Cau Ram Church – Shining with a Major Award at the VMARK Design Award 2025

Amid the continuous evolution of contemporary Vietnamese architecture, the preservation and revitalization of heritage structures have become an essential mission. Cau Ram Church — a religious architectural icon of Vinh City — has been reimagined with great inspiration by Link Architects, presenting a new appearance that both preserves its historical value and embodies a spirit of creative innovation. The project was proudly honored at the VMARK Design Award 2025 in the category of Excellence Award for Cultural & Art Space Design, marking a significant milestone in the journey of connecting heritage with art through architectural creation.

Link Architects – Designing to Create Sustainable Value

With the design philosophy “Respect the Past – Create the Future,” Link Architects is not merely an architectural consultancy but a storyteller through the language of space. Each project by Link Architects is a harmonious blend of functionality, modern aesthetics, and humanistic values.

The Cau Ram Church project is a vivid testament to that spirit: a structure reborn from history, transformed into a new religious, cultural, and artistic hub for the community, while preserving its inherent sacred essence.

Cau Ram Church – A Historical Landmark of Vinh City

It is no coincidence that Cau Ram Church is regarded as one of the most remarkable religious structures in Central Vietnam. Originating in 1898 with a seven-bay wooden church made of ironwood, the site has undergone many transformations. In 1926, the construction of a magnificent Gothic-style church began, which went on to become an architectural symbol of faith in Vinh City.

Throughout the past century, Cau Ram Church has been more than a sacred place of worship — it has stood as a cultural and historical landmark, celebrated in folk verses and proverbs, and cherished as a shared memory across generations. Therefore, its reconstruction is not merely an architectural project, but a mission to preserve and spread cultural identity.

Design Concept – A Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity

In Link Architects’ design proposal, the new structure embraces a modern architectural language while evoking traditional imagery. The curved roof arches toward the sky like a pair of praying hands, reminiscent of the roofs of Vietnamese temples and pagodas. Graceful arches and slender columns convey a sense of solemnity, while natural light is artfully guided to create serene and sacred spatial experiences.

The highlight of the project lies in the harmonious integration of religious symbolism and an expanded sense of community. The church space not only serves spiritual practices but also functions as a cultural and artistic center — a venue for gatherings, exhibitions, and community events.

Sustainable Architecture – The Continuation of Heritage

One of the project’s most remarkable values lies in its commitment to sustainable architecture. Local materials are prioritized, while natural ventilation, daylight optimization, and green spaces are thoughtfully integrated into the design. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also fosters a harmonious and nature-friendly environment.

Sustainability here carries a deeper meaning — cultural sustainability. The new structure does not replace memories but continues them in a new form, allowing future generations to experience the historical spirit within a modern space.

Honored at the VMARK Design Award 2025

Under the theme “Good Design . Good Business | Sustainable Development Through Design,” the VMARK Design Award 2025 honored projects that exemplify the role of design in promoting sustainability and fostering community connection. Cau Ram Church, winner of the Excellence Award for Cultural & Art Space Design, was highly praised by the jury for its harmonious balance of aesthetics, identity, functionality, and humanistic values.

The award is not only an honor for Link Architects but also a testament to the stature of Vietnamese architecture — one that preserves its heritage while confidently innovating to join the global architectural landscape.

Connecting Heritage – Shaping the Future

Today, through the vision and craftsmanship of Link Architects, Cau Ram Church has become a symbol of rebirth — where heritage and contemporary creativity converge. The project not only serves the Catholic community but also opens a shared cultural space for society at large, reaffirming the role of architecture in connecting people and preserving urban memory.

With this project, Link Architects presents not merely a restoration work, but a powerful message about the social responsibility of architects: to preserve in order to develop, to honor the past in order to shape the future.

Cau Ram Church – where heritage and modernity resonate in an endless architectural symphony.