Flowers of Clouds: A Sculptural Marvel in Architecture

Architect Vu Van Hai's Award-Winning Observation Tower and Coffee Space

Da Lat, a city considered the most romantic in Vietnam, is known for its pine-tree hills and colorful flower valleys. It is in this picturesque setting that the 'Flowers of Clouds' project is located. The tower, designed by Vu Van Hai, is an impressive structure, standing 12 meters high and resembling a lotus flower. It serves as an observation tower and houses a coffee space, offering visitors a unique experience amidst the natural landscape.

The design of the tower was inspired by the city's natural conditions. Vu Van Hai envisioned a structure that would not only serve as an observation tower or coffee space but also as a symbol of spiritual belief through the image of the lotus. The tower appears as a giant sculpture, composed of 27 steel modules, and lifts the 600 square meter coffee space to an altitude of 8 meters. The entire roof area serves as a garden, offering visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

The 'Flowers of Clouds' tower is supported by a steel frame structure, with corten steel covering the outer surface. The foundations are made of reinforced concrete, ensuring the structure's stability. The building spans 600 square meters, with dimensions of W30m x D30m x H12m. The design team, led by Vu Van Hai, faced the challenge of creating a unique and creative form to highlight the entire resort project, while also finding a construction engineering solution suitable for low construction costs.

Visitors enter the building from a small hall at the entrance on the ground floor. A continuous ramp between two rows of orange-red corten steel columns leads to the first floor, housing the coffee and restaurant space. The rooftop is adorned with stretching flowers and an outdoor coffee space, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking view of the entire area.

The 'Flowers of Clouds' project was studied in July 2020, with construction expected to commence in April 2021. The design was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award in 2021, a testament to its innovative design and technical excellence. The tower stands as a beacon for visitors, integrating tourists, architecture, and nature in a seamless experience.

In conclusion, the 'Flowers of Clouds' project is a remarkable example of innovative architectural design. Vu Van Hai's vision of creating a structure that is not only functional but also a symbol of spiritual belief has been realized in this unique observation tower. It stands as a testament to the power of design in enhancing the experience of a place and connecting people with nature.