Classification of traditional ethinic minority housing in the Northern region to conservation management and value development

Abstract

Traditional housing forms among the 29 ethnic minority groups with more than 7 million people in Vietnam’s Northern mountainous province exhibit distinct architectural characteristics, representing each group’s cultural customs and traditions. However, the socioeconomic development pressures and lack of legal protections threaten the preservation of these unique dwelling forms as they are replaced by designs of Kinh group.

This article examines classification systems and management strategies to conserve the cultural heritage embodied in traditional ethnic minority housing in the region. The proposed framework integrates scientific and practical perspectives to inform policies and solutions for architectural heritage conservation. The research aims to contribute to broader efforts to safeguard the cultural legacies of ethnic minority groups in Vietnam’s Northern highlands. Findings may advise approaches to preserve traditional housing which are similar among other ethnic populations in Vietnam.

Keywords: Ethnic minorities; traditional housing classification; adaptive conservation management; value develop.