Review of the series “City of Hue, Architecture of Eternity”

By Prof. Steve Bisson, Paris College of Art
Chief editor Urbanautica Institute

The living conditions of the masses have not always coincided with an earthly Eden. Even today, this is the case if we observe urbanism and, in particular, the state of the suburbs or the metropolitan densities that leave little space for green dreams. A terrace is already a privilege. In its progressive urbanization, the human species has distanced itself from nature, forced into concrete towers whose temperature is acceptable by air conditioning. We can easily admit that the urban lesson is somewhat grey, if not dirty. It’s hard to deny that there is a lot of talk about how to make the modern polis eco-friendly, but we are far from a symbiosis with the environment. Let’s face it: green is almost a decoration. Nature or vegetation is more of a valuable slogan for constructing cycle paths and purchasing electric transport.The practical question is, what do asphalt, concrete, speed, speculative mutation, and removal of references produce in man? Let’s further summarize the question: is the metropolitan dimension harmful to health? What is the net balance? If, on the one hand, these photographs show us an idyllic place, on the other, they hide for a moment a reality that is quite different in Vietnam, as in much of the world . And here we come to the second consideration. Can we transform the world and our habitats into gardens or spaces where we can have a respectful experience of the cosmos? Or is the flora journey summarized as a walk in the park, along a pedestrianized riverbank, or a “demineralized” waterfront?

Is this just a utopia?

As we search for answers, these photographs offer us a different memory of what could be.

Gardens as metaphors of human culture

the series is featured in the following article by Urbanautica, Journal of Visual Anthropology and Cultural Landscapes :

“This lead to another question: does the habitat we are part of nourish us and shape our experiences, memories, and expectations? If I look at the photographs by Quang Lam, I must agree. The imperial city of Hue, Vietnam, is often cited for the harmony between nature and architecture symbiosis that benefits its visitors’ souls and spirits. Its lush gardens and coexistence of styles make this place an oasis of mixité. This place recalls other royal episodes, dynasties, and regents who surrounded their homes with beautiful environments to surprise their guests and demonstrate their sumptuousness. “

More insights

Read the artist’s statement for the International Photo Biennale Hanoi’23