located in the rural vietnamese province of quang nam, tropical space has established a distinctive studio space for local sculptor and artist le duc ha. visualized as 7 x 7 meter high cube constructed completely from bricks, the architecture of the structure capitalizes on traditional craft and techniques to fully immerse the terracotta workshop with its surrounding landscape, breeze and spirit of the local champa culture.
all images © oki hiroyuki
tropical space conceived the exterior later of the space completely from solid clay brick – reminiscent of a vietnamese furnace – and laid the formation of the bricks in a particular grid pattern to encourage ventilation. in addition, the interior is defined by a three-floor wood scaffolding system which sits on a mezzanine level. this inner perimeter serves as a walkway-cum-display area for the artist’s work.
entrance into the terracotta workshop
at the studio’s core, the artist’s turntable is placed at the ground level and highlighted with a circular void cut out from the mezzanine level above. this allows for visitors and people to observe. meanwhile at night, the distinctive perforations from the brick walls produce a warm glow from the light within and ultimately, it has evolved into a place for people to meet and cultivate a shared interest in terracotta and art of clay.
the artist’s turntable is placed directly underneath the void
the frame sits on the inner perimeter of the studio and provides access to the different levels
surrounding the studio is a timber frame scaffold used for drying terra cotta products
the frame serves as a walkway and display space
the full structure has dimensions of 7m x 7m x 7m
the perforations on the brick wall encourages natural ventilation
the terracotta studio by tropical space is located next to thu bon river, dien ban district
exploded axonometric of the project
