Concentric masses draw on the pottery village
The history of Bat Trang pottery village, located near Hanoi, dates back to the 14th century. This village tradition developed due to the influence of the soil created by the Red River flowing towards the South China Sea. The Red River region naturally produced a large amount of reddish silt with particle sizes between clay and sand. In Bat Trang, particularly fine and white clay was produced, which was advantageous for pottery making. Its long-lasting, high-quality state and well-expressed colors allowed Bat Trang to develop a unique pottery culture over time.
Even today, pottery artisans in Bat Trang continue to produce pottery. They knead the clay by hand, shape it, and fire it in hot kilns, which can be seen while strolling through the village streets. Opened in 2021, the Bat Trang Ceramic Community House showcases the village’s history, exhibiting artisans’ works and introducing various materials and techniques used in pottery making. With an investment of 150 billion VND, the center serves as the essence of the craft village, continually revitalizing and developing the community.
Covering an area of 3,380m² and standing five stories tall, the Ceramic Community House features seven masses with dynamic designs forming concentric circles stacked vertically, resembling a pottery turntable. Coated in the red hue of the Red River region, the design represents the traditional kilns, with gently widening curves shaped by artisans as they smooth clay lumps. The structure can also be described as an inverted dome, with light wells forming between the seven circles, creating a narrower circle at the lower levels, which allows the external space between the circular interior spaces to be used for public events. The openings up to the rooftop garden allow hot air to escape and cool down.
The fiber-reinforced concrete used in the construction is light enough to allow for additional floors. Other materials used include rammed earth bricks, mosaic ceramic tiles, and pottery tiles to add to the character of the village. The Ceramic Community House stands opposite the Bac Hung Hai Canal, which connects to the Red River, and welcomes tourists. The large volume is harmoniously proportioned, creating a space where nature and people can come together in a relaxed density. The canal that shaped the pottery village long ago continues its history with a new landscape, alongside modern architecture that embodies the village’s identity.
Project: Bat Trang Ceramic Community House / Location: Bat Trang Village, Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam, Hanoi, Viet Nam / Architects: 1+1>2 Architects / Lead Architect: Hoang Thuc Hao / Project team: Nguyen Duy Thanh, Do Quang Minh, Tran Hong Nam / Contractor: Paint_Dulux Vietnam; Lighting_Philips; Door, Window_Xingfa; Steel Structure_HOA PHAT Group; Sanitary Equipment_INAX; Lift_Kone Elevator Company Vietnam; Glass_GIA LOI Joint Stock Company; Air conditioning_LG; Air condition system_Trane Technologies; School Interior_Virco Manufacturing Corporation / Bldg. area: 3380m² / Completion: 2021 / Photograph: ⓒTrieu Chien(courtesy of the architect); Courtesy of the architect
