Fengshui in planning of Thang Long ­ Hanoi citadel

Ref.: 333
Área temática: 03 Integridad visual de los paisajes urbanos históricos
Fecha de recepción: 05/12/2008

AUTORES (* Autor principal)

VAN SON, Nguyen Van Son * (Viet Nam) - Co Loa vestige ­ Hanoi ancient wall preservation centre

ABSTRACT

The Thang Long capital of Dai Viet during historical periods, especially Thang Long ­ Hanoi citadel, is of outstanding universal value for its exemplary exhibition of the interchange of human values over more than a millennium in the development of Asian architecture, construction technology, urban planning and landscape design. Thang Long - Hanoi's location exposed it to many different cultural influence, of which Oriental philosophy ­ Fengshui ­ sourced from ancient China. However, the strength of Vietnamese culture itself and exceptional nature of Thang Long ­ Hanoi prevented it from ever becoming merely an imitation of other cultures but produce a unique culture. This essay presents the expression of the adaptation of Confucian, Taoism to Vietnamese culture in urban planning and landscape design including four points below:
1. Thang Long capital composed three protective walls ­ presenting supreme power of ruling royal dynasties according to Confucian conception. However, the layout of Thang Long capital was more sympathetic to its natural context, including the presence of rivers and the flexibility in design/shape of outer protective wall following local environmental conditions.
2. The north ­ south axis of Thang Long citadel and south direction of component monuments followed Fengshui conception. The most important palace (palace for holding court which named Can Nguyen in Ly dynasty, Thien An in Ly-Tran dynasties and Kinh Thien in Le dynasty) was built on the top of Nung mountain (so-called Long Do ­ Dragon navel). According to fengshui, this presents the harmony between god and earth.
3. Position of citadel gates which still remains Northern gate, Southern gate, Eastern and Western gates.
4. South direction of the palace holding court and Temple of Literature, Royal College.

BIBLIOGRAFÍA