The Influence of French Colonial Rule on Lao Architecture with a Focus on Residential Buildings
The Influence of French Colonial Rule on Lao Architecture with a Focus on Residential Buildings
Vongvilay, Xayaphone; Shin, Jai-Eok; Kang, Young-Hwan; Kim, E-Doo; Choi, Joong-Hyun
2015-05-01 00:00:00
During the French colonial period in Lao PDR (from 1893-1953), France integrated its architectural elements into traditional Lao architecture and modified them to suit the climate. The French colonial style continues to make a modest impact in most major towns and cities. The harmonious combination of traditional Lao architecture and French colonial influences shows the true values and wealth of a city's characteristics. These unique architectural styles and motifs are valuable to the area's heritage; many of these styles are still conserved today, especially in Luang Prabang, which was designated as a World Heritage city in 1995. Some historical buildings have been adapted according to social and economic factors. However, as elsewhere in Indochinese countries, the provincial French design was modified to suit the hot and humid tropical climate. The design of colonial villas, in turn, began to influence subtle changes in the design of Lao urban dwellings. This paper discusses the development of traditional Lao architectural styles that have been experienced in Lao PDR, analyzes the process of change, emphasizes the importance of compatibility between traditional house form and the French colonial house, and studies the factors influencing the transformations of traditional housing. Keywords: colonial architectural; traditional Lao architecture; heritage values; influence; integrated 1. Introduction a result of heavy flooding during certain parts of the year, and, in more ancient times, to avoid predators. Many Traditional Lao architecture encompasses an idea other considerations, such as utilizing locally available that features the characteristics of the lifestyle, art, and materials, the climate, and agriculture, heavily influenced culture of the Lao people. Lao PDR has a hot, humid the style. Traditional Lao houses are made from a variety climate all year round. Previous generations of Lao of woods and are often constructed in a single day. They have acknowledged their rich environment and took the can be constructed with prefabricated wood panels that opportunity to reduce the temperature and humidity in are assembled ahead of time and put together on-site by a their homes by creating living places and a lifestyle that master builder. Many houses are also built with bamboo: matched their surroundings. Lao culture, social standards, a material that is easily constructed. and lifestyle developed a vital, religious, and unique From 1893-1953 Laos was colonized by France. At the architectural character. Their major beliefs influenced same time, in Europe, modern architecture was growing their architectural design and affected many aspects of rapidly and spreading its influence around the world. During their buildings. the French colonial era, French architectural elements were Traditional Lao architecture can be separated into two integrated into traditional Lao architecture and modified to types of buildings: residential buildings and religious suit the climate (hot and humid). The French colonial style buildings. Traditional Lao houses are built on stilts and continues to make a modest impact in most major towns have a rich cultural legacy that reflects the challenges and cities including both Vientiane and Luang Prabang (the of living comfortably in such a hot, humid climate. current and old capitals, respectively). The harmonious These houses exhibit a sense of community and the combination of traditional Lao architecture and French Buddhist religious beliefs of the Lao people. They colonial influences joined to yield a wealth of character and also developed significant regional variations in both value to many Lao cities, which have been conserved to this vernacular and religious buildings. One of the universal day. This period represents the most significant evolution aspects of traditional Lao architecture is the "Lao house in Lao's architectural history. This paper will study the on stilts" construction. The area beneath the house is importance of understanding the modern development used for storage, crafts, lounging during the daytime, and of Lao architecture and the main forces of changes that sometimes for housing livestock. The houses are raised as occurred as these structures evolved from traditional Lao houses into those influenced by colonial modernity. *Contact Author: E-Doo Kim, Professor, School of Architecture, University of Ulsan, 2. French Colonial Architecture (1893-1953) 93 Daehak-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan 680-749, Korea During the 19th century, many parts of the third world Tel: +82-10-7553-8932 Fax: +82-52-259-1690 were colonized (i.e., taken over by European nations who were laying claim to large swathes of the planet). Laos E-mail: edookim@ulsan.ac.kr was colonized by France during this period and remained a ( Received October 4, 2013 ; accepted February 13, 2015 ) Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering/May 2015/286 279 colony from 1893 to 1953. During the French colonial era, houses with their lower levels enclosed by masonry France made a modest impact on the architecture of several walls. Many excellent examples may still be seen today major towns and cities including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, throughout the country, particularly in Luang Prabang. Thakaek, Savannakhet, Salavan, Pakse, Champasak, and Perhaps the most memorable piece of colonial-era Siphandon (Fig.1.). Prior to the arrival of the French, architecture in Luang Prabang is the Royal Palace (Fig.2.), Vientiane was comprised of ramshackle collections of built by the French for King Sisavangvong between 1904 mainly wooden or bamboo stilted houses with thatched and 1909 to replace the former royal palace; today, this roofs, grouped around the overgrown ruins of former building houses the Luang Prabang National Museum. The temples and palaces. The first major French building to be building was intended to cement Franco-Lao relations and constructed in the city was the Résidence Superior (1900), features a blend of French and Lao architectural styles. strategically sited within the former royal palace compound. The roof is of traditional Lao design, topped at its center by a gilded spire. Above the main entrance, approached via a flight of Italian marble steps, is the royal three-headed elephant crest, which symbolizes the three kingdoms of Laos. French fleur-de-lis emblems also adorn the pillars on either side. The interior decor also features an intriguing mix of European and Asian design elements. Fig.2. Royal Palace, Built by the French for King Sisavangvong between 1904 and 1909. In 1975, the Palace was Converted into a National Museum (Source: Author) 2.1 Vientiane Capital City Vientiane's most notable memorial to its French influence is its architecture. There are numerous small residences, in addition to some mansions, built in the Fig.1. French Colonial Cities During the Colonial Era style of the former colonial power. Many of these may (1893-1953) in Lao PDR be found in the older parts of town, along the riverside, appropriately designated Quai Fa Ngum. Here, as by the During the last 30 years of French rule, a number of shaded boulevards in the vicinity of That Dam and along large-scale construction projects were implemented. Lane Xang Avenue (the "Champs Élysées" of Vientiane), These included the Bureau de la Résidence (1915, now one can find fine examples of colonial French architecture, the offices of the Ministry of Information and Culture), complete with shutters and red-tiled roofs, which would the Lycée Auguste Pavie (1920, now part of the School not be out of place in a French provincial city like of Medicine), the Hôtel du Commissariat (1925, now