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Ho Chi Minh City's Column-Free Church: A Legacy of Independence Hall's Designer
🇻🇳 Vietnam /Culture & Society

Ho Chi Minh City's Column-Free Church: A Legacy of Independence Hall's Designer

From Thanh Niên · (1h ago) Vietnamese

Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Đồng Tiến Church in Ho Chi Minh City, designed by architects Ngô Viết Thụ and Lê Anh Kiên, is the first in the city to feature a column-free interior.
  • This unique architectural design, spanning over 11,000 square meters, creates an open and unified space for worshippers, symbolizing a community without divisions.
  • Despite being over half a century old, the church remains a source of pride for its congregation, offering a peaceful and accessible environment for prayer and relaxation.

The Đồng Tiến Church stands as a remarkable testament to innovative architecture in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. As reported by Thanh Niên, this sacred space, designed by the renowned Ngô Viết Thụ and Lê Anh Kiên, breaks from tradition with its entirely column-free interior. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it fosters a profound sense of unity and inclusivity among the faithful, allowing every worshipper an unobstructed view of the altar and the priest.

Spanning an impressive 11,000 square meters, the church complex is more than just a place of worship; it's a sanctuary of peace. Lush greenery and a serene park within its grounds offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city. This blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty makes Đồng Tiến a cherished landmark for generations of parishioners.

Nét đặc sắc là giữa lòng nhà thờ không có bất kỳ một cây cột nào. Đây là ngôi nhà thờ đầu tiên không cột của Tổng giáo phận, rất thoáng mát và vẫn còn hợp thời cho đến ngày nay

— Tổng giáo phận TP.HCMQuoting the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City on the unique feature of the church.

For many, like Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Sỹ, who has been a devoted member for nearly 40 years, the church's open design provides a unique sense of comfort and closeness. Her words, as quoted by Thanh Niên, highlight how the absence of columns enhances the spiritual experience, making everyone feel more connected. This enduring appeal underscores the timeless success of its design, proving that architectural boldness can indeed deepen spiritual connection and community cohesion.

Đi nhiều nơi, nhưng tôi vẫn thích nhất cảm giác khi ngồi ở nhà thờ Đồng Tiến. Nhà thờ xây đẹp, không gian rộng. Không có những hàng cột che khuất tầm mắt, nên dù ngồi ở góc nào cũng nhìn rõ bàn thờ và linh mục. Nó tạo cảm giác gần gũi, thoải mái

— Nguyễn Thị SỹA parishioner shares her personal experience and feelings about the church's design.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Thanh Niên in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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