Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 14(1), pp. 130 - 153
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140110
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Decoding the Architectural Design Formula of the Hue Imperial Palace, Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), Vietnam

Vinh An Le ^*
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

ABSTRACT

The Hue Imperial Palace is widely recognized as a rich and significant source of scientific material for academic research. This paper briefly introduces the proportional relationship between the floor plan and the wooden frame of the Twin-Ridge Beam Buildings (abbreviated as Twin Buildings), alongside their dimensional origins and parametric design principles. Furthermore, this paper examines the methods of column creation, timber shaping, and their proportional relationship, aiming to formulate their design methods. With research methods of the Nguyen Dynasty's historical documents study, surveys of the remaining Twin Buildings' timbers, dimensional analyses, and investigations into traditional design methods, this study identifies a calculation system rooted in ancient mathematics. Specifically, it defines the decimal system corresponding to "One Ten" (applied to 10-unit Twin Buildings) and the duodecimal system corresponding to "One Dozen" (applied to 12-unit Twin Buildings). Accordingly, the proposed Design Formula incorporates key elements such as variables, constants, parameters, and dependent quantities that are clearly defined. The Design Formula ensures uniformity in architectural patterns and forms while offering flexibility in adapting usage functions and building scales. It also enables easy parameter adjustments for determining timber dimensions, simplifies wooden material preparation and cost estimation, and facilitates replication and rehabilitation of heritage buildings.

KEYWORDS
Design Formula, Twin Buildings, Hue Imperial Palace, Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam, World Cultural Heritage

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Vinh An Le , "Decoding the Architectural Design Formula of the Hue Imperial Palace, Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), Vietnam," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 130 - 153, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140110.

(b). APA Format:
Vinh An Le (2026). Decoding the Architectural Design Formula of the Hue Imperial Palace, Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), Vietnam. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 14(1), 130 - 153. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140110.