Book on Saigon's architectural heritage receives national urban planning gold award

The book 'French-Indochinese Architecture, Traces of Saigon - Pearl of the Far East' has just been awarded the gold prize for planning publications at the 4th National Urban Planning Awards Ceremony organized by the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association.

Author Tran Huu Phuc Tien and the book French - Indochina Architecture, traces of Saigon - Pearl of the Far East - Photo: Publishing House

The book French-Indochinese Architecture, Traces of Saigon - Pearl of the Far East was initiated by the Department of State Records and Archives - National Archives Center II, compiled by researcher Tran Huu Phuc Tien.

See with your own eyes and touch the architecture

The publication helps readers identify the historical characteristics of the ancient Gia Dinh - Saigon urban area and locate the strengths of modern Ho Chi Minh City.

This is a strategy book describing the urban planning process of modern Saigon (including Cho Lon) from the second half of the century to before 1945. At the same time, the author has described more than 30 architectures (mansions, offices, villas, museums, churches, schools, neighborhoods, houses...).

Among them are typical works bearing the mark of French and indigenous culture such as: Post Office , Court, Notre Dame Cathedral, History Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay Market, Petrus Ky School (Le Hong Phong).

The book also clarifies the origin and meaning of the title "Saigon - Pearl of the Far East" - a term that appeared in the early 20th century, and summarizes some experiences in planning and building the city during that period.

Researcher Tran Huu Phuc Tien said that in the process of compiling the book, he not only used available documents but also had to go to the field, trying to "see with his own eyes and touch with his own hands" the architecture. Some friends helped him to visit some mansions and buildings that are rarely open to the outside.

"The National Archives Center II in Ho Chi Minh City inherited documents from the Governor's Office of Cochinchina, including many valuable documents, graphics, and images in many fields. The Center has allowed me to exploit that abundant source of documents to make books. The most valuable are the planning maps and some design drawings of public architectural works," he shared.

Back to topic

LAKE LAM

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/sach-ve-di-san-kien-truc-sai-gon-nhan-giai-vang-quy-hoach-do-thi-quoc-gia-20250626130841139.htm