Chu Dau Ceramic Exhibition and Research Center at Chu Dau Village, Vietnam | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

The Chu Dau Ceramic Exhibition and Research Centre project is situated across from the village and the new ceramic workshop. It is encircled by golden sticky rice fields, the shells of which give Chu Dau ceramics their distinctive glaze.

The land was chosen with the intention of creating a journey for visitors as they connect various destinations, such as the project (for those of us who are unfamiliar with Chu Dau ceramics and come here to learn), the archaeological site (for us to look back to the past), the village (for us to look back to the present), and the workshop (for us to look forward to the future).

Design Process

Three well-known Chu Dau ceramics concepts served as inspiration for the project’s design process: 1. Chu Dau (boat dock); 2. The ceramic products’ multi-layered glaze; and 3. The ceramic village’s current “state” (half of it has been found and is exposed, while the other half has not been found and is still buried in the ground).

Concept 1: the name Chu Dau comes from an ancient language that means boat dock, given that people used to primarily transport ceramic goods by boat. Therefore, the goal when selecting the land was to set up a space “above the dock, below the boat” in order to create a playground and landscape that would draw tourists and serve as a reminder of the ancient village’s past.

Concept 2: Current Chu Dau ceramics feature a minimum of three glaze layers and a maximum of five, each with a unique colour blend, colour overlap, and cracking effects. The overlapping glaze layers serve as a source of inspiration for resolving the technical issue with the enclosure for the project. The enclosure’s multi-layer structure guarantees that the following issues will be resolved: noise reduction during the manufacturing and research processes; insulation during the project’s firing and during the hot, dry season; preservation of artefacts for the display area; and natural lighting for the research area.

Concept 3: Based on the concept that Chu Dau pottery is half discovered and half not, the project proposed creating an underground research space auxiliary area and an exhibition floor. This does not significantly affect ventilation or natural lighting; rather, it helps to balance the project and keep it from being overly large in comparison to the nearby villages and rice fields.

Final Outcome

The Chu Dau Ceramic Exhibition and Research Centre is dedicated to reviving and promoting Chu Dau ceramics to restore their historical prominence. It serves as a hub for experts to research lost techniques and train a new generation of artisans to preserve and advance the pottery tradition in Chu Dau.

Due to the area’s dry-season water scarcity, the project was designed to store water effectively. The initial concept featured a sloping roof system funneling rainwater into a collection point. Merging with Concept 2 resulted in a multi-layered, semi-outdoor space resembling the interior of a kiln chimney, where a 3D film depicts the life of the ancient Chu Dau pottery village.

Notably, a 1.2m perimeter gap without a roof allows rainwater to flow into a collection ditch, creating an immersive experience where visitors feel real-time environmental changes—morning to night, sunny to rainy seasons. This design highlights the passage of time, underscoring its significance to the craft village and its tangible and intangible cultural values.

The landscape design incorporates thoughtfully crafted pottery-making areas, complemented by an interactive outdoor workshop space that invites hands-on participation and creative exploration. These elements are seamlessly integrated with lush green zones, featuring a diverse array of trees that provide shade and enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings. A pedestrian bridge connects all these spaces, creating a harmonious flow and ensuring easy accessibility throughout the area. 

Conclusion: Ultimately, Chu Dau pottery stands as a testament to Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of its traditional crafts. The establishment of the Chu Dau Ceramic Exhibition and Research Centre has not only preserved this art form but also opened new pathways for research, education, and innovation. In reconnecting the present with the past, Chu Dau pottery regains its place as art and cultural pride for its people, ensuring a legacy to live on in the minds of generations yet to come.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]