The Hoi An Ancient Quarter and some intangible cultural aspects of the architecture with Han influences in Vietnam

Ref.: 314
Domaine thématique: 03 Intégrité visuelle des paysages urbains historiques
Date de réception: 05/12/2008

AUTEURS (*Auteur principal)

THI BAO CHAU, Huynh * (Viet Nam) - Hanoi Architectural University

RÉSUMÉ

I.
1. Theme: Urban area and village are different forms of organising human living spaces. They are different from each other because of the difference not only of the ways to earn one's living, but also their belief, religion and aspiration of community and personal life. Therefore, we can find out the factors called "intangible cultural values" in urban areas or villages.
2. Field work: Hoi An is rich museum of intangible cultural values with Han influences in Vietnam. In terms of space, there used to be home of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and minority groups, that is, convergence of many different cultures with Han influence. In terms of time, Hoi An is very old urban area with continuously developing process, that is, typical for Vietnamese and Oriental architectural history, before and after the influence of Western architecture.
For this reason, we choose Hoi An in order to research its architectural images and intangible values.
3. Limitation of the research: focused on intangible values of the architecture in the ancient quarter of Hoi An
II. Research content
1. Defining "the borders" of the ancient quarter
a. Time: Defining the beginning and the final landmarks of "ancient architecture" concept and the historical layers of architecture
b. Space: The city's spaces have been changed continuously before having the current form. On the base of the field work investigation, we try to define the limitation of Hoi An ancient quarter.
2. Holy and human spaces
It is clear that in western cities or commercial ports such as Athens, Marseilles, the spaces are divided in accordance with their functions. For example, temples and churches are just for worship, squares are just for meeting, markets are for trading, houses are just for residing... This planning is originated from the belief that gods and human beings live in separately divided spaces. The planning principle of Hoi An is absolutely different: buildings for worship come between human living spaces; there are holy spaces for worship in club-houses or private houses. The arrangement of these spaces demonstrates that the oriental people believe human beings and gods share a common space.
3. Feng-shui spaces:
- Japanese bridge
- Club-house
- Houses
- Some faith symbols relating to houses
4. The origin of intangible values in Hoi An architecture.

BIBLIOGRAPHIE