French-style architecture works in Hue to be protected

The works include 11 State-managed architectures in Hue ancient city such as Hue University, Hue Station, Hue Culture Museum and Diem Phung Thi Art Gallery; and 16 others owned by organisations and households.

French-style architecture in Hue is part of the rich architectural history of the former imperial capital city.

The Hue Culture Museum at No. 25 Le Loi street was built in the style of ancient French architecture. It comprises one two-storey working building and another one with three floors. The brick-wall buildings share the same stairs. 

Hue Youth Culture Centre, which was L'Accueil formerly, was built in 1939. It is typical of the architecture style of exploitation and application of factors like weather, climate and indigenous culture.

In recent years, a series of French-style architecture works in Hue have been demolished, including Chaffanjon Shop in Hanoi street, Dong Duong Bank and villas along Ly Thuong Kiet street. 

According to a survey made by specialised agencies, in 2000, Hue city had about 240 architectural works from the French colonial time, but this number has significantly decreased.

The buildings are part of the architectural history of the city, but few have maintained their original architecture due to changes in construction trends.

Many old architectural works were taken down due to their age, though some have been restored.

Hoang Hai Minh, Director of the provincial Department of Construction, said 
the selection of 27 French-style architectural works for preservation is based on criteria related to architectural and artistic value, historical value, current status, assessment of safety for continued use and appropriation of landscape and approved planning. 

Therefore, more works will be added to the list in the future, Minh affirmed.