the Dijon. There is also Patuxai, a near-replica of the Arc de Lao National Museum), and the Eglise de Sacré-coeur Triomphe in Paris. Many of the former private residences (1930). In addition to government buildings, the French are in stages of advanced decay, and some are clearly also built two-story brick and stucco villas with pitched beyond saving. Others, however, have been painstakingly tile roofs and wooden shuttered windows in every major restored. Restoration has become increasingly common as population center in order to accommodate colonial the authorities have come to realize the potential tourism administrators and their families. However, as elsewhere value of this unique architectural legacy. Preservation, in Indochinese colonies, provincial French design was rather than demolition, is becoming the order of the day. modified to suit the hot and humid tropical climate 2.2 Luang Prabang (Old Capital City) through the addition of balconies, verandahs, and internal New secular building styles were introduced to Luang corridors. Construction was entrusted mainly to migrant Prabang as the French gradually assumed administrative Vietnamese laborers, who also built their own two-story control of Laos. There are many colonial buildings in the shop houses in designated areas. old town area of the city. Luang Prabang was designated The design of colonial villas, in turn, began to influence as a World Heritage city in 1995. Many colonial buildings subtle changes in the design of Lao urban dwellings. have also registered with the UNESCO heritage list From the 1930s onwards, in major population centers, for conservation. Some colonial buildings have been the traditional Lao twin gabled wooden stilted house renovated to change the function of the building (for increasingly gave way to inventive architectural hybrids business purposes such as guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, such as European-style villas on stilts or stilted wooden and massage parlors, according to the context of the area. 280 JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay The French colonial style still maintains an influence on city was centered on a broad median plaza that stretched local architects. Today, you can see many new buildings away from the river for a couple of blocks. Most of the in the French colonial style. interesting buildings in Thakaek are within five or six The French also indirectly introduced some elements blocks of the plaza in either direction. of Chinese architecture and urbanism. To execute French 2.4 Savannakhet District public works, skilled Vietnamese laborers were imported. Legacies of the French colonial period can be found all These laborers settled near the foot of the peninsula and over Laos, including great tasting baguettes, cheese, good built their own commercial quarters made from brick. wine, Catholicism, and the mark of all colonial powers: These consisted of Chinese-style shop houses in rows that architecture. The city of Savannakhet in Southern Laos faced directly onto the street with living accommodations is full of fine, if crumbling, examples of French colonial on the upper floors. All of these architectural styles can architecture. Most of these buildings have deteriorated still be seen today in Luang Prabang. over the years due to neglect, war, and poverty; however, 2.3 Thakaek District they still retain a sense of romance and history. The most During the French colonial period, Thakaek was an popular and well-known examples of French architecture important city, both for trade along the Mekong as well as in Savannakhet include St. Theresa's Catholic Church and a defensive outpost on the front lines with the Siamese. numerous colonial shop houses. As a result of the strong French presence, there are many 2.5 Pakse District French colonial style buildings around town from the Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The old rivers, Pakse derives its name from the Lao language for Table 1. Examples of Colonial Dwellings in Each District No Districts Dwelling Building Styles Remarks 1 Vientiane - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 2 Luang Prabang - Two-story House - Office - Public Building - Royal Palace 3 Thakaek - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 4 Savannakhet - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 5 Pakse - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 6 Champasak - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 7 Sipandon - One-story House - One-story Office Building JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay 281 'mouth of the river'. Pakse is the capital of the southern province of Champasak, The city was founded by the French in 1905. Pakse offers some fine examples of colonial era architecture such as the pink Franco-Chinese style Chinese society building. Once serving as a French administrative outpost, Pakse is still characterized by a variety of colonial buildings, some of which now function as guesthouses and shops. 2.6 Champasak District This used to be the seat of the Champasak Kingdom. Now, the town is peacefully quiet, and the only reminders of its previous splendor are the fountain traffic circle in the main street and the French colonial style royal residences of Chao Boun Oum na Champasak and Chao Ratsadanai. The town itself is dotted with stunning colonial buildings. Of these, the former residence of Champasak's hereditary Prince Boun Oun (the former F ig.3. The Characteris tics of a Traditional Lao H ous e; leader of the right wing opposition who fled the country Representative of a Traditional Lao House in Luang Prabang in 1975 after the Communist takeover), is quite possibly (Source: Author, 2012) the most magnificent colonial building in Laos. 2.7 Si Pan Don District away during the day. The kitchen is usually in the back In colonial times, the French attempted to create a cargo of the house. People cook over wood or charcoal. They route through Si Pan Don, otherwise known as the 4,000 may use charcoal in a clay bucket, like a hibachi, or have islands, by building a narrow gauge railway across two a wood fire over a thick bed of sand in a box. They might of the islands. Goods were hoisted from boats sailing up also make a wood fire on the ground in the middle of through Cambodia from Vietnam and then reloaded onto some stones that are used to balance a cooking pot. new boats above the falls on the Laos side. For this reason, The houses are built close together with no real yard. the islands also have some French Colonial influences in Lao people appreciate company. They can sit on their their architecture. It is quite intriguing to observe these porches and visit with their neighbors or with people luscious Asian islands replete with French architecture, walking by. They prefer living together in a close such as the Don Khon District Museum (built in 1898) or community and walking to their fields outside of the the now deteriorating colonial building in Don Khon. village as opposed to each family having a house by itself near its fields. 3. The Characteristics of Residential Architecture Two main types of residential architecture existed during the French colonial period: the traditional Lao style and the French colonial style. 