...creates architecture that facilitates and embraces a coherent symbiosis between humans and environment.

In addition, there are indications that the slum dwellers whose income is mostly based on informal micro-economic activities (vending, retailing…) have been confronting new difficulties after being resettled into new apartment blocks where they lose access to their source of income and have difficulty finding new and suitable ways to earn a living.

Scale

It could be a mixed-use commercial, educational, cultural and residential project to re-housing the “canals slum”. Ameliorating living conditions of dwellers in the area and the environment of the city by proposing urban facilities such as: trash collection, clean water source, education, public health, security... 

Special Outcome

There will be several fieldtrips to slums around the city for the design team to research. Design and research through model making, sketching, 3d developing, film developing…is certain. There may be the possibility to work on-site or build something depending on the opportunities that arise through the studio.

Overview

Kientruc_O creates architecture that facilitates and embraces a coherent symbiosis between humans and environment. Their practice draws from the spirit and philosophy of Vietnamese tradition and history, to create quality living spaces with modern movement. 

Context

With a long history of development, Saigon and Cho-Lon were surrounded by networks of canals and creeks, making it possible for merchants to travel and establish important boat trading routes between the city centres as well as the other provinces in the Delta Mekong region. Subsequently, increasing residential settlements sprang up along the canals and creeks, enriching the tradition and culture of Saigon. However with increasing urban development many canals and creeks have been in-filled, the city waterway activities have decreased, and the run-down residential settlements along the canals have brought about many concerns.

The government has planned for years to remove these substandard shanty homes in order to clean the canals and reduce flooding and pollution. The plans to relocate these families to apartment blocks require a huge cost and the construction department reports that the city struggles with this cost.