Identifying the architectural values of traditional Muong enthic housing in Hoa Binh province

Abstract

The cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group represents a direct inheritance of the ancient Vietnamese cultural foundation, a legacy that has endured for millennia. It embodies an intrinsic strength and the refined essence of the nation, transmitted from one generation to the next. The spatial organization of Muong hamlets,
villages, and traditional dwellings provides a profound reflection of their production customs, rituals, belief systems, and sociocultural institutions, serving as a testament to the enduring vitality of the Muong heritage. In recent years, Hoa Binh Province has undertaken significant efforts to preserve traditional Muong
hamlets and dwellings. However, empirical evidence indicates a gradual erosion of traditional stilt houses, which are increasingly being replaced by ground-level structures that lack aesthetic harmony and authenticity. This shift has led to the loss of the distinctive simplicity and rustic charm that once defined Muong
architectural heritage. While such transformations are an inevitable outcome of societal evolution and modernization, they have profoundly impacted the cultural essence of the Muong people. Therefore, the study of the values inherent in traditional Muong housing in Hoa Binh Province is both urgent and indispensable. It seeks to safeguard and promote the architectural legacy of the Muong ethnic group while preserving their cultural identity amidst the broader context of rural modernization and development.

Keywords: Muong ethnic group; traditional residential architecture; stilt houses; Muong hamlets; traditional housing values.