TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC KIẾN TRÚC THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH
KHOA QUY HOẠCH
MÔN BẢO TỒN TRÙNG TU VÀ QUY HOẠCH VÀ BẢO TỒN DI SẢN
OLD TOWN
YEN LAC
Assessment of Heritage Value and Proposed Conservation
Planning Solutions for a Heritage Area in Vietnam
GVHD: Nguyễn Cẩm Dương Ly
SVTH: Biện Gia Ngọc - 22510501545
Trương Ngọc Ánh - 22510501524
Bùi Nguyễn Việt Khuê - 22510501540
Nguyễn Cửu Quỳnh Hương - 22510501535
Nguyễn Phạm Ngọc An - 22510501518
CLASS: QH22CLC
DEADLINE: 23H59 25/12/2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Historical context
3 Lessons learned from Genoa
4 Preservation methods
5 Conclusion
6 References
Introduction
- Location: Yen Lac Ancient Town is located in Yen Lac town,
Na Ri district, Bac Kan province. This area has a long history,
standing out for its traditional architectural style typical of the
ethnic minorities in the mountainous northern region of
Vietnam, particularly those in Bac Kan.
- Area: 1.37 km²
Population: The town is home to five main
ethnic groups: Mong, Tay, Nung, Kinh, and
Dao. The primary source of income comes
from agriculture and forestry, with limited
development in trade and services.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
1. HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF YEN LAC ANCIENT TOWN
Yen Lac Ancient Town is a region rich in historical and cultural
significance. It was established in the late 19th century when
French colonists set up a governing post here in 1895. Many
areas in Vietnam, including Bac Kan, experienced significant
migration and settlement by various ethnic groups during this
period.
Cultural Intersections: Yen Lac Ancient Town serves as a
convergence point for multiple ethnic communities, including
the Chinese, Tay, and Nung peoples. The architecture here is
distinct from that of the indigenous population, featuring
houses constructed from rare ironwood, which adds
uniqueness to the neighborhood.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
1. HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF YEN LAC ANCIENT TOWN
The lifestyle of the Chinese immigrants was primarily
commercial, bringing with them the characteristic tube
house architectural style often seen in ancient
marketplaces. These houses typically have narrow facades
but deep interiors, maximizing space for commerce on the
ground floor and living quarters above.
The Tay and Nung primarily build stilt houses from wood or
single-story earthen homes suited to the mountainous
terrain. In the ancient town, their influence is evident
through the use of local wood and traditional elements
such as yin-yang tile roofs or thatched roofs, creating a cool
environment in summer and warmth in winter.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
1. HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF YEN LAC ANCIENT TOWN
According to a survey by the Bac Kan Association of
Architects, traditional houses in Bac Kan today include
both single-story and two-story designs. The architecture
of single-story houses focuses on two main styles: wooden
frame houses with surrounding wooden panels and yin-
yang tile roofs, which have later been replaced with
corrugated iron and fibrocement (typical of the Dao ethnic
group). Another style is the earthen wall house made from
well-mixed gravel and clay, built layer by layer with an
internal framework using wooden columns and beams to
support the roof (typical of the Hoa and Tay ethnic
groups).
Today, the ancient town retains many traditional
architectural features. However, due to time and
environmental impacts, many ancient houses are
gradually deteriorating, posing significant challenges for
preservation efforts. The lack of financial resources and
specialized personnel also presents barriers to conserving
the ancient town of Yên Lạc.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
2. CORE VALUES OF YEN LAC ANCIENT TOWN
A. HISTORICAL VALUES:
18th - 19th Late 19th - early 20th 1946 - 1954
Situated on a route Chinese merchants began Yen Lac played a vital role as
connecting the mountains settling in the area, logistical base, providing food
and lowlands, it developed introducing cultural supplies and shelter for revolutionary
as a hub for trade, influences and enriching forces. The local population actively
particularly the exchange of the cultural life of the town. supported the resistance,
agricultural and forestry
showcasing a strong patriotic spirit.
products.
