Architecture
gmp, Hamburg/Germany
Planning time
2007
Construction time
2007 − 2010
Services by Werner Sobek
Facade engineering
GFA
180,000 m²
Client
Ministry of Public and Security, Hanoi/Vietnam
Photography
Marcus Bredt, Berlin/Germany

The ground plan figure of the central complex is formed by two comb-shaped eight-storey blocks arranged along a central axis. Transverse to this central axis is an elevated block resting on the longitudinal blocks and joining them together, so as to mark the obvious entrance to the whole ministerial complex. As a result of the combshape of the office levels, there is an excellent intermeshing of open space and buildings, with a small, semi-open interior courtyard in each recess. The office areas are oriented in part towards small patio-like landscape islands. In order to best adapt the building envelope to the various office situations, the facade is made up of 15 different types of facade elements.