Ancient architecture of Cu Da stands at a crossroads: Preservation or replacement?

The ancient village of Cu Da (Binh Minh commune, Hanoi) was once proud of its complex of ancient wooden houses, French villas from the early 20th century, village gates, brick-paved alleys and religious relics - living proof of a period of development in the suburban area. However, in the context of urbanization, modernization pressure and lack of protection mechanisms, many architectural values ​​are seriously degraded or disappearing.

The 1929 gate is covered with moss and cracks from time and needs to be properly measured, reinforced and moisture-proofed.

Ancient decorative lion relief, but the gate surface is peeling, revealing bricks: the pattern is gradually disappearing, need to restore and preserve the surface.

Brick windows - a traditional material rarely seen today - need to be retained and the wall structure protected to maintain its originality.

The two-storey French villa - a testament to the fusion of Eastern and Western architecture - should be documented for preservation, with priority given to keeping its original architecture.

Antique wooden doors with wood grain and mortise and tenon joints - symbols of traditional craftsmanship - need to be carefully preserved against termites and cracking.

A house being renovated - if not done properly it will lose its historical value.

Moss and grass growing on the gate - warns of mold and material destruction.

The one-story house retains the traditional layout - a typical model that deserves to be preserved as a model for restoration of other houses.

Wood carvings - a unique folk art - can be digitized (photographed, scanned) before restoration, to preserve artistic details.

The walls and roofs of many houses are damaged, the patterns are blurred and broken - urgent protection is needed before the damage spreads.

Village gates - symbols of traditional community spaces - need to be protected in landscape and relic conservation planning.

Cu Da Pagoda, a religious relic site, needs to be periodically maintained and included in the list of protected relics.

French houses with loggias and balconies - rare remaining architectural features - should be prioritized for preservation, with appropriate functional planning, and incorrect renovations should be avoided.

Each old trace in Cu Da village not only tells stories of the past, but also reminds us of the responsibility to preserve values ​​that are gradually disappearing.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/kien-truc-co-cu-da-dung-truoc-nga-re-bao-ton-hay-thay-the-726150.html