Sketching Heritage at Nguyễn Tri Phương Temple

On July 27, 2025, I had the opportunity to take part in a field sketching activity at Nguyễn Tri Phương Temple in Biên Hòa, organized by the Dong Nai Architects Association.

It was my fifth time sketching a heritage site directly on location, and the experience was both challenging and inspiring. The temple’s intricate details—the curves of the roof, the weathered bricks, the subtle play of light and shadow—all told stories that no photograph could capture.

As I sat under the old banyan tree, pencil in hand, I felt a quiet connection to the generations of architects and craftsmen who had shaped spaces like this. Every line I drew became a small act of preservation, a way of honoring Vietnam’s cultural heritage through my own eyes.

I’m especially grateful to the mentors from the Dong Nai Architects Association, who patiently guided us throughout the process. Their insights on composition, balance, and architectural rhythm changed the way I see buildings—not as static structures, but as living works of art filled with history and soul.

That day, I didn’t just improve my drawing skills—I learned to slow down, observe deeply, and truly see architecture.

That day, as we gathered to submit our sketches, I felt proud—not only of our drawings but also of the shared spirit that united us. It was a reminder that architecture is, above all, about connection: between people, between generations, and between art and life.