When the French colonized Vietnam, the two East-West cultural harmonies created a special style – Indochine Style. Cultural works, villas, houses, interior decoration… are vivid impressions of the human soul in the “promised land” – Vietnam. Nowadays, these outstanding historical buildings are still standing with the times, right here, in Vietnam. One of the famous architecture that symbolized Indochine style is Opera House, which located in the heart of Hanoi, is an tourist attraction for all visitors.
Indochine style in architectural design
Indochine Style is the most typical in all six Indochina countries (including Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) and is divided into the basic parts: Indochine – a cultural unified history; Indochine romance – following French standards; Art of living, Indochina style of interior design, etc.
Indochina architectural style
Indochina architectural style is the creation of French architects. This architecture has contributed to honoring the national architecture art, although it has many eclectic points, blending (because the French are not connoisseurs of classical Vietnamese architecture), it has encouraged Vietnamese architects and students of Indochina Fine Arts College continue to follow the national artistic path.
Architecture called “Indochine style” is a new type of architecture construct by the French who came to and live in Vietnam. Why was this style born? First, the architecture brought from France, after a few years, revealed many shortcomings, especially not suitable for the hot and humid climate, heavy rain, strong winds… as well as living habits and aesthetic traditions. Moreover, in the 30s and 40s of the 20th century, French influences in Vietnam decreased.
In order to build trust with Vietnamese, some French architects teaching at Indochina Fine Arts School redesign the traditional French architect to suit some aspects of Vietnam.
We can’t ignore the founder of this architectural style, Ernest Hébrard, professor of Indochina Fine Arts College, a senior officer brought by the French government to take charge of the planning and architecture work in the three Indochina countries. He was a famous architect who won Prix de Rome award. He called this design tendency “Indochina architectural style” (style Indochinois).
In fact, this is a European-Asian eclectic style, which is not only architectural details of the three Indochina countries but also details of Chinese architecture. Hébrard left behind very valuable works of art. Louis Finot Museum (now a Museum of History) is a result of Indochine architectural design in Vietnam.
Indochine style of Opera Garden restaurant
Opera Garden restaurant is designed based on Indochine architecture but combined with modernity and elegance of 21st-century design style. The restaurant epitomized a mini-theater, in fact is influenced by Opera House’s architecture, has become a remarkable destination for tourists to dine and enjoy the eclectic ambiance.
Just 5 minutes walking from Ho Guom to Trang Tien Street, you can easily notice the white elegant building with dark green windows following Indochine style as it’s Opera Garden restaurant.
The restaurant serves modern Vietnamese dishes and Western cuisine. It also provides guests reception complex setting and other catering services. Visit the restaurant if you’re wandering Hanoi and enjoy the combination of Vietnamese cuisine and Western-style.