Quan Ho cultural space

Hanoi Architectural University, Viet Nam

^* Corresponding author: dungnkhau@gmail.com

Abstract

Quan Ho singing is a unique cultural practice originated in Bac Ninh, Northern Vietnam. Various aspects of this custom from historical values to cultural impacts have been thoroughly examined. There is, however, no comprehensive study explores Quan Ho under the scope of urban planning and architecture. In recent years, Bac Ninh has been increasingly urbanized, leading to changes in multiple elements of Quan Ho culture, especially cultural space. This paper focuses on such cultural space, presents publicly available data, and collects data along with qualitative, quantitative and comparative analysis to address the effects of urbanization on Quan Ho cultural space. The paper considers characteristics, factors and changing trends of this cultural space, therefore confirms how transformation of Quan Ho cultural space is unavoidable. The paper also addresses planning and architectural requirements to harmonize between preservation and development. Among these requirements, the paper discusses in detail proper programming to optimize green spaces and limit over-urbanization, as well as planning original Quan Ho villages based on two distinctive models: adaptive preservation and development of new facilities on the old foundation. Proper landuse is suggested to build new living space to accommodate the evolving Quan Ho culture in modern society.