DESIGNING A NEW BUILDING IN HISTORIC SETTING: A CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL LIBRARY OF LAOS

Abstract

During the French colonial era, Laos was colonized by France since 1893, French architecture elements were integrated into Lao architecture and modified to absorb in the climate (hot and humid). The French colonial style has been affecting the architecture of several major towns and cities including Vientiane. During 30 years under the rule of French, Vientiane is the most notable to its French influence is its architecture, a number of large-scale construction projects were implemented. However, after independence, Laos was developing continuously, many colonial buildings have been renovated to change the function of the building for several purposes such as accommodation, office, commercial building. In the meantime, the authorities have realized the historical value of this unique architectural legacy as the French architectural styles and characteristics are valuable and should be preserved for the new generations to see as well as acknowledge the background of the past. Nevertheless, regarding the renovation, restoration, and adaptation of French Colonial building, it has only the local regulations that play a crucial role in these process which is not adequate to preserve the core value and the uniqueness of the French architecture. As a result, to conclude an appropriate new function criteria to a case study of National Library of Laos building, this study purposes the understanding of the French colonial buildings Architecture in Vientiane by researching a more in-depth architectural elements detail to offer the solutions for a design of the new building to connect with the existing National Library of Laos by applying the identity of the colonial building to a design. The research starting from the real situation of the project that the National Library of Laos will be improved and relocated to the new location while its old site is given for concession. Thus, the study has included the potentiality of the land use based on the social-economic impact while focusing on preserving the French colonial architecture in the design process.