3.1 Traditional House Characteristics A traditional Lao house is a finely-carved wooden house, built high off the ground with hardwood stilts embedded either into the ground or on stones. One must climb steps or a ladder to get inside (Fig.3.). Wooden planks are used for flooring. Wood boards or bamboo are used for siding and either grass or shingles can be used for roofing. The roof is sometimes made of thatch: a thick covering of leaves layered over a roof frame. A thatch roof is much cooler than a tin roof, which seems to turn the house into an oven when the sun beams down on it. The ground floor is much cooler during the middle of the day, making it a more comfortable place to be. (Figs.4. and 5.). Lao villages are often built near rivers and streams Fig.4. Traditional Lao House Style in Luang Prabang (Source: that sometimes flood in the rainy season. Building the Sophie Clement-Charpentier, 1989) house on stilts protects against mud and flooding. There The typology of the traditional house is classified into is usually a front porch and a clear space inside under the four distinctive categories according to the building forms roof that is open to the street. Sometimes there is a room such as single roof house, single roof with veranda house, or two walled off at either the back or side of the house. double roof house, and house with kitchen. The main Because the weather is hot, an open house that permits construction materials of the tradition house are bamboo sufficient air flow is desired. Animals can be kept in pens and wood. (See Fig.6.) under the house. There may be a bamboo bed under the 3.2 Colonial Buildings house as well, for use during the heat of the day. Often There were only two types of French colonial buildings there is also a loom for weaving cloth. constructed during the colonial era: office buildings and Usually there is no furniture in the house. The open houses. The French colonial architectural legacy consists area serves as the living room, dining room, and bedroom. of two-story brick and stucco villas with pitched tile roofs, People sit and sleep on the floor. A woven reed mat might wooden shuttered windows, and some art deco decoration. be put down for company to use. A reed mat or thin fold- The thick-walled structures were modified with balconies up mattress might be used for sleeping and can be put 282 JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay In constructing administrative buildings and houses, the French introduced European construction techniques and materials. For instance, the restriction on the use of bricks, which were previously used only for temples, was lifted. The French, however, did not merely transplant European styles into Laos. Instead, they employed styles developed in Vietnam and produced designs inspired by vernacular temple architecture and secular wooden structures that were better-suited to the warm and humid climate. As a result, a new Lao architectural style emerged. This was based on the indigenous architecture, but freely incorporated French and Vietnamese design elements along with European and Chinese technical innovations. The Laotian royalty and aristocracy, who had previously lived in wooden houses, had new masonry residences constructed in this style. 4. Analytical Comparison between Lao Traditional Fig.5. Traditional Lao House Style in Vientiane Architecture and the Influence of Foreign Architecture (Source: Sophie Clement-Charpentier, 1989) Table 2. shows a comparison between a representative and verandahs. The styles were modified according to the traditional Lao house and a French colonial house. traditional art, culture, and tropical climate of Laos. The comparison considers the function of the building, La Maison du Patrimoine. 2001) Fig.6. Traditional Lao House Style (Source: Fig.7. Residential Building Representative of the Foreign Influence on Lao Architecture (Source: Author, 2012) JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay 283 Fig.8. The Evolution of the Traditional Lao House into the Colonial House (Drawing Source: La Maison du Patrimoine. 2001) building form and facade, roof shape, structural system, house with a kitchen. From 1893-1953, under the rule of building composition, and decoration. It shows the French colonization, France introduced many kinds of characteristics of the styles, materials, structural system, building innovations to Lao architecture, especially to the and construction methodology. traditional Lao house. In this era, the traditional Lao house underwent a significant transformation. This evolution was made in terms of factors such as the materials, structural 5. The Evolution of the Traditional Lao House into system, and some western decoration styles. Fig.8. shows the Colonial House the transformation of the traditional Lao house from a Originally, traditional Lao houses were built high off structure constructed of wood and bamboo into houses the ground with stilts embedded either into the ground made with wood and torchis (torchis is a mixture of straw, or on stones. The typology of the traditional house was lime, and sand, which is covered with whitewash), houses classified into four distinctive categories according to made with brick and wood, houses made with brick and the building forms such as: the single roof house, single torchis, and finally houses made with brick and plaster. roof house with a verandah, double roof house, and Table 2. Comparison of the Building Components between a Traditional Lao Building and a French Colonial Building Traditional Architecture Colonial Architecture Parameter Remarks Styles Characteristics Styles Characteristics Building -The ground -The ground The same Function floor is an floor is a shape but open space semiprivate different for multiple space. in terms Upper floor functions. -The upper of some Upper floor -The upper floor is a functions floor is a private space. semipublic and private Ground floor space. Ground floor Elevation Building -Two -Two The same Form and buildings buildings form but Facade -Built high off -Two stories different the ground -Brick materials Elevation -Wood building and Elevations building patterns Elevation 284 JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay Sections -Post and lintel Sections Building -Brick masonry Different structure Structure walls structure structural -Wood structural system materials and materials -Vetiver Grass Building -Tile roof or The same Roof, Timber Roof corrugated shape but roof galvanized different sheet roof materials Roof Plan Roof Plan -Wooden wall, -Building -Brick wall -Different bamboo mat Wall materials wall -Building -No columns -Different Columns Upper floor structural Upper floor -Wood columns system on stones Ground floor Ground floor -Wood material -Wood material Different Doors -Lao style -Western style styles -Wood material -Wood and Different Windows -Lao style Plaster. styles -Western style -Wood material -Brick and plaster Different Stairs -Simple styles and Materials -Wood material -Brick and plaster Different Rails -Lao art pattern -Modern style styles and materials -Wood material -Brick and plaster Different Roof Facade -Lao art patterns -Mix pattern materials -Wood material -Mortar material Different Decorations - Lao art pattern -Western pattern styles and materials -Lao Art Columns No decoration decoration Decoration -Mortar material 6. Th e Influencing Factors that Impact on and residential culture including the reason for transformation in each category as shown in Table 3. Traditional Architecture While the French colonial era had an impact on The transformation of the French colonial era impacted modernization, the advent of colonial government traditional Lao architecture by the introduction of meanwhile changed some traditional aspects of life and modern materials and technology. Table 2., a comparison culture of the people. Therefore, Lao traditional architecture between the Lao traditional house and French colonial has been overridden by modern technology and materials. house, shows the difference and similarity of house Nevertheless, Western trends, politics, economics, Lao art function, form, facade, structure, building components culture, the local environment and social virtue have all and materials, and summarizes the way in which French impacted on the traditional architecture, thus changing its colonial influence factors impacted on Lao architecture JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay 285 Table 3. A Summary of the Comparison between the Lao Traditional House and French Colonial House Influence Factors and Reason for Categories Lao Traditional House Colonial House Transformation -Ground floor: built high off the ground -Ground floor: Close space, diverse