HISTORY CONTEXT

1st PERIOD
The exploitation of colonies was intensified
( 1920 – 1929 )

Economic crisis in the West (1929-1933).

2nd PERIOD World War II (1939-1945).
( 1930 – 1945 ) Vietnam was occupied by the Japanese military.
Construction activities were halted

3rd PERIOD The French returned to Indochina, and war broke out.
(1946 – 1947 ) HOQ became a battlefield.

4th PERIOD
The French reoccupied Hanoi and waged war but failed.
( 1947 – 1954 )

The period was characterized by periods of upheaval, peace

interspersed with wars.
5th PERIOD
The initial stage of socialist renovation.
( 1955 – 1986 ) In December 1986, the " Doi moi " policy was introduced,
bringing an end to the economic difficulties after the war.

The economy were rising.

6th PERIOD
-> HOQ became vibrant with various forms of business and
( 1987 - now ) services.
 SOCIAL CONTEXT

Demand for production and commerce increased.

-> Demand: Neat, spacious, and well-equipped townhouses.

Production and business demand temporarily decreased.

The residents of HOQ migrated.

French military forces were stationed in the city.

The French restored control over Hanoi.

-> Hanoi continued to serve as the "Administrative Center of
Indochina".
Due to the prolonged war, there was little expansion, with a
focus on rebuilding areas destroyed during the fourth phase.

The 'Subsidized Economy' model lasted for 10 years.

-> The economy faced difficulties, and the whole society
plunged into crisis.

There was a sudden surge in demand for housing/commerce.

-> Exerting significant pressure on the infrastructure system.
The area's favorable characteristics for business and
commerce.
-> Attracted newcomers and encouraged current residents to
stay despite poor living conditions.
 ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXT

Location: Infill construction -> vacant lots / replacing deteriorated row

houses.
Style: Original French classical, inherited from French villas/ being
simplified.

French townhouses continued to be developed in HOQ

Additional styles emerged: Art Deco & Indochine (in small quantities).
Art Deco: in the early 1930s.
Indochine: A blend of Western architecture with indigenous styles.

Many constructions were destroyed to prevent the French from using

them. Included:
- Traditional row houses.
- French townhouses.

French townhouses were built on a larger scale.

-> By 1954, the French townhouse system was fully established in the
most comprehensive manner.

This was a period of 'Stability' for HOQ

-> Due to practical constraints, activities for self-improvement and new
construction were not feasible.
Housing distribution led to houses being divided among multiple
households.

Many houses were demolished for new construction or due to

deterioration.
-> The number of traditional row houses and French townhouses
decreased.
-> Renovation/expansion projects were undertaken.