In the mid-20th century, southern Vietnam was already one of the world's centers of modern architecture. Saigon, in particular, was a major economic and cultural hub of the region, with many remarkable buildings constructed during this time.
One such building is the headquarters of the Voice of Hồ Chí Minh City People — the V.O.H Radio Station — at 3 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City. It was designed and completed across two distinct historical periods.
The building was designed in 1969 by the architect and urbanist Lê Văn Lắm. In the post-colonial era, he was a figure of major importance in shaping the modern architectural language of Vietnam.
He was also the author of many master plans for the era's new cities. In a moment of profound transition, he analyzed the weaknesses of urban planning of the time and proposed architectural solutions adapted to the tropical climate.
Although the great flowering of modern architecture in southern Vietnam took place during the years of the country's division, this project by Lê Văn Lắm was completed afterwards, becoming a bridge between two historical periods.
The V.O.H building stands as evidence that the modern architectural language of Vietnam is not the product of one historical moment, but a living tradition — capable of being carried forward and developed across generations of architects and citizens.
