BUV students uncover historical and cultural values at the National Assembly Building

Students from the Professional Communication programme at the British University Vietnam (BUV) recently embarked on an educational field trip to the National Assembly Building, where they explored the intersection of history, politics, and culture through an immersive learning experience.

The visit offered students a multi-dimensional perspective on the role of the National Assembly within Vietnam’s political system, while deepening their appreciation of the nation’s rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years.

The Heart of National Power in Hanoi

Located in the political centre of Ba Đình, the National Assembly Building is not only the venue for the country’s most significant legislative sessions but also a symbol of harmony between tradition and modernity.

Its distinctive design — a square structure enclosing a circular core — embodies the ancient Eastern philosophy of “heaven is round, earth is square,” expressing balance between humanity and the universe.

Notably, the building’s foundations lie on the south-western site of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, the political heart of Vietnam’s dynasties for nearly 800 years since Emperor Lý Thái Tổ relocated the capital there in 1010. This unique location gives the National Assembly Building not only political significance but also a profound cultural and historical resonance — a living testament to the continuity of national authority through the centuries.

During their visit, BUV students toured several key areas, including the Diên Hồng Hall, where full sessions of the Vietnamese National Assembly are held.

For Professional Communication students, this visit provided an invaluable, hands-on perspective on how national institutions function, and highlighted the essential role of communication in building transparency and public trust.

Timeless cultural legacy beneath the surface

Beyond its modern architecture, the National Assembly Building also houses a remarkable cultural treasure. Archaeological excavations carried out in 2008–2009 uncovered 140 relics and tens of thousands of artefacts, reflecting more than 1,300 years of continuous history at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel site.

Today, this area has been transformed into the Archaeological Exhibition “Discoveries Beneath the National Assembly Building”, preserving original remains alongside thousands of artefacts displayed with advanced lighting, sound, and climate-control technology.

According to guides, the exhibition regularly welcomes groups of students from across Vietnam and abroad, helping younger generations engage directly with the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

For BUV students, witnessing the exhibition first-hand was an inspiring opportunity to understand the vital role of communication in preserving, interpreting, and sharing heritage with the broader community.

“For me, this was such an enriching and fascinating trip. We not only had the chance to admire ancient artefacts and decorative objects with intricate patterns, listen to the historical stories behind them, but also experience a space that beautifully combines the ancient and the modern — blending visuals and sounds in harmony. From this visit, I gained more historical knowledge as well as artistic inspiration on how to integrate multiple elements into a creative work harmoniously,” shared Tran Quynh Trang – first year BUV student.

Exploring architecture of the Lý Dynasty

As part of the trip, students also viewed the documentary “Palatial Architecture of the Lý Dynasty”, produced by the Imperial Citadel Research Centre under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

The film recreates the grandeur of the Lý Dynasty palaces based on archaeological discoveries beneath the National Assembly Building, offering a visual understanding of how historical sites are reconstructed using modern science and technology.

The Lý architectural style features the “đấu củng” bracket system — an intricate wooden framework with red terracotta roof tiles decorated with dragons, phoenixes, and lotus motifs — showcasing the distinct identity of early Vietnamese architecture. These details have been digitally reconstructed into 3D models, allowing students to visualise the splendour of ancient Thăng Long and take pride in Vietnam’s architectural legacy.

The visit to the National Assembly Building forms part of the experiential learning activities organised by BUV’s School of Communication and Creative Industries, designed to help students connect academic knowledge with real-world experiences.

Through opportunities like this, BUV students not only gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and governance, but also learn to appreciate the power of communication in bridging the past and present — shaping informed, culturally aware global citizens ready to contribute to society.