1955 - 1975 Post-1975 Today
During the Resistance War As modernization progressed, Yen Yen Lac Ancient Town has
Against the U.S : The town Lac Ancient Town underwent become an attractive cultural
continued to contribute changes in architecture and tourism destination but faces
manpower and resources to lifestyle. However, traditional significant challenges in
revolutionary movements, cultural values have been preservation due to
acting as a crucial link for preserved through festivals and modernization pressures.
activities in the mountainous customs of the ethnic
regions of Bac Kan. communities.
=> This is a land rich in historical value, closely tied to longstanding traditional heritage. It is not only a historical trading hub but
also a repository of cultural heritage that reflects the life and unity of ethnic communities
HISTORICAL CONTEXT2. CORE VALUES OF YEN LAC ANCIENT TOWN
B. INTANGIBLE CUTURAL HERITAGE VALUES:
Community and Lifestyle: People often live in concentrated
communities based on family lineages, closely tied to farming
and agriculture. The Tay and Nung ethnic groups typically
reside in valleys and along rivers, engaging in farming and
swidden cultivation.
Handicrafts: Some families or small groups of artisans in the
old quarter regularly produce handicrafts for sale at the
market. This is a way for people to utilize traditional crafts to
improve their livelihoods and promote their culture.
Traditional Songs and Rituals: Singing "then", "sly", "luon", and
performing "Pao dung" not only serves as entertainment but
also holds spiritual significance, being used in rituals for
blessings, good harvests, and healing.
=>The production and sale of handicrafts at the market not only
generate economic value but also contribute to the preservation
of traditional crafts and the dissemination of the cultural identity
of Yen Lac people to the community.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
2. CORE VALUES OF YEN LAC ANCIENT TOWN
B. INTANGIBLE CUTURAL HERITAGE VALUES:
One of the most prominent traditional festivals is the Long Tong
Festival (Descending to the Field Festival), an important event for the
Tay ethnic group held at the beginning of the year to pray for a
bountiful harvest.
Night Market Activities in the Old Quarter: Beyond being a
marketplace, the night market serves as a venue for cultural,
artistic, and culinary exchanges.
Traditional Cuisine: Numerous food stalls offer traditional dishes such
as corn cakes, steamed rice cakes, mung bean jelly, deep-fried dough,
along with local specialties like dried bamboo shoots and dried pork.
Natural Landmarks: In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Yen Lac
Old Quarter is also renowned for its stunning natural landscapes.
Nang Tien Cave: Located in Na Ri district, Bac Kan province, Nang
Tien Cave is steeped in ancient legends and holds spiritual
significance for locals. Millions of years of stalactite and stalagmite
formation have created a mysterious and captivating beauty,
attracting many visitors eager to explore the magnificent natural
wonders of the mountainous region.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
2. CORE VALUES OF YEN LAC ANCIENT TOWN
C. TOURISM POTENTIAL
Attractive Destination: With its unique landscape, ancient architecture,
and distinctive culture, Yen Lac Old Quarter holds great potential for
developing community-based and cultural tourism. Yen Lac Old
Quarter is not only a cultural icon of Bac Kan province but also has
national significance. It needs to be preserved and promoted to
become an attractive destination for both domestic and international
tourists.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
3. FORMATION, CHARACTERISTICS, MORPHOLOGY, AND
ARCHITECTURAL VALUE
FORMATION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL WORKS IN YEN LAC
OLD QUARTER:
Wooden houses are central to the Tay and Nung ethnic minorities, reflecting their culture
and beliefs. Initially, only a few houses were built in this style, but over time, the whole
neighborhood adopted it. It took four people a week to fell a nghien tree, and years to
build a house. As more people followed suit, they created a lasting street, known as the
"old quarter."