uses, but The transformation influence of function was House Function with hardwood stilts embedded either into increasingly for private (individual space) converted from 'homogeneous and more flexible the ground or on stones, the ground space is and family oriented activities, cooking, spatial utilization (fewer spatial categories)' to 'more open for multiple purposes such as family eating, and increased use in the nighttime. elaborate and increasingly specific spatial types gatherings, work, and interacting with -Upper floor: more private spaces, individual (increasing number of spatial categories)' due to the neighbors or other community members sleeping rooms with toilets inside. Used impact of privacy, economics and quality of living during the daytime. almost only for sleeping. conditions as the culture changed to Western trends -Upper floor: (used at nighttime) Spaces for and colonial politics during the colonial era. family oriented activities, cooking, eating, and sharing sleeping space. -Built high off the ground -Traditional form integrated with western The house form and its elements were converted Building -Traditional form and elements. style. from 'built high off the ground with hardwood stilts Form, Facade -Used local materials. -Used modern materials mixed local embedded either into the ground or on stones' to and Building -Traditional patterns and Lao art materials. 'new form houses which have become compact Composition compositions. -Western combination with Lao patterns. dwellings'. Such transformation is a combination of old traditional buildings and modern construction in accordance with new Western life styles, new materials, new political conditions, economic growth and climatic conditions. - Post and lintel structure - Brick masonry walls structure The transformation of structure and materials Structure and -Used local materials: wood structures, clay - Used modern materials: brick wall structure from 'dynamic and flexible construction and form'. Materials tile or timber roof, timber and bamboo mat mixing, brick, clay tile roof and brick walls Dwellings could be easily modified to fit the needs wall. with plaster. of their occupants, and the material was wood with - Traditional construction methodologies. - Modern construction methodologies. the 'traditional construction style' converted to 'static and permanent construction, which is more durable, while less forgiving construction techniques and materials such as brick and cement have been increasingly incorporated in the ground floor, or in the reinforcement of the structure'. All such transformations result from the impact of modern Western construction materials and technologies. forms. Such transformation resulted from a combination an important exchange of human values. These developments of traditional building and modern construction techniques in architecture and technology led to what is known today as in accordance with the new life styles and domestic the Lao early modern architectural style. conditions. The transformed houses have become compact dwellings, modified to the climatic context, with the Acknowledgement harmonious combination of Lao traditional architecture This study was supported by the Ministry of Education and French colonial influences showing the true values and and Sport, Lao PDR (Grant 0166-LAO Strengthening Higher wealth of the city's characteristics. Education Project). Funded by ADB (Asian Development Bank). 7. Conclusion This paper aims to present the integration of Lao and References 1) La Maison du Patrimoine. (2001). Plan de sauvegarde et de mise en European architecture. There was a significant degree valeur de Luangprabang. of interaction and exchange between traditional Lao and 2) Sophie Clement-Charpenteir and Pierre Clement. (1989). HUEN LAO French styles. This study indicates the significant role of (Lao Dwelling), Dokked Print, Luangprabang. 3) Sophie Clement-Charpentier. (1989). Permanance Of Rural Settlements national culture, tradition, and customary practices on the In Thai Towns, Dwellings, Settlements And Tradition Cross-Cultural creation and configuration of the colonial architecture. Perspectives, IASTE. Lao architecture of foreign influence or French colonial 4) Ateliers De La Peninsule. (2004). LUANGPHABANG, Vientiean. architecture based on traditional Lao architecture was 5) Chantanee Chiranthanut, (2010). Considerations on Spatial Formation and Transformation of Tai-Lao Villages and dwellings in the Central Lao early modern architecture. Because this influence Mekong Basin, Thailand and Laos. applied characteristics based on the integration of Lao 6) Lemire, Charles. (1893). Laos in 1893. A Historical Introduction to Laos and French styles, which were modified to embrace the in 1893 (being a new translation & edition of "Le Laos Annamite". 7) Renaud, Jean. (2011) Laos in the 1920s. The Gods, Monks and Mountains traditional art, culture, Buddhist religion, lifestyle, and of Laos. tropical climate of Lao, under the impact of Western 8) Ben Davies, (2008). Luang Prabang Lao Royal Heritage, Asia Horizons trends, politics, economics, Lao art culture and the Books Co., Ltd. 9) Denis Heywood, (2006), Ancient Luang Prabang, River Books Press Dist environment, the foreign influences on Lao architecture A C. were very harmonious in form, function, and building 10) Maha Sila Viravond, (1964), HISTORY OF LAOS, PARAGON BOOK composition. Therefore, these buildings were very REPRINT CORP, New York. 11) Salahaddin, Yasin B and Ahmad Sanusi H. (2010) "The Influence of suitable for the Lao lifestyle, environment, and climate. Modernity on Kurdish Architectural Identity" American J. of Engineering The foreign-influenced architectural presence transformed and Applied Sciences, 3 (3): 552-559. the traditional Lao architectural style without eliminating 12) Saysavanh Phongsavanh, Hirokazu Abe and Katsuyuki Yoshida, (2009), "Inhabitants Consciousness Concerning Detached Houses in the City it. Moreover, this only represented the initial step of Lao and Suburbs of Vientiane, Lao PDR" Journal of Asian Architecture and architectural development. The influences of French Building Engineering, vol. 8 no. 2, p.346. architecture, in terms of the construction methodology, 13) Juan Ramón J. V., José María C. L., José Manuel A. M. and Shuji Funo structural system, and the introduction of new materials (2009) "Considerations Concerning French Urban Influence on Spanish Colonial Cities on the Island of Cuba" Journal of Asian Architecture and and decorative elements, are illustrated in Table 2. Building Engineering, vol. 8 no. 2, pp.331-338. The successful fusion of traditional architecture and foreign 14) Seo Ryeung Ju. Saari Omar and Yung Eun Ko (2012) "Modernization of influences, with respect to the native values, characteristics, Vernacular Malay House in Kampong Bharu, Kuala Lumpur" Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, vol. 11 no. 1, pp.95-102. and motifs, demonstrates the values of heritage and exhibits 286 JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay
http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.pngJournal of Asian Architecture and Building EngineeringTaylor & Francishttp://www.deepdyve.com/lp/taylor-francis/the-influence-of-french-colonial-rule-on-lao-architecture-with-a-focus-D0K0TseeEq
The Influence of French Colonial Rule on Lao Architecture with a Focus on Residential Buildings
The Influence of French Colonial Rule on Lao Architecture with a Focus on Residential Buildings
Abstract
During the French colonial period in Lao PDR (from 1893-1953), France integrated its architectural elements into traditional Lao architecture and modified them to suit the climate. The French colonial style continues to make a modest impact in most major towns and cities. The harmonious combination of traditional Lao architecture and French colonial influences shows the true values and wealth of a city′s characteristics. These unique architectural styles and motifs are valuable to the...
