How should we evaluate the French colonial urban architectural heritage?

The French colonial urban architectural heritage in Vietnam has not been summarized nationwide. What method should be chosen to evaluate the characteristics and values of these heritages? (Pham Thinh, Hanoi)

Reply:

To have a systematic assessment, it is necessary to first establish a list of valuable works nationwide. Accordingly, it is necessary to collect information from many researchers and contributing sources. The second step is to conduct a comprehensive survey, with a more detailed level of detail for typical works to establish a heritage database. This database includes historical information, designers and owners through the periods; current drawings; and actual images.

After completing the above steps, we can begin to evaluate and analyze the heritage according to various value criteria. In Vietnam, the evaluation and preservation must be based on the Law on Cultural Heritage; in addition, we can refer to the reference framework of international conventions, especially UNESCO.

When assessing urban architectural heritage, it is not necessary to limit it to individual buildings, but to expand it to routes or areas. For example, the French colonial heritage street in Ho Chi Minh City is Dong Khoi or in Hanoi is Trang Tien; the heritage area in Hanoi is Ba Dinh and in Ho Chi Minh City is the Diplomatic Corps area in District 1.

Currently, the Vietnam Association of Architects is implementing the project of Preserving, promoting and renewing traditional values in the development of Vietnamese architecture. This includes research on traditional architecture, French colonial architecture and modern architecture from 1954 to 1986. This project is quite systematic and methodical. Currently, the list of typical works has been compiled and the first survey phase is being completed. The project will start research in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

The results of this research project can be a systematic reference on the architectural heritage of urban areas during the French colonial period in Vietnam. This is a topic chaired by the Vietnam Association of Architects with the wide participation of universities, experts as well as research institutes nationwide.

Dr., Architect Pham Phu Cuong

Head of Architecture Department, Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture

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