A study on urban block redevelopment in the Ancient Quarter of Hanoi: Toward the sustainable development of the whole Quarter

Ref.: 334
Key theme: 01 Physical integrity of historic urban landscapes
Date of reception: 05/12/2008

AUTHORS (*Main author)

LOAN, Pham Thuy * (Viet Nam) - Urban and Architectural Institute, University of Civil Engineering

ABSTRACT

The Ancient Quarter (AQ) is one of the oldest areas in Hanoi. It was designated as National Historical Heritage in 2004. As Hanoi is becoming a city of 1000 years in 2010 with the Vision as "The City of Culture ­ Water Surface ­ Greenery", successful preservation of historical districts like the AQ would be very crucial for achieving the Vision of Hanoi and sustainable state of development.
Besides the role as a historical area, the AQ is one the most thriving commercial and business districts of the city where various types of commodities and services, both whole sale and retail, can be found. It is also a well-known tourism district. On the other hand, the AQ is now facing critical problems: degradation of all of its values. Problems have been originated from contemporary contradictions: poor physical environment vs. vital social environment, poor infrastructure versus thriving economic activities, poor living environment vs. wealthy material conditions of local residents, over-crowded population vs. limited spaces, and tourism development vs. preservation of the district. Therefore, sustainable development of the area has long been a big challenge to Hanoi city, its Government, its citizens and professional society ­ both domestic and international.
The AQ covers 91 hectares, comprised of about hundred urban blocks. This study has adopted an integrated, comprehensive and participatory approach to propose a redevelopment model for a typical block. It is regarded that an appropriate block redevelopment model for a typical block can show way to redevelop other blocks toward a sustainable development of the whole quarter.
The block having been chosen for this pilot study is bordered by Hang Buom street, Ta Hien street, Luong Ngoc Quyen street and Hang Giay street; covering 8000 square meters, and home of 1017 people. Very comprehensive surveys have been carried out to identify inputs for the block redevelopment model. More importantly, a household interview survey was conducted to all 253 households in the block to understand their current living conditions (incomes, housing and other indicator), as well as their wish and future intention in housing activities.
The proposed block redevelopment model includes a physical model and implementation program. The physical model is studied based on the point of view that it should not only improve living condition of its inhabitants but also at the same time, retain tangible values, nurture intangible values of the quarter and the block itself and promote business opportunities. Financing program has been studied, showing that with reasonable contribution of the inhabitants, with support from the Government, the project will be financially sound and seem attractive to developers.
In parallel with research activities, practical activities or event- oriented activities have been carried out to get community involved, to raise their awareness and get lesson-learned for wider implementation. Workshops have been hold in order to introduce the proposed block redevelopment model to the inhabitants and get their feedbacks and opinions.
This study on urban block redevelopment in the Ancient Quarter of Hanoi has contributed a way toward more sustainable development of the district, to preserver and maintain historical roots of 1000-year Hanoi. It also gives good methodology with comprehensive, integrated and participatory approach for other similar project.

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