An architectural work, though built in the 20s of the previous century, still exerts a harmonious charm blending the unique ancient architecture and European - Asian culture till this date.
(View of the old school)
- History of Dong Ngac B Primary school
Dong Ngac B Primary School is located on the Red River dyke, in Dong Ngac Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi. In fact, the school is divided into 2 campuses and the ancient architectural building belongs to the second campus - where more than 400 students from grades 3, 4 and 5 along with 11 teachers and staff learn and work.
The school’s construction started in 1921 with its original name being Dong Ngac B "kiem bi" school (According to Chinese-Vietnamese dictionary, “kiem bi” means 'Primary school of all classes). The school's structural plan includes 5 classrooms and a small room behind the office. Since it was built under the cooperation of the Nguyen court officials and the French colonial government, the building has a sophisticated aesthetic, blending Asian and European architecture. The landscape and design of the building have been kept relatively intact even though it has been more than 100 years since its inauguration.
(Comparison of the old building's appearance in 1955 and 2023)
The school's construction history is closely related to the Red River dike in front of it. Specifically, the fierce flood in 1915 flooded four provinces on the right bank of the Red River for three months, forcing the Nguyen Dynasty dyke officials to cooperate with the French colonial government to implement a number of plans to strengthen the dyke. In that situation, the French colonialists also took advantage to build “kiem bi” schools around the dike for bright children or those from well-off families to attend. Therefore, on the school's signboard, three Chinese-Vietnamese characters are engraved: "Luu Niem Dai" (roughly translated into memorial monument) - implying that this is a construction built to mark the successful construction of the dyke.
- Numerous architectural highlights within the ancient structure
Interwoven with European architecture, the image of the “Nghe” beast represents the typical charm of Vietnamese folklore. Nghe appeared a long time ago around the 1st century BC and is often placed in sacred locations such as village gates, temples, pagodas, etc. With the duty of guarding and protecting, the Nghe statues elevate the majestic beauty and sanctity of the old building.
The design style of the arched door frames is a delicate combination between classical French architecture and traditional Vietnamese architecture. The 40-to-60-cm-thick walls painted in yellow are an exemplification of French aesthetics.
The pillar architecture found on this old building is designed to replicate the popular pillars of the communal houses of Northern Vietnam. This is typical for the local culture, a hallmark of community culture and village spirit, but most importantly, an imposing symbol for the sustainable development of the ancient building.
Another classic feature of Vietnamese architecture is exhibited through the row of tiled roofs with the image of "Twin dragons beholding the moon". These dragon sculptures not only contribute a majestic feel to the building but also deliver profound cultural and historical value. Moreover, they also emphasize the significance of educating one’s inner self besides serving as a symbol of growth and prosperity.
- The atmosphere given off by the old building
The interior space invokes a feeling of warmth, familiarity and nostalgia for both the students studying at school and even those generations who have grown up and established a career whenever they return to visit the school.
Overall, thanks to the delicate and harmonious combination of two typical European and Asian architectural styles, the whole building exudes a dignified look - both bringing cultural and historical beauty and imbued with exquisite and luxurious allure.
- Notable objects around the school
Upon his return to visit the school, Colonel - Elite artist Nguyen Trong Vinh (former Principal of Dong Ngac B Primary School in the year 1954 - 1955) commemorated the ancient school with a stone slab engraved with Uncle Ho's teachings, showing his enthusiasm about the career of educating people.
In addition, the school also has a block of fourth-grade houses with a bold design style of pure Vietnamese culture, with high and wide roofs and rows of couplets carved on each pillar. This building represents the classic and minimalist beauty of Vietnamese architecture during the second half of the 20th century.
(Interview with teachers and school staff)
- The damages the school has sustained over the year
After 100 years of historical upheaval, the ancient building still cannot escape the traces of time - reflected in the visible damage on the walls or ceiling….Many patches of walls are stained and covered with moss; walls have peeled paint - thus spreading harmful dusts; wooden beams supporting the ceiling have been termite, so they are very brittle and easy to break; the ceiling tends to leak water when it rains. In particular, there is a piece of the roof on the right wing of the building that has collapsed, forming a large hole that is currently covered with sizable canvas.
In conclusion, not only does the ancient structure carry immense historical and cultural values but it is also the spiritual treasure of Dong Ngac people as they deeply appreciate the traditional heritage passed down by their ancestors. Therefore, this century-old school manages to retain its original architecture and a proper refurbishment plan is the desire of the local people for the sake of preserving the school’s artistic charm.
By: Nguyễn Đình Thịnh Nguyễn Thu Hà
In your opinion, what is the most important factor that determines the charm of a historical construction?
A. Architectural aesthetic
B. Atmosphere
C. Location
D. Cultural value
Tuyệttt