Socializing Conservation An Integrated Approach towards Sustaining Built Heritage of the Ancient Quarter (Hanoi, Vietnam)

(Abstract was accepted in GBEN, United Kingdom)

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.

It is argued that the political agenda of strengthening socialist demography at grassroots level under “top-down” decision-making process rapidly decreases society’s efforts in conservation of its buildings, area and culture.  Besides this tend to conceal many problems under preservation projects and as institutional operations.  Instead, to perpetuate a lively heritage in the Quarter requires an integrated communal involvement. “Sustainability” in heritage conservation is premised upon an integrated approach of socializing conservation.  This would entail a layered process of engaging the communities of the Quarter and various stakeholders  (craftsmen, traders, the state, professionals, developers etc.) in (1) restoring buildings, improving facades; (2) enhancing historic, architectural,  cultural values and controlling new development; (3) retaining the unique cultural heritage.

Key words: conservation socialization, community participation, “sustainable” in heritage conservation, groups of occupations, tube-houses.