Ha Noi, Vietnam
Inspired by the concept of a moving turntable bringing life to work, the 1+1>2 Architects have designed a four-story building that has the shape of seven ceramic turntables colliding as a result of numerous meetings with pottery experts, local artisans, and villagers.
The Bat Trang Pottery Museum has recently been awarded a 2023 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The aim was to create a cultural hub and showcase artisans’ work, retell the history of the village, and invite people to learn about the different materials and techniques used in pottery-making.
As a result, the museum provides a large-scale open space that can engage the public, on top of having commercial functions that support the livelihood of the community.
At first glance, the structure looks like a set of reverse domes that create some open-air areas on the ground level that connect to the Bac Hung Hai River and will be used to host fairs and cultural events.
The 1st floor has been transformed into an open space and is used to host fairs and cultural events.
The display section on the 2nd floor depicts the history of Bat Trang pottery through the ages, with representations of diverse types of kilns.
The 3rd-floor features contemporary ceramic pieces and combines a workshop area.
Not only is the work a ceramics cultural center, but it also serves as a gathering place for Bat Trang residents.
The exhibition complex integrates craft village experiences, helping to revitalize Bat Trang, promote cultural exchanges, and contribute to the capital’s general development.
Design to improve the landscape of the Bac Hung Hai River area while remaining in keeping with its surroundings.
Project: Bat Trang Pottery Museum
Architects: 1+1>2 Architects
Lead Architect: Hoang Thuc Hao
Design Team: Nguyen Duy Thanh, Nguyen Quang Minh, Tran Hong Nam, and Ngo Duy Minh
General Contractor: Lung Lo 39., JSC
Client: Quang Vinh Ceramic CO LTD
Photographers: Trieu Chien, Son Vu
