The imposing structure rises before you. It’s the National Assembly Building of Vietnam also known as the New Ba Dinh Hall. This isn’t just any building. This is where Vietnam’s history unfolds.
The building’s design is both modern and symbolic. The cube shape represents the earth and the mother. The circular meeting room inside symbolizes heaven and the father. These two architectural blocks are also seen as the image of banh chung and banh day traditional Vietnamese food.
Construction started in 2009. It took five years to complete. The project was ambitious and complex. The building is the largest and most complex office building built in Vietnam after the country’s reunification. It covers an area of 63000 square meters and is 39 meters tall. It can hold over 80 separate meetings with more than 2500 people.
Before this building stood the old Ba Dinh Hall. It was demolished in 2008. Archaeologists found ancient remains on the site. These were from the old imperial city of Hanoi Thang Long. The discovery delayed construction. The archaeological excavation was the largest in Vietnam’s history. Millions of artifacts were found. They date back centuries. They are from the Ly Tran and Le dynasties. Some even date back to the Tang Dynasty.
The building is a technological marvel. It’s equipped with state of the art technology. It features energy saving measures and sophisticated security systems. The glass facade is a one way mirror. It’s designed to prevent the interior from being visible from the outside. Each glass plate was individually processed.
The main meeting room is impressive. It’s called the Dien Hong Hall. It seats 604 members of the National Assembly and 339 press and guests. The seating arrangement is unique. The seats are designed with modern communication equipment. The chairs are Sensó RT models from Spain. They rotate 360 degrees. They even automatically return to their original position after each session.
The National Assembly Building stands as a testament to Vietnam’s progress. It’s a modern structure infused with history and culture. This impressive building represents Vietnam’s past present and future. The legacy of Thang Long is preserved beneath its floor. The building’s impressive features are a sight to behold. It is a truly remarkable landmark.