Viral design: The art of creating architectural space for the social media age

The theme weaves through every detail: tentacle-shaped fixtures, octopus-like flourishes, and a dominant palette of dark metallic tones create a setting that feels both otherworldly and oddly intimate. It’s a bar that invites guests to step into a whimsical underwater realm.

Learn more: Architect Phuong Nguyen: “Childhood memories inspired me to create memorable architecture”

As day turns to dusk, the experience intensifies. With a cocktail in hand, guests watch the sky erupt in colour over the sea. It’s this exquisite pairing of nature’s drama and daring design that makes INK 360 a magnet for those in search of something beyond the ordinary.

At the very heart of bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Park Hyatt Saigon is a serene standout, fusing modern Asian elegance with a whisper of French romanticism.

The hotel’s pale cream façade and gracefully detailed interiors evoke a sense of timeless refinement. Yet beyond its architecture, Park Hyatt Saigon reveals another layer—as an unexpected gallery space, showcasing a thoughtful collection of contemporary Vietnamese art. Among the highlights: Lady, a lacquer painting from the nostalgic series by celebrated artist Bui Huu Hung, displayed discreetly amid the hotel’s shared architectural spaces and private rooms alike.

Thanks to this distinctive blend, Park Hyatt Saigon has swiftly become a must-visit destination for discerning travellers with an eye for art. A grand lobby with warm, enveloping tones and a collection of striking artworks together create a lasting impression; an atmosphere that continues to draw attention from both Vietnamese and international guests. In recognition of its enduring appeal, Park Hyatt Saigon was named Best City Hotel by Tatler Best Vietnam in 2025, a testament to the hotel’s captivating charm.

Among Hanoi’s most photographed destinations, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi stands apart, not just for its history but for how it evokes a sense of time suspended. With a heritage spanning over 120 years and a design steeped in the elegance of old-world France, this storied hotel immerses visitors in the romance of early 20th-century Hanoi. In early 2025, Tatler Best Vietnam described it as “a symbol of the capital”, offering a rare, almost cinematic experience through its seamless blend of French colonial charm and Vietnamese cultural legacy.

Visitors are often struck upon arrival by the grandeur of its white columns, the terracotta rooftops, the dazzling crystal chandeliers in the lobby, and those charming wrought-iron balconies. Every corner exudes a wistful beauty, rendering it an ideal setting for photography. This appeal hasn’t gone unnoticed, attracting a constellation of high-profile guests over the years, including folk singer John Denver, and former French President François Hollande.

Awarded Best Design by Tatler Best Vietnam in 2025, La Maison 1888, tucked within the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, is a destination as beloved by gourmands as it is by aesthetes.

The vision of celebrated architect Bill Bensley, the restaurant is imagined as a grand French residence from the 1880s, brought to life with a whimsical backstory about an aristocratic family from that era. Each dining room is designed in the spirit of a different character from this fictional lineage, with interiors that suggest distinctive personalities and personal tastes. The result is a dining experience that’s theatrical and immersive in equal measure.

Framed by sweeping sea views, the atmosphere takes on a dreamlike quality. Guests often remark on the enveloping sense of warmth and old-world mystery, as though stepping into the past if only for an evening.

Balancing a minimalist architectural approach with materials rooted in Vietnamese tradition, ORYZ Saigon is emerging as a sought-after spot for those in search of a fresh, thoughtfully curated dining experience.

The mood is instantly welcoming. Soft lighting and rich wooden textures create an ambiance of quiet luxury, while subtle nods to the historic Cholon market, through curated art pieces, imbue the architectural space with cultural resonance. It’s a setting that invites stillness, a haven for those craving pause amid the city’s buzz.

Here, every detail matters. From the placement of the furniture to the careful design of each element, the space at ORYZ Saigon feels like a carefully directed scene from a film—an evocative, almost cinematic ode to culinary storytelling.

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