Hang Dau Water Tower opens to visitors for the first time

Hanoi Hang Dau Water Tower was created by a group of architects and artists into an art space, opening to visitors for the first time from November 17 to December 31.

Hang Dau Water Tower, a nearly 130-year-old architectural work, is located at the intersection of the ancient streets of Hang Than, Hang Luoc, Hang Giay, Hang Dau, Quan Thanh and Phan Dinh Phung (Hoan Kiem District). The design team, including architect Cao The Anh, artist Nguyen Duc Phuong and colleagues, was inspired by Eastern concepts to create this work into an art space through two key installation systems.

The sound installation recreates the sound of water in nature and the light installation visually expands the image of objects recycled from urban waste. Through this, the authors want to convey to the public the role of water in life, the connection between humans and nature as well as the impact of urban areas on the environment.

Perspective photo of Hang Dau Water Tower. Photo: BTC

The art installation at Hang Dau Water Tower is one of the activities within the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 (from November 17 to December 31). In addition to this location, the group of architects and artists also introduced art spaces at historical buildings and relics such as Gia Lam Railway Factory, Hanoi Railway Station, Long Bien Railway Station, and Long Bien Bridge during the festival.

Hang Dau Water Tower was built in 1894, is one of the ancient architectural works of Hanoi built by the French. Together with Yen Phu water plant, the tower was built to serve the purpose of providing clean water to the people. Water from the plant is brought to two towers to be distributed through pipes throughout the city.

According to historian Duong Trung Quoc, the French built two water towers at Hang Dau and Don Thuy (end of Dinh Cong Trang street) to supply water to the ancient citadel area, where European officials and soldiers gathered, along with the residential areas of 36 streets.

The water tower is built of rubble, cylindrical, 19 m in diameter, 3 floors high, with a conical roof and a lightning rod in the middle. The tower has a giant steel water tank with a capacity of 1,250 m3, located on top of 8 stone walls, the system of pipes leading up and down has iron valves. The tower has been renovated several times, and is still in its original state, but the 17 windows on the first floor have been sealed.

Doan Loan

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