During the French colonial period in Lao PDR (from 1893-1953), France integrated its architectural elements into traditional Lao architecture and modified them to suit the climate. The French colonial style continues to make a modest impact in most major towns and cities. The harmonious combination of traditional Lao architecture and French colonial influences shows the true values and wealth of a city's characteristics. These unique architectural styles and motifs are valuable to the area's heritage; many of these styles are still conserved today, especially in Luang Prabang, which was designated as a World Heritage city in 1995. Some historical buildings have been adapted according to social and economic factors. However, as elsewhere in Indochinese countries, the provincial French design was modified to suit the hot and humid tropical climate. The design of colonial villas, in turn, began to influence subtle changes in the design of Lao urban dwellings. This paper discusses the development of traditional Lao architectural styles that have been experienced in Lao PDR, analyzes the process of change, emphasizes the importance of compatibility between traditional house form and the French colonial house, and studies the factors influencing the transformations of traditional housing. Keywords: colonial architectural; traditional Lao architecture; heritage values; influence; integrated 1. Introduction a result of heavy flooding during certain parts of the year, and, in more ancient times, to avoid predators. Many Traditional Lao architecture encompasses an idea other considerations, such as utilizing locally available that features the characteristics of the lifestyle, art, and materials, the climate, and agriculture, heavily influenced culture of the Lao people. Lao PDR has a hot, humid the style. Traditional Lao houses are made from a variety climate all year round. Previous generations of Lao of woods and are often constructed in a single day. They have acknowledged their rich environment and took the can be constructed with prefabricated wood panels that opportunity to reduce the temperature and humidity in are assembled ahead of time and put together on-site by a their homes by creating living places and a lifestyle that master builder. Many houses are also built with bamboo: matched their surroundings. Lao culture, social standards, a material that is easily constructed. and lifestyle developed a vital, religious, and unique From 1893-1953 Laos was colonized by France. At the architectural character. Their major beliefs influenced same time, in Europe, modern architecture was growing their architectural design and affected many aspects of rapidly and spreading its influence around the world. During their buildings. the French colonial era, French architectural elements were Traditional Lao architecture can be separated into two integrated into traditional Lao architecture and modified to types of buildings: residential buildings and religious suit the climate (hot and humid). The French colonial style buildings. Traditional Lao houses are built on stilts and continues to make a modest impact in most major towns have a rich cultural legacy that reflects the challenges and cities including both Vientiane and Luang Prabang (the of living comfortably in such a hot, humid climate. current and old capitals, respectively). The harmonious These houses exhibit a sense of community and the combination of traditional Lao architecture and French Buddhist religious beliefs of the Lao people. They colonial influences joined to yield a wealth of character and also developed significant regional variations in both value to many Lao cities, which have been conserved to this vernacular and religious buildings. One of the universal day. This period represents the most significant evolution aspects of traditional Lao architecture is the "Lao house in Lao's architectural history. This paper will study the on stilts" construction. The area beneath the house is importance of understanding the modern development used for storage, crafts, lounging during the daytime, and of Lao architecture and the main forces of changes that sometimes for housing livestock. The houses are raised as occurred as these structures evolved from traditional Lao houses into those influenced by colonial modernity. *Contact Author: E-Doo Kim, Professor, School of Architecture, University of Ulsan, 2. French Colonial Architecture (1893-1953) 93 Daehak-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan 680-749, Korea During the 19th century, many parts of the third world Tel: +82-10-7553-8932 Fax: +82-52-259-1690 were colonized (i.e., taken over by European nations who were laying claim to large swathes of the planet). Laos E-mail: edookim@ulsan.ac.kr was colonized by France during this period and remained a ( Received October 4, 2013 ; accepted February 13, 2015 ) Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering/May 2015/286 279 colony from 1893 to 1953. During the French colonial era, houses with their lower levels enclosed by masonry France made a modest impact on the architecture of several walls. Many excellent examples may still be seen today major towns and cities including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, throughout the country, particularly in Luang Prabang. Thakaek, Savannakhet, Salavan, Pakse, Champasak, and Perhaps the most memorable piece of colonial-era Siphandon (Fig.1.). Prior to the arrival of the French, architecture in Luang Prabang is the Royal Palace (Fig.2.), Vientiane was comprised of ramshackle collections of built by the French for King Sisavangvong between 1904 mainly wooden or bamboo stilted houses with thatched and 1909 to replace the former royal palace; today, this roofs, grouped around the overgrown ruins of former building houses the Luang Prabang National Museum. The temples and palaces. The first major French building to be building was intended to cement Franco-Lao relations and constructed in the city was the Résidence Superior (1900), features a blend of French and Lao architectural styles. strategically sited within the former royal palace compound. The roof is of traditional Lao design, topped at its center by a gilded spire. Above the main entrance, approached via a flight of Italian marble steps, is the royal three-headed elephant crest, which symbolizes the three kingdoms of Laos. French fleur-de-lis emblems also adorn the pillars on either side. The interior decor also features an intriguing mix of European and Asian design elements. Fig.2. Royal Palace, Built by the French for King Sisavangvong between 1904 and 1909. In 1975, the Palace was Converted into a National Museum (Source: Author) 2.1 Vientiane Capital City Vientiane's most notable memorial to its French influence is its architecture. There are numerous small residences, in addition to some mansions, built in the Fig.1. French Colonial Cities During the Colonial Era style of the former colonial power. Many of these may (1893-1953) in Lao PDR be found in the older parts of town, along the riverside, appropriately designated Quai Fa Ngum. Here, as by the During the last 30 years of French rule, a number of shaded boulevards in the vicinity of That Dam and along large-scale construction projects were implemented. Lane Xang Avenue (the "Champs Élysées" of Vientiane), These included the Bureau de la Résidence (1915, now one can find fine examples of colonial French architecture, the offices of the Ministry of Information and Culture), complete with shutters and red-tiled roofs, which