WOA7
Aerial view of the Thu Thiem Astronomy Center beside the Saigon River

THU THIEM ASTRONOMY CENTER

The project occupies a prime strategic location on the Thu Thiem Peninsula, bordering District 1 and situated right at the foot of the Ba Son Bridge. It serves as a vital nexus connecting the historic urban core with the modern, smart new urban area.

Leveraging this context, the structure functions not only as a city-scale cultural and scientific institution but also as a "visual machine" that bridges the flow of the Saigon River, the riverside public realm, and the bustling traffic of the Ba Son Bridge. The project creates a powerful focal point, defining a futuristic identity at the very gateway to the Thu Thiem Peninsula.

Embodying the architectural philosophy of Flat Ontology Architecture, the design rejects static forms and traditional Euclidean geometry in favor of "polygonal complexity" and a contemporary sci-fi aesthetic.

Flat-faceted Assemblies: The complex is composed of sharp-edged polygonal surfaces, boldly angled volumes, and a sophisticated layering of bright white forms against deep blue accents. This design language evokes the structures of space stations, shuttles, and extraterrestrial entities.

Space-frame & Cantilever: The use of cantilevered steel trusses and inclined supports creates the illusion of the building hovering or moving in a state of weightlessness above the ground. Sloped roof elements and floor-to-ceiling glass reflecting the sky blur the boundaries between the interior architecture and the celestial expanse outside. Programmatic Depth: The interior is articulated into flexible layers-ranging from an observatory, a space-themed exhibition area, and an interactive research zone to outdoor rooftop viewing decks-offering a multi-dimensional space exploration experience for residents and visitors alike.

LOCATION
Thu Thiem, HCMC, Vietnam
TYPE
Science Exhibition Center
YEAR
2026 - 7
FLOOR AREA
26,000 m²
CLIENT
DESIGN TEAM
LLE MINH HUY + Đ. K. AI MINH
PROJECT TEAM
Night arrival view beneath the Astronomy Center
Astronomy Center civic facade
Astronomy Center viewed from the landscape
Astronomy Center waterfront volume
Astronomy Center entrance facade
Astronomy Center gateway view
Astronomy Center arrival sequence
Astronomy Center roof and space-frame detail
Astronomy Center cantilevered facade
Astronomy Center facade from the civic approach
Site plan of the Thu Thiem Astronomy Center
Astronomy Center floor plan
Astronomy Center program and circulation diagrams
Astronomy Center elevations and sections
Observatory-facing interior at night
Astronomy Center public stair and gallery
Astronomy Center interior under the folded roof
Interior public room of the Astronomy Center
Space-themed exhibition hall
Astronomy Center entry court
Rooftop public deck
Astronomy Center exhibition interior
Astronomy Center landscape threshold
Astronomy Center public plaza
Astronomy Center facade detail
Public route beneath the Astronomy Center
Astronomy Center axonometric model
Astronomy Center structural model
Astronomy Center volume study
Astronomy Center massing model
Structural detail study of the Astronomy Center
Structural diagram of the Astronomy Center
Astronomy Center viewed from across the river