An immersive museum of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic urban development

Ho Chi Minh City’s rapid economic growth has resulted in the increase of infrastructure projects, residential areas, urban zones, and industrial parks. However, such typologies have given rise to some concerns from the society due to their adverse environmental and social impact in dense urban areas. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to the process of preserving urban heritage.

Hence, this museum was designed to tell the story about the formation and growth of Ho Chi Minh City, touching on each stage of its recorded history, from 1698 to the present day. “Through layers of silt, the voyage transports guests back to Prei Nokor’s ancient days”, described Nguyễn Trần Quang Minh about this project designed as part of a studio of University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City.

Instead of becoming a mere tourist attraction, the museum seeks to immerse the local community in history by displaying artifacts of urban development achievements, educate the younger generation about their living area, serve as a centre for the research and preservation of documents, and provide spaces that can be used for cultural events. For example, on the rooftop, visitors can access a conference space and open-air amphitheatre. These spaces are aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the city and help residents become more informed and engaged in their living environment.

At the urban scale, the design completes the heritage axis of the old town, being connected to nearby historic buildings. The museum’s landscape and access roads and provide visual and pedestrian connection to the adjacent Saigon River, serving as a ‘bridge’ between the two banks of the river.

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PROJECT DATA

Project Name
Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City Urban History Museum

Location
Thu Thiem Peninsula, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Site Area
2.58 hectares

This project by Nguyễn Trần Quang Minh was part of a design studio of University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City in 2024, advised by Nguyen Bich Hoan, M.Arch.

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