‘HOA GIO’: the development of a modern Vietnamese architectural element beyond the ventilation block

This research examines the development of 'Hoa gió,' a traditional Vietnamese architectural element, from the precolonial era, through colonial adaptations, to its reinterpretation in modernism. 'Hoa gió' offers sun shading, ventilation, privacy, and aesthetic value, fitting well with Vietnam’s climate, and was a key feature of the “golden era” of Vietnamese modernism. Although there is scholarly interest, studies on 'Hoa gió' are limited and often view it as a Western adaptation. This study examines how 'Hoa gió' was adapted and reinterpreted as a "traditional-turned-modern" component, interacting with external currents. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes 'Hoa gió' across historical periods, reviewing existing literature and conducting fieldwork in nine modernist buildings in Ho Chi Minh city through observation, photography, and documentation, supplemented with archival research. The data are categorized and analyzed to reveal changes in functions and cultural relevance. Findings highlight that 'Hoa gió' has been reinterpreted by modernism, where the tangible and intangible values of traditional architecture are conveyed, distinct from Western narratives.