Text description provided by the architects
The An Vien visitor center is located within the natural landscape of a cemetery ten kilometers south of Hue. It is a frame structure made entirely of bamboo. Traditionally, cemeteries are associated with a heavy atmosphere related to death, loss, and sorrow, with a melancholic mood. Therefore, the client and architect mutually agreed to find an architectural solution that would create a more peaceful and tranquil space. An Vien Park is surrounded by four lakes and mountains, and is home to flowers, trees, and plants, which helps create a relaxed and bright atmosphere. Architecturally, the highly curved bamboo roof draws inspiration from the Perfume River in Hue and the gentle, flowing nature of the Vietnamese people. Below, the eaves are proportionally placed at a lower height, technically protecting the interior from direct sunlight and rain while ensuring the space remains open and human-scaled. The An Vien visitor center appears to have become part of the natural environment, expressing respect and gratitude to the departed. From the main building to the surroundings, all benefit from a well-maintained, clean environment. The architect chose bamboo as the primary material for its lightness, sustainability, and cultural resonance, creating a structure that is both functionally practical and spiritually appropriate.