H’mong Cultural Center: Vibrant activity atop the mountain

The H’mong ethnic group is one of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, specifically from Dong Van District of Ha Giang Province. “In today’s society, as cultural values are highly regarded, the H’mong people have had more opportunities and potential for development. However, they do not yet have a central community space that can strongly mark and affirm this,” said architecture student Danh Minh An from the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City.

Therefore, Danh envisioned the design of a H’mong Cultural Center to provide the community with a space to preserve, showcase and proliferate their original crafts and cultural objects. These include handicrafts from weaving, papermaking, blacksmithing, carpentry, as well as making traditional musical instruments, jewelry and embroidery.

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Integrated with context

Located in a central position of the district, the land is directly accessible from various entry points, including Vietnam’s National Highway 14C, the road in Lủng Hòa B village, and a footpath behind the local residents’ houses, which is also used to access a farming area. The total land area is 6 hectares  situated at the highest position along the mountainous ridge.

“The overall design story is about creating a structure that is closely connected to the surroundings, fully expressing the people’s cultural norms”, Danh said. For example, the layout of the building follows the north-south axis of the vernacular homes, forming different clusters.

The centre consists of three main blocks. The traditional craft block comprises smaller spaces proportioned harmoniously to the vernacular homes. A connecting block is placed in between, leading up to the performance block, which represents the contemporary spirit to integrate visitors with residents. Festivals and exhibitions can be held in between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

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A festive cultural scene

Depending on the season, the terrace system will have different functions and change the appearance of the building. In the rainy season, it will collect and store water, creating a reflective pond. During festival seasons or rice harvest times, it will serve as a drying area for activities such as rice processing and drying craft papers or linen or paper, creating a vibrant cultural scene atop the rocky Dong Van mountain.

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PROJECT DATA

Project Name
H’mong Cultural Center

Location
Lung Hoa B Village, Xa Phin Commune, Dong Van Ward, Ha Giang Province, Vietnam

Site Area
6 hectares

This project by Danh Minh An was part of a design studio of University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City, advised by Dam Huynh Quoc Vu.

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