Hoi An’s architectural heritage faces usual threats

      A conference to discuss a comprehensive project for Hoi An’s preservation and tourism development has been organised. Architect Hoang Dao Kinh, who has helped preserve and research the ancient town since 1982, discusses the progress.
After 27 years’ work in Hoi An, could you give a brief summary of the progress?
Hoi An is the country’s first urban heritage work undertaken following in-depth research from various angles by different specialists. The work was based on relevant methodology and techniques.
In 1982, Polish and Vietnamese specialists started restoring Cham towers and researched Hoi An’s urban heritage. The work was valuable because it was the cornerstone for preserving Hoi An’s heritage. In-depth research was missing at other urban heritage sites.
Many agencies and scientific organisations researched the town’s archaeology, architecture and other fields. This helped us understand Hoi An as a resource of culture and architecture.
Deteriorating buildings were repaired while the appearance of ancient streets was upgraded. Living standards were enhanced.
Regulations for controlling, restoring and using relics in Hoi An are useful for preserving ancient urban heritage.
The document doesn’t aim to turn the ancient streets into a museum but recognises the importance of architectural heritage and the demand to continue normal life around the relics while continuing the town’s development.
Experience gained during Hoi An’s preservation will help urban heritage development in Ha Noi, Hue, Hai Phong, HCM City and Da Lat.
How does Hoi An compare with 27 years ago?
When Hoi An was a little town, overwhelmed with the sounds of weaving machines producing cotton fabric for export, few thought its people would one day get rich from the relics.
There are many shops offering a wide variety of services, paintings, souvenirs and handicrafts. The services, tourism and trade provide about two-thirds of the city’s income.
Hoi An has gone from port town to a province and finally the country’s busiest international tourism hub.
What lessons could you pass on to others?
Hoi An’s architectural heritage faces the usual threats from the downgrading of old works, natural disasters and termites.
We should be aware of losing balance in urban development while running the risk of the town losing its special qualities. A loss of balance puts heritage resources alongside the development of tourism-service economics. The ancient quarter is the place to visit, research, shop, dine and exchange ideas.
Increasing tourism and associated services will infringe on the heritage resource, which will then be exploited.
Hundreds of hotels are appearing on the old streets. An aerial view would show new buildings with different designs dominating the ancient area. This will create a significant contrast between old and new.
Hoi An risks losing its special appeal. Since 1999, 83 houses in the old quarter have been sold and 181 people from other localities are renting homes in the old streets while 264 have moved from the streets.
The developments threaten to empty the area of its traditional cultural heritage. I fear the speed of tourism development and outside influences will gradually turn Hoi An’s heritage, or at least the old quarter, into mixed real estate with a different residential community.
What is required to avoid the outlined threats?
Comprehensive research should continue as a database of basic statistics would help various preservation and development plans.
We should survey residents on life and trade conditions and their needs for better houses. We should also survey their relationships with heritage and their rights when preserving the heritage alongside tourism development.
Preservation will succeed when we balance the rights of people and heritage.
The policies of local authorities should encourage locals to stay in the old streets. The policies could include capital loans and tax reductions for investing in trade.
Simultaneously, they should focus on reviving the traditional features of urban culture and get rid of alien cultural activities, which are unsuitable for Hoi An.