Design Balance - North and South

Much of the interior design work in Vietnam seemed to be very balanced, creating a solid calm when entering a room. There appears to be a long tradition in keeping a strict balance of furnishings within a room.

The first picture is in the Reunification Palace used by the last presidents of South Vietnam. The palace built in the 60's is a definite mid century piece of architecture and this state room epitomizes the
'design balance' seen throughout Vietnam even today.

Perhaps it is due to the organized chaos experienced out in the streets? (although it might just be the rug in the palace dictating some of the balance there!)