Trinh Vuong Church - A Fusion of Old and New

melanieta909
Sep 10
2 min read

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Trinh Vuong Church, designed by Ta Ngoc Thanh Tam (Melanie Ta), is a striking architectural statement where the timeless elegance of Gothic heritage meets modern sensibilities. With a capacity to host 2,000 congregants, it stands as both a spiritual and cultural landmark—rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in function.

"Architecture is most powerful when it bridges what we inherit and what we aspire to create," says Melanie Ta. "This church is a space for both memory and possibility—a sanctuary that honours the past while guiding the future."

The façade draws from Gothic architecture with its twin spires, pointed arches, and stained glass windows, yet the intricate details are simplified for a contemporary aesthetic. Clean white surfaces, subtle moldings, and geometric accents replace heavy tracery, giving the building a look that is grand but modern. The floor plan takes the form of the Holy Cross, with the long nave as the vertical beam and the transepts as the horizontal arms—symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice while organizing both function and sacred meaning.

Inside, the sanctuary is stripped of the ornate lines typical of Gothic design and crowned with a hemispherical dome. Soft, natural light fills the space, creating an environment that is solemn yet welcoming, sacred yet intimate.

"The assignment called for creating a space that is solemn and dignified, yet simple and cozy, reflecting the wishes of the nuns, the project’s owners," explains Melanie.

As one of the largest churches in the city, the project posed a significant challenge: designing a large-scale Gothic-inspired building that remains simple, contemporary, and fully functional for its users. "I completed all drawings personally, ensuring the project reflects both the investor’s vision and my own design signature," adds Melanie.

Project Information: