Diversity of Hanoi's Urban Landscape ­ Form and Type

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Key theme: 04 Abstracts for which the authors did not indicate a key theme
Date of reception: 05/12/2008

AUTHORS (*Main author)

MINH KHOI, Doan * (Viet Nam) - Urban and Architectural Institute (UAI) of the National University of Civil Engeneering (NUCE)

ABSTRACT

Over the time, Hanoi has been seen not only as a historical city, but also as an attractive city of rich architectural diversity. This diversity can be considered as a significant characteristic for the urban architectural landscape of the city.
The cognition of the diversity of Hanoi's urban landscape starts with the diversity of natural elements (water, vegetation, topography, then a number of architectural and urban planning elements. These elements shall be seen not only as separated ones, but also in their connection modes.
The diversity of Hanoi's urban landscape rooted from the structure of an administrative city that continually changed over different feudal dynasties was affected by different ways of life, business styles, management modes... Nevertheless, the urban space of Hanoi never denied the past developments. Here and there, the vestiges of all historical stages can be found, from feudalism through colonialism, central state planning and the current market economy. Hanoians can always find their ways to accept and adapt to the situations, and to change their living spaces accordingly. This is the factor that creates the diversity for the city, both positively and negatively.
The mophorlogy of Hanoi's urban landscape is mixed and symbolic. Its value and attractiveness are not to be measured by the dominant physical volumes, but by the propotional scales and human scales. This characteristic can be foremost found in the historic city centers and some certain streets in different ways.
Management policy making for Hanoi is a difficult task. Policies shall be considered throughly and flexilbly, and much attention shall be paid to some central districts, i.e. Hoan Kiem Lake and the surroundings, West Lake and its area, the 36 Old Street Quarter, and the French Colonial Quarter. In terms of architecture, temples and pagodas within the residential areas shall be conserved by concrete regulations. With regards to town planning, much consideration shall be given to new constructions in historical districts in terms of comparative volumes and architectural forms. Buildings located at street intersections shall be focused the most. And thus, the restructuring and adjustment of Hanoi's urban architecture shall be implemented considerately.

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