would the Lycée Auguste Pavie (1920, now part of the School not be out of place in a French provincial city like of Medicine), the Hôtel du Commissariat (1925, now the Dijon. There is also Patuxai, a near-replica of the Arc de Lao National Museum), and the Eglise de Sacré-coeur Triomphe in Paris. Many of the former private residences (1930). In addition to government buildings, the French are in stages of advanced decay, and some are clearly also built two-story brick and stucco villas with pitched beyond saving. Others, however, have been painstakingly tile roofs and wooden shuttered windows in every major restored. Restoration has become increasingly common as population center in order to accommodate colonial the authorities have come to realize the potential tourism administrators and their families. However, as elsewhere value of this unique architectural legacy. Preservation, in Indochinese colonies, provincial French design was rather than demolition, is becoming the order of the day. modified to suit the hot and humid tropical climate 2.2 Luang Prabang (Old Capital City) through the addition of balconies, verandahs, and internal New secular building styles were introduced to Luang corridors. Construction was entrusted mainly to migrant Prabang as the French gradually assumed administrative Vietnamese laborers, who also built their own two-story control of Laos. There are many colonial buildings in the shop houses in designated areas. old town area of the city. Luang Prabang was designated The design of colonial villas, in turn, began to influence as a World Heritage city in 1995. Many colonial buildings subtle changes in the design of Lao urban dwellings. have also registered with the UNESCO heritage list From the 1930s onwards, in major population centers, for conservation. Some colonial buildings have been the traditional Lao twin gabled wooden stilted house renovated to change the function of the building (for increasingly gave way to inventive architectural hybrids business purposes such as guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, such as European-style villas on stilts or stilted wooden and massage parlors, according to the context of the area. 280 JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay The French colonial style still maintains an influence on city was centered on a broad median plaza that stretched local architects. Today, you can see many new buildings away from the river for a couple of blocks. Most of the in the French colonial style. interesting buildings in Thakaek are within five or six The French also indirectly introduced some elements blocks of the plaza in either direction. of Chinese architecture and urbanism. To execute French 2.4 Savannakhet District public works, skilled Vietnamese laborers were imported. Legacies of the French colonial period can be found all These laborers settled near the foot of the peninsula and over Laos, including great tasting baguettes, cheese, good built their own commercial quarters made from brick. wine, Catholicism, and the mark of all colonial powers: These consisted of Chinese-style shop houses in rows that architecture. The city of Savannakhet in Southern Laos faced directly onto the street with living accommodations is full of fine, if crumbling, examples of French colonial on the upper floors. All of these architectural styles can architecture. Most of these buildings have deteriorated still be seen today in Luang Prabang. over the years due to neglect, war, and poverty; however, 2.3 Thakaek District they still retain a sense of romance and history. The most During the French colonial period, Thakaek was an popular and well-known examples of French architecture important city, both for trade along the Mekong as well as in Savannakhet include St. Theresa's Catholic Church and a defensive outpost on the front lines with the Siamese. numerous colonial shop houses. As a result of the strong French presence, there are many 2.5 Pakse District French colonial style buildings around town from the Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The old rivers, Pakse derives its name from the Lao language for Table 1. Examples of Colonial Dwellings in Each District No Districts Dwelling Building Styles Remarks 1 Vientiane - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 2 Luang Prabang - Two-story House - Office - Public Building - Royal Palace 3 Thakaek - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 4 Savannakhet - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 5 Pakse - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 6 Champasak - Two-story House, Flat - Office - Public Building 7 Sipandon - One-story House - One-story Office Building JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay 281 'mouth of the river'. Pakse is the capital of the southern province of Champasak, The city was founded by the French in 1905. Pakse offers some fine examples of colonial era architecture such as the pink Franco-Chinese style Chinese society building. Once serving as a French administrative outpost, Pakse is still characterized by a variety of colonial buildings, some of which now function as guesthouses and shops. 2.6 Champasak District This used to be the seat of the Champasak Kingdom. Now, the town is peacefully quiet, and the only reminders of its previous splendor are the fountain traffic circle in the main street and the French colonial style royal residences of Chao Boun Oum na Champasak and Chao Ratsadanai. The town itself is dotted with stunning colonial buildings. Of these, the former residence of Champasak's hereditary Prince Boun Oun (the former F ig.3. The Characteris tics of a Traditional Lao H ous e; leader of the right wing opposition who fled the country Representative of a Traditional Lao House in Luang Prabang in 1975 after the Communist takeover), is quite possibly (Source: Author, 2012) the most magnificent colonial building in Laos. 2.7 Si Pan Don District away during the day. The kitchen is usually in the back In colonial times, the French attempted to create a cargo of the house. People cook over wood or charcoal. They route through Si Pan Don, otherwise known as the 4,000 may use charcoal in a clay bucket, like a hibachi, or have islands, by building a narrow gauge railway across two a wood fire over a thick bed of sand in a box. They might of the islands. Goods were hoisted from boats sailing up also make a wood fire on the ground in the middle of through Cambodia from Vietnam and then reloaded onto some stones that are used to balance a cooking pot. new boats above the falls on the Laos side. For this reason, The houses are built close together with no real yard. the islands also have some French Colonial influences in Lao people appreciate company. They can sit on their their architecture. It is quite intriguing to observe these porches and visit with their neighbors or with people luscious Asian islands replete with French architecture, walking by. They prefer living together in a close such as the Don Khon District Museum (built in 1898) or community and walking to their fields outside of the the now deteriorating colonial building in Don Khon. village as opposed to each family having a house by itself near its fields. 3. The Characteristics of Residential Architecture Two main types of residential architecture existed during the French colonial period: the traditional Lao style and the French colonial style. 