Application of lacquer art in elevator architecture

In the context of construction projects increasingly emphasizing personalization and experience, elevators are gradually being recognized as a special interior space - one that can reflect the homeowner's lifestyle, aesthetic taste, and personal imprint. Integrating art into elevators has become a new approach in architectural space design.

At the seminar 'Opening Pathways for Art into Elevators' organized by the Vietnam Elevator Association on the afternoon of April 8, 2026, at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC), architects, artists, and elevator industry experts discussed the trend of integrating cultural identity into elevator spaces, as well as the role of design in elevating the building experience.

The event saw the participation of representatives from international organizations such as UNESCO in Vietnam and the Embassy of Germany in Vietnam, along with representatives from domestic agencies including Mr. Ma The Anh - Director of the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition; Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh - Director of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum; Mr. Ta Tan - Deputy Director of the Non-Governmental Organizations Department, Ministry of Home Affairs; Mr. Trieu Viet Phuong - President of the Vietnam Institute of Standards and Quality...

The presence and active participation of architects, art management agencies, and a large number of artists created a solid interdisciplinary foundation. This is an important prerequisite for the elevator industry to confidently pursue a new development direction, where technology, art, and culture converge.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Nguyen Hai Duc - Chairman of the Vietnam Elevator Association - stated that the current direction is to move elevators beyond their role as mere technical equipment, to become a 'cultural space' in daily life. Integrating artistic materials such as ceramics, lacquer, etc., not only aims to enhance aesthetic value but also contributes to bringing spiritual elements and identity into everyday spaces.

He also believed that as the technical standards for elevators become increasingly refined, the perception of this equipment needs to be broadened, not stopping at functionality but aiming towards aesthetic, cultural, and experiential value.

From an academic perspective, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Vu Hong Cuong - Head of the Interior Design Department at Hanoi University of Architecture - noted that, similar to many imported architectural forms, elevators are gradually becoming an inseparable part of Vietnam's urban life. No longer confined to high-rise buildings, this vertical transportation means is increasingly present in low-rise buildings and family homes, contributing to optimizing functionality and improving quality of life.

According to Mr. Vu Hong Cuong, the later adoption of technology compared to the world also opens an opportunity for Vietnam to promote the process of 'localization,' helping elevators not only meet technical requirements but also suit local environmental conditions, culture, and architectural language.

On that foundation, the richness of traditional materials such as lacquer, ceramics, terracotta, or natural stone will become an important source of inspiration, contributing to enhancing aesthetic value and shaping a distinct identity for modern elevators.

From the perspective of a construction consultancy unit, Architect Tran Duc Toan - General Director of Vietnam Construction Consultants Corporation (VNCC) - assessed that integrating art into elevators is a novel and promising approach. Alongside technical standards, it is necessary to soon develop and apply a new set of criteria for elevator aesthetic design and interior decoration.

“This is not only a solution to soften the often rigid moving space but also an opportunity to honor Vietnamese identity through the application of local materials and traditional patterns and art,” shared Architect Tran Duc Toan.

From the perspective of artistic practice, as one of the members of the project team integrating lacquer art into elevator spaces, lacquer artist Do Khai shared that throughout his career, he has rarely witnessed a 'convergence' between artists, architects, and scientists. This is not common, as in the field of painting, art often exists as an independent entity.

Initially, the idea of incorporating lacquer paintings into elevators also made him hesitant, due to the material's characteristics requiring suitable lighting and space for appreciation. However, during practical implementation, the results somewhat surpassed doubts, showing clear feasibility.

According to artist Do Khai, traditional Vietnamese lacquer has been proven over thousands of years and is particularly suitable for the Southeast Asian climate. The application of lacquer art does not necessarily have to be large-scale works but can be flexible through small motifs, subtle color blocks, or decorative details like mother-of-pearl inlay, shell inlay, eggshell, gold, silver... These elements not only reduce the heaviness of the elevator space but also create visual depth, contributing to bringing outstanding aesthetic value to modern elevators.

From the discussions at the seminar, the pioneering effort by the Vietnam Elevator Association to integrate lacquer art into elevators is gradually shaping a new approach for the Vietnamese elevator industry - where technological factors, design, and traditional artistic identity can go hand in hand, creating sustainable values in contemporary architecture.