Thy Ho
Growing up in Vietnam with its vibrant culture, I have come to appreciate the importance of culture in individuals' development. Culture is always a great source of inspiration for each of my projects. With the desire to bring designs that are not only aesthetic and functional but also improve the user's well-being. I seek to achieve this by weaving narratives that intricately blend culture, user experience, and the essence of each project, thereby providing support for users both physically and mentally.
Project Overview
The Vietnamese Cultural and Art Centre aims to create a space that nurtures a sense of belonging within the Vietnamese community while bridging the gaps between generations in the community. The centre brings Vietnamese children who were born in Canada closer to their parents' culture and traditions which are often at risk of fading away as generations assimilate into the Canadian society. By introducing the general public to Vietnamese culture, the Vietnamese Art and Cultural Centre not only facilitates the Vietnamese community's integration into Canadian society but also fosters greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for Vietnamese traditions among Canadians and other cultural groups, thereby contributing to a more harmonious multicultural society.
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Thesis Research
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Part Diagrams and Space Exploration
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Design Details
Concept/Design Process
Inspired by the story of Dong Ho painting village, the design celebrates the spirit of the Vietnamese intangible culture through reflective images of Diep and do papers incorporated throughout. By highlighting this shared heritage, the space brings the narrative closer to users, fostering a sense of belonging for the Vietnamese community. This engaging experience also offers a journey of cultural exploration for visitors.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
Located at 3120 Lakeshore Blvd West, Etobicoke, ON, the space capitalizes on the view of Colonel Samuel Smith Park and sunlight from the south of the building, segmenting the building into public, semi-public, and private (highly acoustical) zones.
Drawing inspiration from the graceful curves of paper, the main floor seamlessly guides users from the front area with reception, lobby, gift shop, exhibition spaces, to the cafe and theatre. Following the focal staircase to the second floor, users are brought to the theatre's upper level with a beverage area where they can gather before shows. The second floor also hosts flexible spaces for musical and language learning or other workshops, providing members of the center with cultural activities. The design tells the story of Dong Ho painting throughout the spaces, enriching the overall experience.
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Main Floor
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Second Floor
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Sections/Elevations
From left to right, the longitudinal section shows the theatre, staircase, cafe and culture exhibition area.
3D Views
The design features Diep and Do paper, resembling the textures of traditional materials used for Dong Ho painting, to create a cohesive flow throughout the space. Other Vietnamese cultural symbols such as Lac bird, bamboo, and Vietnam scenic landscapes are also incorporated into the design to foster a sense of familiarity and belonging for the community members, creating an explorative experience for the visitors.
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Stair (Focal Point)
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Reception
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Theatre
