As part of the Launch program, Vietnam Art Collection (VAC) will co-sponsor the Hanoi Ad hoc Exhibition 1.0 - The Grid, happening within the framework of UNESCO's Hanoi Festival of Creative Design. This collaboration brings together two organizations from different fields but with a shared approach to researching, archiving, and designing programs to support the development of the community we serve. Recognizing the significant role that architecture plays in facilitating the infrastructure for art and culture, we are excited to explore the endless potential possibilities that this collaboration between VAC and Hanoi Ad hoc can bring. This not only acknowledges the importance of architectural spaces in showcasing and supporting both societal and artistic endeavors but also highlights the mutual inspiration that can arise between architects and artists, leading to fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.

Drawing inspiration from Michael Schiffer's 'Behavioural Archaeology,' this exhibition delves into an engaging dialogue that resonates with Aldo Rossi's idea that "the city, like the collective memory of its people, is intertwined with objects and places." This perspective takes concrete form in the recreation of an archaeological site, placing a special emphasis on the exploration of its history during the early 20th century. Positioned strategically at the junction of four prominent rail lines, during its lifespan, the factory stood as a witness to Vietnamese history, from the French colonial period, Japanese occupation, and American bombing to the present day of the free market and social changes. Not only did the factory serve the movement of goods, with an extended network of agents, but it also cultivated the mobility of cultures and ideologies that shaped Vietnamese cultural identity. Through an immersion in the existing tapestry of the Gia Lam Train Factory, the exhibition aspires to preserve its profound spiritual resonance, effectively elevating it to a memorial status.

Within this framework, the abandoned factory undergoes a metamorphic process, wherein it is systematically reconstructed and documented as a repository of not just materials, but also the memories and untold stories of its past. This narrative-rich approach mirrors Schiffer's 'Behavioural Archaeology,' where the behavior and interactions of people with objects and places are central to understanding their historical significance. The factory, in its reconstruction, captures the essence of these interactions, preserving the stories and experiences of those who once breathed life into its walls.

Lead Architect Mai Hung Trung

Curated by Hanoi Ad hoc

Dates: November 17 – December 31, 2023


Hours: 8:30 – 17:00 (17-26 Nov, 2023, during UNESCO's Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2023) and open by appointment between 26 Nov - 31 Dec, 2023


Location: Warehouse of Hot Processing Workshop, Gia Lam Train Factory, Hanoi

VAC and Hanoi Ad hoc are delighted to extend a special invitation to you for the Curatorial Tour of the exhibition, The Grid. This exhibition offers a journey of exploration of factories in Hanoi, combining elements of architecture, art, and research to provide a multifaceted understanding of its historical significance. The curatorial tour will be led by Architect Trung Mai (in both Vietnamese and English).

Curatorial Tour with Architect Trung Mai

Date: 24 Nov., Friday, 4-6 pm

Refreshments will be provided (Participation at the event is free of charge, registration is encouraged for better preparation)

Register here

Images courtesy of Hanoi Ad hoc and the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design.