BES Pavilion - Symbiotic Architecture

By Savitha Hira

Photography: Tran Tuan Trung, Tran Ngoc Phuong; courtesy H&P Architects

.

The BES (Bamboo + Earth + Stone) Pavilion as it is called, has its user at its centre, where the user is involved in the building process in order to enable him approach and get educated about the functions and effects of the building towards nature and the local community.

Ha Tinh in Central Vietnam is a city characterized by steady economic growth. Focussing on developing its community activities and art and culture, architects Doan Thanh Ha & Tran Ngoc Phuong were asked to design an open community service space that would be constructed from local materials using traditional building methods.

.

Using the adage - the best way to learn is to do it – the users were encouraged to join in the building process to create their own specific space as an effective practicing condition. The solutions of the pavilion’s design themselves become some useful lessons in Aerodynamics (ventilation), Physics (light diffusion), Biology (photosynthesis, planting). These lessons in turn, will help direct the users’ behaviors in the future – for a greener living environment.

.

.

The community centre has 3-4 open cohesive interactive spaces with particitions and furniture kept to a minimal, simple yet chic composition in bamboo.  Natural environment lends itself to a well manicured centre-piece landscape and greenery abounds. The shelter is frugal and functional; yet does not compromise on the aesthetics in any manner.

.

.

According to the H&P Architects, architecture consists of three elements that cannot be separated: behaviour, language and mind. Engaging these in adaptation, preservation and growth of individuals and communities can be fostered in a congenial human-built environment – a sustainable premise that is being promoted via the BES.

.