a21studio shades the chapel with colorful curtains in ho chi minh city

a21studio shades the chapel with colorful curtains in ho chi minh city
photo by a21studio

intended to host a variety of community events in an area on the outskirts of ho chi minh city, vietnam, a21studio have designed ‘the chapel’ as a large open air space covered by a simple metal shed. the project seeks to enliven the urban district, which lacks sufficient public places due to the real estate crisis of recent years. the building serves primarily as a youth center, while also allowing for activities such as conferences, weddings, and exhibitions. the facility’s walls and ceiling surfaces are treated entirely in white, and are contrasted by untreated wood floors. the front and back faces of the building are open to the outside, while multilayer curtains of diverse bright colors infill the upper portions to shade direct sunlight, producing a warm glow in the interior environment.

the space’s open nature allows for a functionally flexible community center
photo by a21studio

‘the chapel’ is located on a 10 meter x 20 meter lot and built primarily of materials possessed by the owner, including steel framing and corrugated sheet metal. the result is a light and thin structure, which was able to be constructed in a brief amount of time.

the building’s main space is entirely free, save for a tree-like column made of slender steel tubes. the visually dynamic feature provides dispersed structural support, while allowing for maximized flexibility of the floor area.

the front and back faces of the building are open to the outside, with large colorful curtains on the upper portion
photos by a21studio

a tree-like column provides dispersed structural support while maintaining open floor area
photo by a21studio

the untreated wood floor boards contrast the stark white corrugated steel
photo by a21studio

photos by a21studio

the colorful curtains are composed of multiple layers
photo by a21studio

the community center faces an undeveloped site
photo by a21studio

photo by a21studio

at night, interior lighting produces a colorful glow to the exterior
photo by a21studio

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project info:

location: ho chi minh city, vietnam
completed: 06/2014
site area: 200 sqm
building area: 140 sqm
client: long ruoi
architect: a21studio
photography: a21studio