The Hang Dau Water Tower Opens its Doors for the First Time to Visitors

The Hang Dau Water Tower, a nearly 130-year-old architectural marvel, has transformed into an artistic space, welcoming visitors for the first time from November 17 to December 31.

Situated at the intersection of Hang Than, Hang Luoc, Hang Giay, Hang Dau, Quan Thanh, and Phan Dinh Phung Street (Ba Dinh District), the Hang Dau Water Tower was designed by architects Cao The Anh and artist Nguyen Duc Phuong. The creative team drew inspiration from Eastern philosophy to craft this masterpiece, incorporating two key arrangement systems.

The sound arrangement system reproduces the natural sounds of water, while the lighting arrangement system expands the visual perception of recycled urban waste artifacts. Through this, the creators aim to convey the role of water in life, the connection between humans and nature, and the impact of urbanization on the environment.

This art installation at the Hang Dau Water Tower is part of the activities within the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 (from November 17 to December 31), led by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Vietnam Architects Association. In addition to this location, the architect and artist team also introduces artistic spaces at historical sites such as the Gia Lam Railway Factory, Hanoi Station, Long Bien Station, and Long Bien Bridge during the festival.

Built in 1894, the Hang Dau Water Tower is one of Hanoi’s ancient architectural structures constructed by the French. Alongside the Yen Phu Water Plant, the tower was erected to supply clean water to the residents. Water from the plant was pumped up to the two towers for distribution through pipelines across the city.

According to historian Duong Trung Quoc, the French constructed the Hang Dau and Do Thuy Water Towers to supply water to the Old Quarter, where European officials, soldiers, and residents from 36 streets were concentrated.

The water tower, constructed from hewn stone, has a circular shape with a diameter of 19 meters, standing three stories high with a pointed roof. In the middle is a lightning rod. The tower boasts a massive steel water tank with a capacity of 1,250 cubic meters, resting on top of eight stone walls. The system of pipes includes iron valves for water distribution. Although the tower has undergone several renovations, it has retained its original state. However, the 17 windows on the first floor are now sealed shut