There isn’t any scarcity of rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, however few supply 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 components 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 underneath a single, unified idea, with a moody indoor restaurant beneath and a vibrant rooftop bar above.
Slightly than deal with the degrees as separate venues, the design group proposed a extra strategic method: a dual-concept model that might operate independently but really feel meaningfully linked.
“We had been impressed by the magnolia coco flower,” says Duy Nguyen, government inventive director at M — N Associates. “It solely blooms at night time — identical to Dạ and Hợp. That metaphor helped us form all the pieces.”
The title Dạ-Hợp (which means “night time” 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 all the pieces, from the emblem and naming system to the customized typography and spatial transitions.
The result’s a model that looks like a narrative unfolding throughout two chapters, every with its personal temper, rhythm, and power.
For the customized sort system, the group designed what they name “sister letterforms”, outlined as a typographic pairing that balances custom and modernity.
“Dạ’s typeface has smooth 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 move throughout signage, menus, and digital content material.
Visible consistency was key throughout each areas, particularly since Dạ-Hợp hosts a rotating lineup of reside DJs, cabaret acts, and themed eating occasions. Nevertheless, as a substitute 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 sort, 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 environment 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 carefully with the structure and operations groups to verify the model’s character may very well be felt in each element – from lighting temperature to how folks transfer by means of the area,” says Duy.
That shut collaboration prolonged to supplies and spatial design. From the petal-like types in signage to the smooth 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 observe swimsuit, mixing class with edginess and ritual with revelry.
The most important problem, although, was strategic fairly than inventive. “Growing two distinct but cohesive model voices was complicated,” Duy admits.
“The in-house group initially struggled with tips on how to steadiness and implement each identities throughout operations, particularly underneath a decent timeline. It required shut collaboration and plenty of refinement.”
However the effort clearly paid off. Since its launch, Dạ-Hợp has change into a speaking level in HCMC’s F&B scene. The glowing rooftop DJ dice has change into a visible landmark, pulling curious passersby up from the road.
“Persons are sharing it with out immediate – the duality offers them one thing surprising,” says Duy. It is a model that feels elevated but not unique, trendy but nonetheless rooted in cultural familiarity.
At a time when many F&B venues lean exhausting 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 informed in two voices that come collectively at dusk. So far as fusion goes – conceptually, culturally, and visually – Dạ-Hợp is making it work.