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The outer room of the house is for receiving guests, while a narrow passage leads to the
inner rooms, which include two or three bedrooms. The kitchen, located at the back, is
used for cooking traditional cakes and for livestock and sanitation. The houses are built
high, resembling two stories, with an attic for storage, accessed by a ladder. Larger
families may add a room upstairs, while smaller families use it as storage. An ancestral
altar is always placed in the living room, facing the front door.
The old quarter features a yard and a central road. In the morning, people sell goods, and
in the afternoon, families relax while children play football. Noon is the quietest time.
The houses in the old quarter, made from durable nghien wood, have a tubular design
and are over 50 years old, contributing to the neighborhood's unique character. The
closely spaced houses form a uniform street, influenced by the Chinese-Vietnamese
community. The roofs are covered with yin-yang tiles, which regulate temperature and
add aesthetic appeal. Many houses feature intricate carvings on columns and beams,
showcasing the craftsmanship of the past.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
4. REASONS FOR THE LACK OF CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN YEN LAC
OLD QUARTER
Currently, the conservation of the old quarter in Yen Lac has not been given sufficient attention due to several
factors:
Limited financial resources and human resources
Insufficient awareness of heritage value
Pressure from urbanization and modernization
Underdeveloped tourism
Lack of support from the central government
Limited community awareness
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
5. CHALLENGES IN PRESERVING YEN LAC
OLD QUARTER
Deterioration of Heritage
Pressure from Modernization:
Lack of Community Awareness of
Heritage Value
Limited Resources
Underdeveloped Tourism
Lack of Clear Conservation Policies
Risk of Losing Original Value
Impact of the natural environment
Proposed Solutions to Challenges
LESSON LEARNED FROM GENOA
APPLIED TO YEN LAC OLD TOWN
Combining heritage conservation with economic and social development is crucial.
Genoa has successfully maintained traditional architecture while upgrading
infrastructure and ensuring structural integrity. This approach has been applied to the
conservation policy of the ancient town of Yên Lạc, which includes comprehensive
conservation planning that not only focuses on preserving ironwood architecture but
also expands into tourism and economic development.
In Genoa's conservation policy, the community's role is emphasized through raising
awareness and providing economic benefits from participation in heritage activities,
such as opening historical buildings for public visits. This principle can be adapted to
the conservation policy of the ancient town of Yên Lạc by creating initiatives that
encourage local residents to engage more actively, supported by financial assistance or
economic opportunities related to tourism.
Genoa has integrated heritage into the core of its tourism routes and organized cultural
events to attract visitors and increase residents' income. The ancient town of Yên Lạc
could adopt a similar approach to develop a tourism model and organize traditional
festivals that showcase the unique characteristics of Bắc Kạn province. This would not
only preserve cultural values but also enhance the livelihoods of local people.
Conclusion: By applying certain conservation strategies from Genoa to the ancient town of
Yên Lạc, it is possible to improve preservation strategies and establish a sustainable
direction for economic and cultural development.
PRESERVATION METHODS
1.PLANNING AND OBJECTIVES BASED ON AREA ASSESSMENT
Yen Lac is part of Bac Kan Province, a region rich in historical
relics and natural landscapes, such as Nang Tien Cave and Co
Tien Mountain.
=> Potential for tourism development tied to historical and
cultural values is substantial.
Additionally, Yen Lac is home to various ethnic groups, each
with its own unique cultural values, particularly the Tay ethnic
group. The Tay language is not only a common medium of
communication but also a reflection of the rich and diverse
cultural exchanges with other ethnicities.
However, local residents still face economic hardships and lack
awareness of the importance of heritage conservation.
Objectives for Conservation Planning:
Improve local livelihoods:
Promote community involvement in heritage preservation.
Enhance cultural and historical values of the area.
Integrate economic development with conservation efforts.
