Tempo Nexus Library
TEMPO NEXUS LIBRARY
K59 Atelier
ARCHITECTS
K59 Atelier
LEAD ARCHITECT
Phan Lam Nhat Nam & Tran Cam Linh
LEAD TEAM
Phan Lam Nhat Nam, Tran Cam Linh
DESIGN TEAM
Do Minh Bao, Tran Nhu Dung
AREA
40 m²
YEAR
2025
LOCATION
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
CATEGORY
Library, Community, Adaptive Reuse
English description provided by the architects.
Tempo Nexus Library was renovated from an apartment that had been left vacant for many years in the historic Lê Ngọc Apartment Building at 130 Pasteur Street, Ho Chi Minh City.
The project is part of a long-term series pursued by K59 Atelier, rooted in a deep attachment to Saigon's old apartment buildings.
Lê Ngọc Apartment was constructed between 1951 and 1961 by architect Hoàng Hùng of the General Department of Construction at the time.
Over the years, its original terrazzo façade was repainted with water-based coatings, patterned cement tiles were covered by newer materials, and elaborately crafted iron doors were replaced with aluminum-glass systems.
These transformations reflected the realities of the current era, when original materials were no longer produced or compatible with contemporary needs.
With the support and archival collaboration of the Anthropology and History research group Tản Mạn Kiến Trúc, Ms. Châu, and Mr. Henri (NGO), the process of "unfolding history" began.
Layer by layer, walls were peeled back, cloud-patterned cement tiles were revealed, and original wrought-iron motifs were restored—bringing together the craftsmanship of local workers. From what remained of the old, a new space gradually took shape.
The renovation process allowed for a deeper understanding of the building's natural ventilation, while carefully respecting the existing load-bearing structure and upgrading deteriorated water supply and drainage systems.
Reinforcements and adjustments were carried out only where necessary, with the aim of extending the building's lifespan and reviving the authentic spirit of Immeuble Lê Ngọc, while acknowledging its place within a contemporary context.
Working within the building also provided insight into the self-managed residents' committee and the strong sense of community characteristic of old Saigon apartment blocks—where shared spaces foster collective responsibility and social cohesion.
Tempo Nexus is not merely a library, but an experiment in reviving urban memory—where the old is renewed through restraint and careful consideration.
The design embraces a philosophy of "doing as if nothing was done," prioritizing preservation over display, and dialogue with history over denial.
