The encroachment and distortion of architectural heritage is not unique to Ho Chi Minh City; it also occurs in many other localities. In Hanoi , numerous old villas on streets such as Tran Hung Dao, Phan Chu Trinh, and Ly Thuong Kiet have been arbitrarily renovated, fitted with business signs, and had their facades expanded, thus diminishing their original value.
In the Da Lat area, many old buildings or villas have been demolished and replaced with modern hotels and cafes. Each event is a "scar" in the landscape of memory, reflecting a gap in awareness and a legal framework for protecting heritage.
Meanwhile, the Law on Cultural Heritage (amended and supplemented in 2024; effective from January 1, 2025) adding regulations on privately owned architectural and artistic works is a significant step forward. Accordingly, all works of historical, cultural, and artistic value, whether owned by the State, organizations, or individuals, are recognized and protected by the State in terms of legal ownership. Owners have the right to exploit the works for living, tourism, and education purposes, but must preserve the original elements and are not allowed to renovate or demolish them without permission. At the same time, the State has policies to provide technical support, insurance, tax incentives, and heritage promotion to encourage people to participate in preservation.
A groundbreaking new feature of the amended Law on Cultural Heritage is the legalization of the public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism in conservation. Owners can cooperate with management agencies, museums, and cultural and tourism businesses to display and exploit the value of their heritage. Economic benefits are shared transparently and harmoniously, ensuring both professional expertise and the preservation of the heritage's vitality in contemporary life.
This approach aligns with international trends, where heritage is viewed as a soft resource for sustainable development, rather than merely a "past object" needing protection. However, for the law to be truly effective, a shift in management mindset is necessary. In reality, many violations of heritage conservation stem from rigid approaches or a lack of coordination among relevant agencies.
In Ho Chi Minh City, there have been cases of old villas on No Trang Long or Le Quy Don streets deteriorating severely, even being demolished regrettably, due to a lack of support mechanisms for owners, while restoration is hampered by complicated procedures. In Hanoi, some classified historical sites lack protected area planning, leading to further construction and encroachment on landscaped spaces. These shortcomings demand a more flexible mechanism that both preserves and encourages public participation in safeguarding heritage.
Models like the "Binh Thuy Old House" (Can Tho) or the "Bao Dai Villa" (Lam Dong) – where the owners voluntarily preserve, display, and open them to visitors – are clear evidence of the effective collaboration between the State and the people. The amended Law on Cultural Heritage not only expands the scope of protection but also reflects a mindset of developing culture alongside economic development.
In the process of urbanization, cultural heritage cannot stand outside the flow of modernity, but neither should it be easily swept away by massive commercialization. Preservation does not mean "framing" but rather retaining its "soul" through adaptation and creative regeneration. And preserving heritage also means preserving the memory and "soul" of the city in today's vibrant development.
LIBRA
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/giu-hon-di-san-giua-nhip-phat-trien-do-thi-post817609.html
