(VOVworld) – A book called “The old ironworks” by painter researcher Tran Hau Yen The has breathed new life into the research of Hanoi’s architecture. It has won the 7^th Bui Xuan Phai-for the love of Hanoi award.

The book is the result of The’s research on Hanoi’s ancient ironworks. It discusses iron-forging techniques in the west and around the world and their application in Vietnam. Because Vietnamese workers were not familiar with ironwork, they had to learn western techniques and they learned quite quickly. Most of the ironwork in Hanoi’s old villas was done by Vietnamese workers. The said: “The French who built the Hanoi-Yunnan railway created the opportunity for iron smithing in Hanoi. The first step was to use bolts because joints were not welded in the past. The first orders were from the French to build a number of architectural works such as the Tonkin Governor’s Palace, the Indochine Palace, courts, and schools. The French wanted to show off their aesthetics and elegance.”

The’s book particularly features the ornamental motifs on Hanoi’s wrought iron railings, balconies, gates, and windows in the first half of the 20^th century. They gave the city a truly elegant beauty, The said: “During my school years, while traveling by tram, I saw the facades of many houses decorated with ironwork, which has become an integral part of Hanoi’s architecture. In the beginning, this was something new because Hanoians did not combine wood with iron in housing.”

It took 15 years for The to complete his book. He photographed many small lanes in Hanoi and conducted interviews with house owners in the context of rapid urbanization. He said: “The book gives us the feeling of a clean and elegant Hanoi instead of a city experiencing globalized trade with large advertisement boards. In my book I saw through those boards to find the original windows. I’ve met those behind such windows to explore the elegance and fineness of the decorative ironworks and architecture as well as the lifestyle and soul of Hanoians.”

The book will be a useful tool for architects, designers and ironsmiths. Tran Huu Tien, a manager of the World Pulishing House, said: “The book delves into Hanoians’ awareness of architecture and how they planned their houses prior to construction. It highlights the need for planning, which is what we lack in our major cities.”

The ornamental motifs described in the book help readers imagine how Hanoi looked in the past. Many years have passed but the city’s elegance and beauty remain.