Brick Boxing
d+a|Issue 94

A brick building gives a Vietnamese artist a dedicated place for creating clay sculptures and potteries.

Martin Teo
Brick Boxing

There’s a certain allure when it comes to building with bricks. The strong formation when strategically placed creates a strong unity that allows bricks to stand out on its own. At the slightest glimpse of these terracotta blocks, the soul warms up with a smidgen of wonderment.

Since bricks are the most common material in Vietnam, they are cheap and easily available. The design team aims to prove the rustic beauty of bricks under the sunlight, which ultimately becomes a signature inspiration to their creations.

“It’s like pulling out the soil from the land and using it to create the shell of the studio,” Nguyen Hai Long and Tran Thi Ngu Ngon share in unison. Both the architects and founders of Tropical Space Co. Ltd opine that this latest project is the epitome of interaction between light, wind and the environment.

Perched next to the Thu Bon river in Dien Ban district of Quang Nam Province, is the Terra Cotta Studio, a home to elaborate clay sculptures and art pieces of renowned Vietnamese artist Le Duc Ha. When the idea of the structure is conceived - among many considerable aspects – the architects consider one very important component. It is the surrounding agronomy and its dependency to the Thu Bon river.

For the locals who are masters in traditional craft such as terracotta, mat weaving and silk products, the river holds a strong influence. The architects understand there is no way for them to change the nature of the place. Instead, all elements are embraced and they create a beautiful art structure for people to engage in, both inside and out.

'

not just a cube

This story is from the Issue 94 edition of d+a.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 94 edition of d+a.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM D+AView All
In Harmony With Nature
d+a

In Harmony With Nature

Palace Hotel Tokyo’s Art Collection opens a window to the world of Japanese art based on the concept of inheriting tradition but with an innovative spirit.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 131
Timeless Elegance
d+a

Timeless Elegance

Italian architect, designer, and art director Pierro Lissoni’s vision for B&B Italia is characterised by his personal design sensibilities.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 131
Revitalising Communities Through Eco-Tourism
d+a

Revitalising Communities Through Eco-Tourism

How can design contribute to environmental conservation and create sustainable communities? This is a question explored by Chat Architects, an architectural firm based in Chonburi province in Thailand.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 131
art meets minimalism
d+a

art meets minimalism

Jay Osgerby, co-founder of Barber Osgerby, shares how AXOR One Collection is set to change the future of bathroom design.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 131
enduring legacy
d+a

enduring legacy

Vipp's CEO Morten Woldum tells us about the Danish company's pursuit of long-lasting quality and meticulous designs

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 131
seasonal expressions
d+a

seasonal expressions

Vibrant colours of the season are depicted in the striking ceiling installation at the newly refurbished Le Du in Bangkok.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 131
preserving lanna heritage for future generation
d+a

preserving lanna heritage for future generation

The new InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping's updated design pays homage to Northern Thailand's Lanna culture.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 131
blank canvas
d+a

blank canvas

A family home’s white backdrop frames the tranquillity and greenery of Half Moon Island Wetland Park in Foshan, China.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 131
three of a kind
d+a

three of a kind

This multigenerational residence brings its occupants together while allowing them to maintain their individual lifestyles.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 131
ichll of discovery
d+a

ichll of discovery

Formzero's Borderless House blurs the boundaries of conventional living, distilling serenity sublimity and surprise in a gardened and Miesian-inspired abode.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 131