Saigon Opera
Korn Architects has won Fourth Prize at "Architectural design competition for the Theatre of Ballet Symphony orchestra and opera project at Thu Thiem, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City".
Saigon Opera situate in the heart of the city, this design seize in the Vietnam Culture to dedicate and create a signature lotus flower in Ho Chi Minh city.
The design of the Saigon Opera aims to reflect the impressive dynamic development of Vietnam, which is currently transforming all aspects of society including the cultural landscape and performing arts. It is a culture of change that drives Vietnam and the young creative generation will find in this building ample space for experimental dance, music and plays as well, as a well-equipped professional environment to present their skills to the audience - in the great halls inside as well as in the outdoor arena. The Saigon Opera is more than a performance hall - it is designed as a space for cultural exchange and meetings also during the day with public plazas, the outdoor amphitheater and the cultural roof walk, which allows adaptation and interpretation of a greater public at any time.
The landmark sculpted iconic form transforms in the evening into an attractive mystic cove that draws in the culturally hungry.
From the inside the generous glazing allow panoramic views of the skyline of the central district and the park of Thu Thiem with the Bac Ho memorial.
The Sculpted building defines a memorable anchor and point of identification for both visiting tourist as for the Vietnamese population of the South and the country as a whole.
While the overall form of the building might trigger associations like the famous lotus flower, the flowing Ao Dai or the hulls of the trading boats of the Mekong it was purposefully avoided to commit to one form of visual interpretation. The attempt is to define a visual language that is in its essence derived from the forms of elements of southern culture in Vietnam. Much like the famous "AO Show" it is a modern interpretation of a culture that reaches back centuries. Thus the building is to remain open to interpretation and shall help to establish an architectural expression unique to Vietnam.
Theatre of Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera constructed will contribute to improving the artistic enjoyment of the city's people in particular and Vietnam in general: enhancing cultural exchanges, gradually developing and integrating with the world culture, thereby contributing to enhancing the position of Ho Chi Minh City as well as Vietnam in the region and the world. With the design plan presented above, we hope to bring an artistic and world-class cultural work to Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general.
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Image Source: Korn Architects
