1. Project Story:
“A person has a disadvantaged fate, someone has no husband, no children, someone has children but can't ask for help, someone has confused and no longer remembers their own life story. The fire of passion have not been extinguished intheir old eyes .” - Mr. Tan Nguyen - Head of Central Management Board nursing Home .
Traditional art in Vietnam always needs the connection between those who have gone before and those who come after. Along with other artists, I am eager to preserve and develop this art form, bridging the gap between long-standing art forms like cai luong and future generations.
Every day, the "torchbearers" like seasoned artists carry the responsibility of training and guiding young artists, focusing on the human element to preserve and uphold the cultural heritage of the nation. However, they are growing older, their health is deteriorating, and they live in poverty. They lack attention from society. It can be understood that the main reason is because society is increasingly developing in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with a strong influx of cultural waves from other countries into Vietnam. The emergence of tapes, discs, television, gameshows, and the internet has provided flexible entertainment for audiences anytime, anywhere. However, it is evident that these are virtual forms that have unintentionally forgotten the traditional performance space or, in other words, those who have been long-time performers on stage (actors, singers) have become forgotten.
It can be seen that in the 50s, 60s, or 80s, 90s, the cai luong artists, Ho Quang, hat boi,... had a golden age and certain reputation. Therefore, recently these artists have struggled and been extinguished in their livelihoods. They have had to face difficult circumstances, worry about living expenses, but these artists still wholeheartedly pursue their chosen profession, dedicating themselves to the art.
Due to the nature of their work requiring frequent travel to different locations and their emotional inclination, most artists live alone. They tend to lead impulsive lives without clear direction. As a result, when they grow old, they often find themselves in a lonely situation, lacking the care of loved ones in their twilight years. This reality is evident in the elderly theater home in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City.
Currently, the entire city has about 11 nursing homes, but there is only one nursing home that cares for artists, established by artist Phung Ha and the Artists' Friendship Association in 1998. After more than 20 years of establishment, the facility is now seriously deteriorated and lacks basic amenities. The most serious issue is the lack of essential functional areas in a nursing home.
Given the reality of urban planning and construction policies, Ho Chi Minh City needs a proper care facility for artists. This is also the desire of all elderly artists that the author had the opportunity to listen to. This is the main reason why the author decided to choose the topic:
"Nursing home for Artists"
2. The Idea of a Shell building:
Inspired by the stage curtain image. After closing the curtain, the backstage is where the artists' activities take place. The author uses the image above to design the cover for the work as a stage curtain that protects the artist from the eyes of the public.
3. The Idea of Helical staircases :
In the religious culture of the Vietnamese, an elderly is like a Banyan tree banyan tree who maintains order and lifestyle in the family, contributes to the formation, nurtures, and educates young generation. This contributes to preserving and promoting the traditional Vietnamese families. The author was inspired by the image above to make the central staircase design idea.
The center of the first floor features a spiral staircase. This system of stairs serves as the heart of the residence. Starting from the central courtyard, they spiral upward, connecting all four floors and framing a calyx at the top with a skylight used to flood the space below with daylight. The glass on the outside of the stairs helps to prevent rainwater while still bringing light to the central lobby area. In addition, there is more living space for the elderly to participate in singing and performing Cai Luong, Ho Quang.
4. The religious worship the founder of theatrical arts:
The spiritual aspect within the project is a small element, yet of equal importance. Based on observations from several practical nursing homes and insights gained from studying two prevalent religions today, Buddhism and Christianity, it's not recommended to design a single spiritual space for worshiping both Buddha and God. This approach might not be well-received by followers of these respective religions. In the case of Catholicism, the establishment of a chapel must adhere to the supervision of a bishop and be managed by a priest. As a result, incorporating a chapel into public facilities becomes impractical. However, exceptions can be made for certain nursing homes managed by religious institutions, such as convents, where the inclusion of a chapel is justifiable.
5. Memorial Artist Park
The park area is designed with the purpose of creating a highlight for the project with the theme 'Respecting the Contributions of Artists.' The park includes memorial wall panels; each wall has an artist's name on it, accompanied by a biography, history, and personal contributions. At night, the building is creatively illuminated, forming an eye-catching and unique image. The lighting will transition gradually from wide to focused and from cold to warm, as rows of stainless steel spotlights help define the square's layout and enhance design dynamics. On each steel pillar, there is an artist's biography and their contribution to art. A tranquil lake offers viewers a space to contemplate and reflect on the artist's life.
Beyond its function of providing relaxation and stress reduction, the garden also aids people in reminiscing about the past, from childhood to adulthood. This, in turn, helps the elderly rediscover the splendid moments of their youth, providing them with a sense of continuity in their life experiences.
6. Research objectives.
Providing care for the elderly encompassing age, health, and illness through nursing home , medical examinations, and treatments. Creating a comfortable living space that thoroughly caters to the essential material and spiritual needs of senior artists, ensuring they feel secure to live, relax, and work as though they were in their second home.
A place to preserve the radiant glory of their once-vibrant past, a space filled with nostalgia. A place where artists can live, immersed in their most beautiful memories until the time they depart to devote a lifetime to their profession.
As analyzed above, the image of the stage holds a special significance in an artist's life. Therefore, the author decides to choose the image of a stage as a continuous Images throughout the design in project .
The project transforms not only into a simple elderly care facility but also into a 'Big stage.' A place where artists can continue to burn with passion for their craft, continue their roles, and perform the final act of their lives.