PRESERVATION METHODS
2. ACTION PLAN
Develop action plans aligned with the above objectives:
A. Conservation Zoning
Commercial Zone: The central area of Yên Lạc
ancient town is a vibrant hub where night
markets, fairs, and festivals are frequently
organized. This zone revitalizes the cultural
values of the local community through
traditional activities; however, many ancient
architectures have been lost due to commercial
activities, as residents have converted their
traditional houses into multi-story
buildings.Architectural Conservation Zone: The
row of ancient houses made from ironwood
retains the distinctive architectural features of
the local people from the past and remains
intact in Yên Lạc ancient town.
PRESERVATION METHODS
2. ACTION PLAN
B. Action Plan
Promoting Historical and Cultural Values Combined
with Economic and Tourism Development:
For the Commercial Zone: Focus on developing
trade and tourism through cultural activities and
local culinary specialties.
Invest in restoring the infrastructure of Na Rì
market while preserving its architectural style,
enhancing the sale of local specialties for tourists
seeking souvenirs. Maintain the characteristic tin
roofs and stone materials.
Develop a pedestrian pathway for the night market
in the ancient town to become a "specialty tourism
route." Organize fairs on weekends. (Map marking
the "ancient town night market route.")
Organize traditional activities and artistic
performances such as Then singing and Sli singing
in the market space to create experiences that
attract tourists.
PRESERVATION METHODS
Guidelines: A model for house design should only be permitted for
construction on the facades of the ancient streets. This aims to guide the
architectural morphology of the area without causing design chaos. Houses
with designs that contrast sharply with the established guidelines should
not be built.For "marker housetown" locations, preserve the traditional tube
house style of the Hoa people, which reflects the commercial character of
the ancient town. The lifestyle primarily revolves around trade, leading to a
typical architectural style seen in ancient markets. These houses feature
narrow facades but long depths, maximizing space for commerce on the
ground floor and living quarters above. Use local materials such as wood,
fired bricks, tiles, and other indigenous materials.
For the Conservation Zone: Emphasize preserving historical
"memories."Restore infrastructure for houses along the street. Reconstruct
houses at the end of the street (currently uninhabited) to serve as a
museum, preserving relics and stories from the first generations who
settled in this area. (Map for restoration and conservation.)
Develop a famtrip model where tourists can experience unique local
architecture while sampling traditional dishes and visiting historic sites.
PRESERVATION
METHODS
3. PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION
Establish a local history museum to showcase and promote the
heritage of the Old Quarter. This can be integrated with new
cultural and recreational facilities in the area.
Cultural promotion events: Add Yen Lac to the city’s cultural
tourism circuit by organizing public cultural events such as musical
performances, exhibitions, and art programs. Activities may include
guided tours, traditional hat then singing, entertainment, and
festivals. These initiatives aim to restore and preserve the historical
memory of Yen Lac's urban development.
CONCLUSION
LESSONS ON CONSERVATION IN URBAN PLANNING
Preserving Architectural and Cultural Heritage: It is essential to
maintain the distinctive architectural styles and the unique
cultural and lifestyle traits of the ancient town.
Public Spaces: Allocate spacious public areas to facilitate cultural,
commercial, and community interaction activities, as well as
tourism development.
Long-Term Vision: All conservation plans should adopt a long-term
perspective, ensuring a harmonious integration of various factors
while prioritizing the integrity of the overall structure.
Community Benefits: Conservation efforts must align with the
interests of local residents to foster their commitment to
NECESSARY SKILLS IN URBAN CONSERVATION
preserving the area's identity.
PLANNING
Dynamic Conservation: Preservation should not be a static task but
Media Utilization: Leverage media platforms to
should incorporate modern development needs to ensure lasting
promote the area's unique cultural characteristics
appeal.
Community Participation: Active involvement of the community is effectively.
a cornerstone for sustainable conservation. Tourism and Commerce Development: Encourage the
Integrated Planning: Conservation plans should be integrated with growth of tourism and commerce in the ancient town.
modern economic strategies and urban management Funding and Support: Seek funding and sponsorship to
frameworks. maintain, renovate, and preserve the ancient town.
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