Tempo Reading Room (Tempo Nexus) was renovated from an apartment that had been left vacant for many years in the historic Lê Ngọc Apartment Building at 130 Pasteur, Ho Chi Minh City. The project is part of a series of works that K59 Atelier has long pursued, stemming from a deep attachment and affection for Saigon’s old apartment buildings.

Lê Ngọc Apartment was constructed between 1951 and 1961 by architect Hoàng Hùng of the General Department of Construction at the time. Over the years, the original terrazzo façade was repainted with water-based coatings, the patterned cement tiles were covered by new materials, and the elaborately crafted iron doors were replaced by modern aluminum-glass systems. These changes reflected the realities of their time — when old materials were no longer produced or suited to contemporary needs.

With the support and archival collaboration of Tản Mạn Kiến Trúc, Ms. Châu, and Mr. Henry, the process of “unfolding history” began: peeling off each wall layer, uncovering every cloud-patterned cement tile, restoring the original wrought-iron motifs, and combining the skilled craftsmanship of Mr. Bắc and the efforts of Phong and Hiệu. A new space begins to take form from what remains of the old.

The renovation process allowed us to better understand the building's superior natural ventilation, while carefully considering the existing load-bearing structure and replacing the deteriorated water supply and drainage systems. Reinforcements, adjustments, and upgrades were made only to extend the building’s lifespan — to revive the authentic spirit of Immeuble Lê Ngọc’s architecture while emphasizing its uniqueness within the contemporary context. Working here also gave us the opportunity to observe the role of the self-managed residents’ committee and the strong sense of community typical of old Saigon apartments, a place where individuals share a common space and collectively build a strong social structure.

Tempo Nexus is not merely a reading room, but also an experiment in reviving urban memory — where the old is reborn through careful restraint and consideration. The spirit of “doing as if nothing was done” reflects the necessity and flexibility in design — as we chose to preserve rather than showcase, to converse with history rather than deny it.