3.1 Traditional House Characteristics A traditional Lao house is a finely-carved wooden house, built high off the ground with hardwood stilts embedded either into the ground or on stones. One must climb steps or a ladder to get inside (Fig.3.). Wooden planks are used for flooring. Wood boards or bamboo are used for siding and either grass or shingles can be used for roofing. The roof is sometimes made of thatch: a thick covering of leaves layered over a roof frame. A thatch roof is much cooler than a tin roof, which seems to turn the house into an oven when the sun beams down on it. The ground floor is much cooler during the middle of the day, making it a more comfortable place to be. (Figs.4. and 5.). Lao villages are often built near rivers and streams Fig.4. Traditional Lao House Style in Luang Prabang (Source: that sometimes flood in the rainy season. Building the Sophie Clement-Charpentier, 1989) house on stilts protects against mud and flooding. There The typology of the traditional house is classified into is usually a front porch and a clear space inside under the four distinctive categories according to the building forms roof that is open to the street. Sometimes there is a room such as single roof house, single roof with veranda house, or two walled off at either the back or side of the house. double roof house, and house with kitchen. The main Because the weather is hot, an open house that permits construction materials of the tradition house are bamboo sufficient air flow is desired. Animals can be kept in pens and wood. (See Fig.6.) under the house. There may be a bamboo bed under the 3.2 Colonial Buildings house as well, for use during the heat of the day. Often There were only two types of French colonial buildings there is also a loom for weaving cloth. constructed during the colonial era: office buildings and Usually there is no furniture in the house. The open houses. The French colonial architectural legacy consists area serves as the living room, dining room, and bedroom. of two-story brick and stucco villas with pitched tile roofs, People sit and sleep on the floor. A woven reed mat might wooden shuttered windows, and some art deco decoration. be put down for company to use. A reed mat or thin fold- The thick-walled structures were modified with balconies up mattress might be used for sleeping and can be put 282 JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay In constructing administrative buildings and houses, the French introduced European construction techniques and materials. For instance, the restriction on the use of bricks, which were previously used only for temples, was lifted. The French, however, did not merely transplant European styles into Laos. Instead, they employed styles developed in Vietnam and produced designs inspired by vernacular temple architecture and secular wooden structures that were better-suited to the warm and humid climate. As a result, a new Lao architectural style emerged. This was based on the indigenous architecture, but freely incorporated French and Vietnamese design elements along with European and Chinese technical innovations. The Laotian royalty and aristocracy, who had previously lived in wooden houses, had new masonry residences constructed in this style. 4. Analytical Comparison between Lao Traditional Fig.5. Traditional Lao House Style in Vientiane Architecture and the Influence of Foreign Architecture (Source: Sophie Clement-Charpentier, 1989) Table 2. shows a comparison between a representative and verandahs. The styles were modified according to the traditional Lao house and a French colonial house. traditional art, culture, and tropical climate of Laos. The comparison considers the function of the building, La Maison du Patrimoine. 2001) Fig.6. Traditional Lao House Style (Source: Fig.7. Residential Building Representative of the Foreign Influence on Lao Architecture (Source: Author, 2012) JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay 283 Fig.8. The Evolution of the Traditional Lao House into the Colonial House (Drawing Source: La Maison du Patrimoine. 2001) building form and facade, roof shape, structural system, house with a kitchen. From 1893-1953, under the rule of building composition, and decoration. It shows the French colonization, France introduced many kinds of characteristics of the styles, materials, structural system, building innovations to Lao architecture, especially to the and construction methodology. traditional Lao house. In this era, the traditional Lao house underwent a significant transformation. This evolution was made in terms of factors such as the materials, structural 5. The Evolution of the Traditional Lao House into system, and some western decoration styles. Fig.8. shows the Colonial House the transformation of the traditional Lao house from a Originally, traditional Lao houses were built high off structure constructed of wood and bamboo into houses the ground with stilts embedded either into the ground made with wood and torchis (torchis is a mixture of straw, or on stones. The typology of the traditional house was lime, and sand, which is covered with whitewash), houses classified into four distinctive categories according to made with brick and wood, houses made with brick and the building forms such as: the single roof house, single torchis, and finally houses made with brick and plaster. roof house with a verandah, double roof house, and Table 2. Comparison of the Building Components between a Traditional Lao Building and a French Colonial Building Traditional Architecture Colonial Architecture Parameter Remarks Styles Characteristics Styles Characteristics Building -The ground -The ground The same Function floor is an floor is a shape but open space semiprivate different for multiple space. in terms Upper floor functions. -The upper of some Upper floor -The upper floor is a functions floor is a private space. semipublic and private Ground floor space. Ground floor Elevation Building -Two -Two The same Form and buildings buildings form but Facade -Built high off -Two stories different the ground -Brick materials Elevation -Wood building and Elevations building patterns Elevation 284 JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay Sections -Post and lintel Sections Building -Brick masonry Different structure Structure walls structure structural -Wood structural system materials and materials -Vetiver Grass Building -Tile roof or The same Roof, Timber Roof corrugated shape but roof galvanized different sheet roof materials Roof Plan Roof Plan -Wooden wall, -Building -Brick wall -Different bamboo mat Wall materials wall -Building -No columns -Different Columns Upper floor structural Upper floor -Wood columns system on stones Ground floor Ground floor -Wood material -Wood material Different Doors -Lao style -Western style styles -Wood material -Wood and Different Windows -Lao style Plaster. styles -Western style -Wood material -Brick and plaster Different Stairs -Simple styles and Materials -Wood material -Brick and plaster Different Rails -Lao art pattern -Modern style styles and materials -Wood material -Brick and plaster Different Roof Facade -Lao art patterns -Mix pattern materials -Wood material -Mortar material Different Decorations - Lao art pattern -Western pattern styles and materials -Lao Art Columns No decoration decoration Decoration -Mortar material 6. Th e Influencing Factors that Impact on and residential culture including the reason for transformation in each category as shown in Table 3. Traditional Architecture While the French colonial era had an impact on The transformation of the French colonial era impacted modernization, the