First-hand, this book may look like another episode of the series on Modernist Architecture in the city. Indeed, the core treats the aesthetic of the era occurring after the Reunification of Vietnam and its peculiar continuum. However, to properly address the subject, this research widely broadens the spectrum and replaces the period in the large perspective of the whole century and its rich succession of events.
Since I engaged in the first investigation, numerous edifices and documents were scrutinised to reveal their story and fate. Along this candid path, several levels of discussion naturally unfolded, and different realities emerged. Yet, the collection of ancient records doesn’t appear just by chance. Though, perseverance always proves to be the route to rewards.
A long-standing interest in architecture offered me the canvas on which geopolitics was woven. Slowly, historical knowledge transformed into tangible links and materialised. The documents that had been gathered began to make sense. This time again, I have tried to enthusiastically share the astonishing results of my investigations. And, as it seems, the world stands at a pivotal moment; more than ever looking for some understanding may provide clues. Exposing them may avoid them to vanish, be distorted, or erased.
Architecture presents here as the décor of faith in the future, auto-determination of people and friendship of like-minded nations.
Moreover, this year presents the fortieth commemoration of Đổi Mới, the reforms, which mean so much for the blossoming of Vietnam today.
