There is no scarcity of rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, however few provide fairly the expertise of Dạ-Hợp. This new two-floor idea pairs cabaret eating with open-air nightlife, woven collectively by a model id that is equal elements refined and rebellious.
Dreamed up by M — N Associates, the model behind a few of Vietnam’s most progressive F&B identities, Dạ-Hợp occupies a singular perch in additional methods than one. Sitting atop a company workplace tower, it merges two contrasting experiences below a single, unified idea, with a moody indoor restaurant under and a vibrant rooftop bar above.
Moderately than deal with the degrees as separate venues, the design staff proposed a extra strategic strategy: a dual-concept model that would operate independently but really feel meaningfully related.
“We had been impressed by the magnolia coco flower,” says Duy Nguyen, government artistic director at M — N Associates. “It solely blooms at evening — similar to Dạ and Hợp. That metaphor helped us form every part.”
The identify Dạ-Hợp (which means “evening” and “collectively” in Vietnamese-Chinese language vocabulary) displays the layered nature of the model. It is also as sensible because it’s poetic, and the floral symbolism underpins every part, from the brand and naming system to the customized typography and spatial transitions.
The result’s a model that appears like a narrative unfolding throughout two chapters, every with its personal temper, rhythm, and power.
For the customized kind system, the staff designed what they name “sister letterforms”, outlined as a typographic pairing that balances custom and modernity.
“Dạ’s typeface has delicate brushstroke curves and calligraphic construction, whereas Hợp’s is a minimal sans-serif — rhythmic, adaptable, and constructed for nightlife purposes,” Duy explains. The tall, vertical orientation of the letters nods to the peak of the venue whereas making a cinematic circulate throughout signage, menus, and digital content material.
Visible consistency was key throughout each areas, particularly since Dạ-Hợp hosts a rotating lineup of dwell DJs, cabaret acts, and themed eating occasions. Nonetheless, as an alternative of constructing a inflexible model system, the studio opted for one rooted in rules fairly than prescriptions.
Core components, such because the magnolia motif, a moody palette of deep reds and muted shadows, and tonal distinction in kind, present an emotional through-line, permitting the model to flex whereas staying recognisable.
The distinction between Dạ and Hợp is not simply visible however experiential. Downstairs, the ambiance leans into cinematic cabaret: darkish, dreamlike, and intimate. Upstairs, the power flips, and Hợp is open, up to date, and buzzing with skyline views and sound.
“We labored intently with the structure and operations groups to verify the model’s character might be felt in each element – from lighting temperature to how individuals transfer by way of the area,” says Duy.
That shut collaboration prolonged to supplies and spatial design. From the petal-like types in signage to the delicate glow of menu lighting, every touchpoint displays the venue’s central thought: two experiences that solely come alive after darkish. Even the uniforms and occasion visuals comply with swimsuit, mixing magnificence with edginess and ritual with revelry.
The most important problem, although, was strategic fairly than artistic. “Creating two distinct but cohesive model voices was advanced,” Duy admits.
“The in-house staff initially struggled with tips on how to steadiness and implement each identities throughout operations, particularly below a good timeline. It required shut collaboration and plenty of refinement.”
However the effort clearly paid off. Since its launch, Dạ-Hợp has grow to be a speaking level in HCMC’s F&B scene. The glowing rooftop DJ dice has grow to be a visible landmark, pulling curious passersby up from the road.
“Persons are sharing it with out immediate – the duality provides them one thing sudden,” says Duy. It is a model that feels elevated but not unique, fashionable but nonetheless rooted in cultural familiarity.
At a time when many F&B venues lean laborious into one aesthetic or expertise, Dạ-Hợp dares to do each. It is a cabaret and a rooftop bar, a restaurant and a music venue, a narrative instructed in two voices that come collectively at dusk. So far as fusion goes – conceptually, culturally, and visually – Dạ-Hợp is making it work.
