Architects: akasha+associates architecture
Area: 500 m²
Year: 2017
Photographs: akasha+associates architecture
Lead Architect: akasa minh
Collaborators: Hien, Nam, Phat, Tho, Cung , Mai, Son,Thuc, Le
City: Hanoi
Country: Vietnam
Bamboo Cultural Restaurant Platform by akasha+associates architecture in Hanoi integrates bamboo design with cultural and environmental sensitivity near West Lake. The temporary restaurant preserves trees, a water dock, and an existing building, using 5,500 bamboo poles sourced 100 kilometers away. Inspired by bamboo fishing traps, the structure features a skylight that enhances natural light and wind flow, with knot-based construction ensuring durability. Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., reflected light from the water dock animates the roof. Serving as a restaurant and cultural hub, the project ties Hanoi’s contemporary life to the heritage of West Lake.
With over a thousand years of history, Hanoi, characterized by its unique urban layout centered around natural water, has become the heart of Vietnam, enriched with multiple layers of cultural and political systems. The city’s rivers, lakes, ponds, and water channels have contributed to its hidden values, shaping the identity of this densely populated national capital.
A restaurant with a temporary purpose is situated beside one of Hanoi’s significant water features, West Lake, which is surrounded by a chain of cultural heritage sites from various dynasties. The building is intended to serve as a meeting point for citizens, offering a unique atmosphere while adhering to strict urban construction regulations. The site itself includes specific trees, a water dock, and a small existing building that must be preserved and enhanced as part of the project.
The main concept of the design focuses on body architecture that integrates inward-sensitive sunlight and a wind-powered structure shaped by the unique geographical characteristics of West Lake. A flexible volume was developed to adapt to the site’s conditions. Bamboo was naturally chosen as the primary material to bring this concept to life. A total of 5,500 bamboo poles, each 6 meters in length, were transported to the site from a forest 100 kilometers west of Hanoi, as 6 meters is the maximum length permitted for trucks entering the city.
The skylight enhances the bamboo composition, creating a dynamic interplay through a kinetic system and simple structural design. The building’s overall form is inspired by a traditional bamboo object used in daily life—a fishing trap. The structural solution is distinctive, utilizing knot art to withstand wind pressure while offering a novel experience of bamboo craftsmanship and detailing.
The interior of the restaurant is adorned with a distinctive bamboo structure and a skylight filtered through hinged canvas, creating a striking and inviting atmosphere. Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., dynamic light patterns appear on the upward-facing roof surface, caused by reflected light from the water dock located on the western side of the project. In addition to functioning as a restaurant, the building serves as a cultural platform, fostering activities and enhancing the historical heritage of West Lake within the contemporary life of Hanoi.
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Project Location
Address: West Lake, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
