Vietnamese modernist architecture was inspired by French art deco designs

Our forthcoming book "Southern Vietnamese Modernist Architecture" focuses on modernism, but we also set the context for the development of modernist architecture in Vietnam by outlining the architectural history and the architectural heritage of southern Vietnam. In particular, the transition of architecture from colonial neoclassical designs to modernism in Vietnam proved to be a very interesting time for architecture, resulting in some remarkable projects. The Indochina Bank building (now the State Bank of Vietnam) at Eight Võ Văn Kiệt Street was one of the last of the neoclassical buildings (1928). Designed by French architect Felix Dumail, it is augmented with Asian design touches at the roof cornice, but its interior design is a stunning decorative style of art deco. Designs like this encouraged young Vietnamese architects to explore modernist architecture beyond classicism.