The Vietage丨越南丨ShapeUs studio

Architect：ShapeUs studio

Location：Vietnam; | ;View Map

Project Year：2020

Category：Transports

The brief for The Vietage was to design a unique and luxurious train experience connecting Da Nang and Quy Nhon along Vietnam's central coastline. The goal was to create a seamless journey that allowed passengers to fully engage with the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The challenge was to transform the train from just a mode of transport into an immersive experience, where passengers could enjoy panoramic views and feel connected to the environment around them. The carriages needed to function as moving observation platforms, offering both comfort and aesthetic pleasure, while ensuring that travelers could appreciate the natural beauty of the coastline and the traditional Vietnamese architecture as they journeyed.

A key challenge in designing The Vietage was balancing intimacy and openness in the compact space of the train. With a range of functions to accommodate—private booths, a social bar, and relaxation areas—it was crucial to create distinct zones without sacrificing the overall sense of spaciousness. The design had to allow for personal privacy while fostering a sense of shared experience and connection between passengers.

Lighting design presented another challenge. Since The Vietage operates from morning to night, the lighting system needed to adapt to the changing natural light throughout the day. It had to provide a comfortable, visually stimulating atmosphere whether the train was bathed in the soft morning light or transitioning into the evening. This flexibility in lighting would ensure the comfort and mood of the passengers remained consistent throughout the journey.

The materials selected for The Vietage were inspired by the natural landscape and cultural heritage of central Vietnam, focusing on textures and craftsmanship that resonate with the region’s rich history.

● Timber: Timber plays a central role in the design, reflecting the vernacular architecture of the region. The arch-shaped timber frames running through the carriages are inspired by colonial-era buildings along the coastline, particularly those influenced by French architecture. This design choice connects the train to the history and landscape it traverses, offering a visual and tactile continuity between the interior and the surroundings.

● Rattan: Rattan, a material deeply rooted in Southeast Asian craftsmanship, was chosen for the perforated partitions between private booths. The woven texture of rattan creates a beautiful balance between openness and privacy, allowing light to filter through while still maintaining personal space. The transparency of rattan helps blur the boundaries between the interior and the outside world, ensuring that passengers remain connected to the changing landscape. Additionally, the tactile nature of rattan enhances the sensory experience, inviting passengers to engage with the materials around them in a more intimate way.

The combination of timber and rattan speaks to the region’s cultural legacy while creating a calm, refined atmosphere inside the train. The materials enhance the passengers' connection with the environment and provide a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing setting that complements the views outside.

Team:

Architects: ShapeUs studio

Photo Credits: Minor International Courtesy

Materials Used:

Facade Cladding: Wall Cladding

Flooring: Wooden Floor, Innovar

Interior Furniture: Massage Bed, Earthlite, Facelight

Interior Lighting: Spotlight

Cooling: Wine Chiller, Alaska

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