advent of colonial government traditional Lao architecture by the introduction of meanwhile changed some traditional aspects of life and modern materials and technology. Table 2., a comparison culture of the people. Therefore, Lao traditional architecture between the Lao traditional house and French colonial has been overridden by modern technology and materials. house, shows the difference and similarity of house Nevertheless, Western trends, politics, economics, Lao art function, form, facade, structure, building components culture, the local environment and social virtue have all and materials, and summarizes the way in which French impacted on the traditional architecture, thus changing its colonial influence factors impacted on Lao architecture JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay 285 Table 3. A Summary of the Comparison between the Lao Traditional House and French Colonial House Influence Factors and Reason for Categories Lao Traditional House Colonial House Transformation -Ground floor: built high off the ground -Ground floor: Close space, diverse uses, but The transformation influence of function was House Function with hardwood stilts embedded either into increasingly for private (individual space) converted from 'homogeneous and more flexible the ground or on stones, the ground space is and family oriented activities, cooking, spatial utilization (fewer spatial categories)' to 'more open for multiple purposes such as family eating, and increased use in the nighttime. elaborate and increasingly specific spatial types gatherings, work, and interacting with -Upper floor: more private spaces, individual (increasing number of spatial categories)' due to the neighbors or other community members sleeping rooms with toilets inside. Used impact of privacy, economics and quality of living during the daytime. almost only for sleeping. conditions as the culture changed to Western trends -Upper floor: (used at nighttime) Spaces for and colonial politics during the colonial era. family oriented activities, cooking, eating, and sharing sleeping space. -Built high off the ground -Traditional form integrated with western The house form and its elements were converted Building -Traditional form and elements. style. from 'built high off the ground with hardwood stilts Form, Facade -Used local materials. -Used modern materials mixed local embedded either into the ground or on stones' to and Building -Traditional patterns and Lao art materials. 'new form houses which have become compact Composition compositions. -Western combination with Lao patterns. dwellings'. Such transformation is a combination of old traditional buildings and modern construction in accordance with new Western life styles, new materials, new political conditions, economic growth and climatic conditions. - Post and lintel structure - Brick masonry walls structure The transformation of structure and materials Structure and -Used local materials: wood structures, clay - Used modern materials: brick wall structure from 'dynamic and flexible construction and form'. Materials tile or timber roof, timber and bamboo mat mixing, brick, clay tile roof and brick walls Dwellings could be easily modified to fit the needs wall. with plaster. of their occupants, and the material was wood with - Traditional construction methodologies. - Modern construction methodologies. the 'traditional construction style' converted to 'static and permanent construction, which is more durable, while less forgiving construction techniques and materials such as brick and cement have been increasingly incorporated in the ground floor, or in the reinforcement of the structure'. All such transformations result from the impact of modern Western construction materials and technologies. forms. Such transformation resulted from a combination an important exchange of human values. These developments of traditional building and modern construction techniques in architecture and technology led to what is known today as in accordance with the new life styles and domestic the Lao early modern architectural style. conditions. The transformed houses have become compact dwellings, modified to the climatic context, with the Acknowledgement harmonious combination of Lao traditional architecture This study was supported by the Ministry of Education and French colonial influences showing the true values and and Sport, Lao PDR (Grant 0166-LAO Strengthening Higher wealth of the city's characteristics. Education Project). Funded by ADB (Asian Development Bank). 7. Conclusion This paper aims to present the integration of Lao and References 1) La Maison du Patrimoine. (2001). Plan de sauvegarde et de mise en European architecture. There was a significant degree valeur de Luangprabang. of interaction and exchange between traditional Lao and 2) Sophie Clement-Charpenteir and Pierre Clement. (1989). HUEN LAO French styles. This study indicates the significant role of (Lao Dwelling), Dokked Print, Luangprabang. 3) Sophie Clement-Charpentier. (1989). Permanance Of Rural Settlements national culture, tradition, and customary practices on the In Thai Towns, Dwellings, Settlements And Tradition Cross-Cultural creation and configuration of the colonial architecture. Perspectives, IASTE. Lao architecture of foreign influence or French colonial 4) Ateliers De La Peninsule. (2004). LUANGPHABANG, Vientiean. architecture based on traditional Lao architecture was 5) Chantanee Chiranthanut, (2010). Considerations on Spatial Formation and Transformation of Tai-Lao Villages and dwellings in the Central Lao early modern architecture. 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Therefore, these buildings were very REPRINT CORP, New York. 11) Salahaddin, Yasin B and Ahmad Sanusi H. (2010) "The Influence of suitable for the Lao lifestyle, environment, and climate. Modernity on Kurdish Architectural Identity" American J. of Engineering The foreign-influenced architectural presence transformed and Applied Sciences, 3 (3): 552-559. the traditional Lao architectural style without eliminating 12) Saysavanh Phongsavanh, Hirokazu Abe and Katsuyuki Yoshida, (2009), "Inhabitants Consciousness Concerning Detached Houses in the City it. Moreover, this only represented the initial step of Lao and Suburbs of Vientiane, Lao PDR" Journal of Asian Architecture and architectural development. The influences of French Building Engineering, vol. 8 no. 2, p.346. architecture, in terms of the construction methodology, 13) Juan Ramón J. V., José María C. L., José Manuel A. M. and Shuji Funo structural system, and the introduction of new materials (2009) "Considerations Concerning French Urban Influence on Spanish Colonial Cities on the Island of Cuba" Journal of Asian Architecture and and decorative elements, are illustrated in Table 2. Building Engineering, vol. 8 no. 2, pp.331-338. The successful fusion of traditional architecture and foreign 14) Seo Ryeung Ju. Saari Omar and Yung Eun Ko (2012) "Modernization of influences, with respect to the native values, characteristics, Vernacular Malay House in Kampong Bharu, Kuala Lumpur" Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, vol. 11 no. 1, pp.95-102. and motifs, demonstrates the values of heritage and exhibits 286 JAABE vol.14 no.2 May 2015 Xayaphone Vongvilay
Journal
Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
– Taylor & Francis
Published: May 1, 2015
Keywords: colonial architectural; traditional Lao architecture; heritage values; influence; integrated
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