Socializing conservation - An integrated approach towards sustaining built heritage of the ancient quarter (Hanoi, Vietnam)

Abstract

Hanoi's Ancient Quarter, known as 36 Old Streets Quarter is a site of valued relics dating over ten centuries. Recent urban transformations have changed its structure, affecting its identity and lifestyles. Preserving tangible and intangible values of the old streets, and especially its vernacular architecture, the tube-houses (nhà ống), are matters of urgency. Urban development is being changed town structure and caused social problems losing its initiative identity. To answer questions "What, Why and How?"so the aim of this paper is to discover historical and urban development process of the Ancient Quarter as well as to review and evaluate social and community's efforts in last ten years by applying "dots analytic system". In order to socialize preservation works, some key solutions of sustainable urban development and design are proposed in order to positively conserve and develop original image "Ancient Quarter"of Hanoi City towards sustainable urban development.