Nguyễn Khắc Phước

When was the moment that you thought about becoming an architect? Why did you choose so?

I have been very into Bonsai art ever since I was in primary school. This was mainly the reason why I wanted to be an architect because of my passion for Bonsai and it did impact me a lot in my decision.

Which architect inspires you and impacts on your architectural concept?

There are some architects who inspire me at different times. The first to name here is probably Le Corbusier, from his concept which is about the eternal essence of space and nature.

On the side of being an architect, are you interested in any other thing?

Perhaps the Bonsai art that I have mentioned.

When starting an architectural project, what is your biggest concern? 

To me it is the accordance of both investor and architect, followed by context, needs and costs of the project.

Having collaborated with NKP office in some recent projects and also listened to your sharing about Vietnamese traditional three-compartment (3 gian) contemporary houses, we could see that you have designed some places in many cities and provinces. Could you give some more details about this project series? Why would you choose this approach for this project?

I have been very fortunate to have opportunities to design many projects in the countryside, where there can still remain a friendly neighbourhood lifestyle. Because I was born in a small village, working on these projects really brings me great joy and excitement. Conversely, I want to go further and deeper to rural areas to experience and to see what I can do more for them in terms of architecture.

Among all of the constructions you have designed, how does the architectural life inside and outside of them affect the surrounding area?

I am truly content every time I visit places that I designed. They show me how much care they have put into the house, how much they have changed things in and out, sometimes a plant, sometimes a vase. A home is not just a house, it is a place to love, to savour beauty. Just as it is, each of the places we design is a message to introduce our architecture to people.

What do you think about traditional architecture in general and traditional houses in particular? Is there anything you could learn from and apply in your design for NKP’s

constructions in the countryside? 

Traditional architecture, particularly traditional houses, reflect the features of our culture, our local lifestyles; which will still play the fundamental role in social development as well as modern architecture. Our way of applying traditional architecture is introduced in materials, light arrangement, and living space according to each region, especially in the series of “ 3 gian”.

How crucial is the lighting layout to a project? What do you think about the lighting of NKP’s projects so far? 

In order to live up the space to each specific context, light is an artistic tool that architects use to create and impact on it. To create a calm and pleasant space, we often try to bring in indirect light. It is just like gentle sunlight drops down through leaves or can be a conjunction between spaces.

How do you deploy blank spaces and how much does it mean to you?

Vacant spaces are created on purpose as a place to ease one’s mind or to celebrate the light, trees or can be an intersection of spaces.

Photo: Triệu Chiến

In spite of many ways of understanding, sustainable architecture is very crucial for the present and future. What do you think about sustainable architecture? Have you ever input this aspect in designs at NKP?

The definition of sustainable architecture is vast. In short, our projects bring this sustainability according to our client’s needs, people who live in that place, culture, social context and exclusively the stance of the place throughout the years. A sustainable construction is required to be able to equilibrate the aesthetics, practicalness and should be suitable for the master of the house. 

Any project that you have always wanted to do?

I would love to build a residence in the rural river region. It will probably be a brand new experience for me with a new lifestyle and context.

What do you think about documenting photos and notes of projects you have done? What is important about doing so?

Archiving photos and records of completed projects really matters. It marks or closes up each of your projects. As a single step has been made in a long journey. This is the chance for you to reflect on as well as to improve yourself in your path of practising architecture.

As an architect, what do you think about the current Vietnamese architecture?

Vietnamese architecture is assimilating with new trends day by day. New concepts with the advance of the society is the opportunity for architects to practise more or their architecture.

From that point, what is the role of architects to society, according to your opinion? 

The more the society develops, the more important architecture will be in forming lifestyle and promoting traditional values of vietnamese culture.

To you, what is the value required to be an architect?

It must be Consistency.

A saying you like the most about architects or architecture?

“Passion is not enough, be responsively consistent.“

Thank you so much!