Tiles of Saigon: Capturing the Neglected Beauty of Colonial-Era Floor Tiles

A Publication by Giang Nguyen

"Tiles of Saigon" is a captivating publication that showcases the exclusive aesthetics of French colonial-era architecture in Saigon. The book contains a collection of 30 digitally rendered patterns, each originating from the artistically crafted floor tiles of these historic buildings. These tiles, once considered lost arts, are now beautifully preserved within the pages of this publication.

The book's dimensions are 220mm x 160mm x 8mm, with 60 pages featuring 30 unique patterns printed on 150gsm natural white paper. The cover is made of laminated matte paper, giving it a sophisticated and elegant look.

Giang Nguyen meticulously researched and documented the colonial-era floor tiles, taking several months to collect resources and images. The design process itself took around two weeks, while the print production was completed in one week. The entire project was carried out in Saigon, Vietnam, where the inspiration for the book originated.

Each spread in "Tiles of Saigon" showcases one tile design as a square on one page, allowing readers to appreciate the individual beauty of each tile. The facing page displays the design as a seamless pattern, providing a glimpse into how these tiles would look when used together. This unique presentation allows the audience to experience the designs in both their standalone form and as part of a larger pattern.

The selection of tiles included in the book was a challenge in itself. Giang Nguyen aimed to showcase a wide spectrum of antique tile designs, ensuring that the publication represents the diverse range of patterns found in Saigon's old villas and buildings.

"Tiles of Saigon" has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2015, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

Through "Tiles of Saigon," Giang Nguyen has successfully captured and celebrated the neglected beauty of colonial-era floor tiles in Saigon. This publication serves as a visual testament to the unique visual culture of the city, preserving these lost arts for generations to come.