectural form, while the southern bank was developed with modern technical infrastructure and a diversity of building types, such as public works, government offices, villas, colonial residences, and religious buildings, etc.
The authors of the book “French Colonial Architecture and the “Western Quarter” in Hue City” hope that they will contribute a valuable dataset on this architectural genre, serving as a foundation for more comprehensive future studies. In doing so, they aim to help define the legacy of French colonial architecture in particular, and the architectural heritage of Hue in general in the coming time.
According to Nguyen Ngoc Tung, in the current context, when many French colonial buildings are facing the risk of deterioration or being replaced by modern constructions, the study, documentation, and preservation of these architectural and historical values have become increasingly urgent. This is also the reason why he and his colleagues have persistently pursued this work quietly and passionately. “I hope that the research of mine and my colleagues will serve as a useful reference for those interested in the heritage of French colonial architecture in Hue; at the same time, it will contribute to raising awareness of heritage conservation in the process of sustainable urban development,” Mr. Tung shared.