Creativity and the development of Hanoi
Although design as a contemporary commercial platform is only now emerging in Hanoi, design has historically informed the city’s evolution.
Hanoi’s architecture and art talents have translated western concepts into a uniquely Vietnamese aesthetic since early 20th century. This is evidenced in the city’s landmarks including Thang Long Citadel World Heritage Site; and surrounding architecture featuring blended influences, such as Hanoi Opera House; Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts; and the contemporary Nhat Tan Bridge.
Cầu Nhật Tân
The city’s cultural assets and design sensibilities are also evidenced in its thousand years of craft and arts traditions, including Bat Trang ceramics, Van Phuc silk and Ha Thai lacquer available on city streets and in craft villages – as well as the foundation of iconic Indochine art movements in the early and mid-20th century.
More recently, striking propaganda posters and billboards from across the last half century are now exhibited domestically and worldwide, including at London Museum, also shows a solid foundation for Hanoi’s development based on innovative design.
Sản phẩm sơn Hạ Thái
Design is a growing creative field within Hanoi. A younger generation engaged with design is developing an increasing number of businesses focused on this field.
In 2018, Hanoi’s creative industries contributed around USD 1.49 billion to its Gross Regional Domestic Product – accounting for 3.7 per cent; while the art and entertainment industry contributed USD 262 million, which accounts for 0.65 per cent of the city’s GRDP.
The total direct revenue generated by Hanoi’s craft villages amounted to USD 983.5 million in 2018 – excluding the indirect revenue from traditional arts and crafts – and involved a total of around a million employees. Exports of Hanoi’s craft goods reach USD 192 million, accounting for 1.4 per cent of Hanoi’s total export value.
In total of 43,704 enterprises operating in the field of creative design industry in the area of Hanoi city, there are many enterprises of designing, interior design, urban design, and painting. In particular, only in 2018, the number of new enterprises established in Hanoi in the fields of science and technology, consulting and design services, advertising and other relevant specialities amounted to 2,522 along with 167 businesses in the field of arts, entertainment and entertainment …
Design is a growing career aspiration for Hanoians. A Creative Entrepreneur Club features members fromdesign and architecture companies; and the Association of Vietnam Product Design & Fine Art – part of the Asia Pacific Design Association – includes research institutions and centres. A network of 70 design-focused spaces includes Hanoi Design Center, Manzi Arts Spaces, VICAS Arts Studioand Work Room Four. Thousands of design businesses exist across the city.
Design in technology is explored by Hanoi Union of Science and Technology Associations; while Hanoi’s cultural scene is nurtured by specialised associations with members from the worlds of architecture, cinema, fine art and photography.
The Hanoi Association of Craft Villages and the Hanoi Association of Craft Masters support the city’s craftspeople, exploring initiatives to bring design thinking to this traditional cultural heritage – intending to bring a more engaged and contemporary audience to the world of craft.