“A unique photo tour in Hanoi, a colorful oasis inside the historic city!”
After the conclusion of the first Indochina War, Northern Vietnam embarked on a transformative journey in 1955, implementing a centrally planned economy. Under this system, all sectors of the economy were run by the state, with private enterprises prohibited. During this era, the working class served the government exclusively, receiving State’s support including provisions for food, clothing, and healthcare.
As the 1960s dawned, Northern Vietnam began constructing residential buildings for the working class, with architecture inspired by that of the Soviet model. These buildings were often referred to as “Socialist homes.” The working class received their “homes” for free, with nominal fees yearly to keep the ownership. This era marked a significant shift in urban architecture, symbolizing collective solidarity and state support for its citizens.
However, in 1986, Vietnam initiated the “Doi Moi” or Reformation, ushering in a new era of economic restructuring and the gradual introduction of free market principles. This pivotal moment marked the end of the accommodation subsidy system, signaling Vietnam’s embrace of economic liberalization and a departure from its previous centrally planned model
A unique architecture & lifestyle inwithin the capital
These neighborhoods earned the moniker “jades of the city,” for they didn’t merely provide shelter, but also encompassed communal spaces such as playgrounds, schools, and government-run shops, fostering community lifestyle. Each “home”, by architecture, covered an area of 50m2, a modest space that served as the nucleus of family life. As the new millennium unfolded, family sizes expanded, rendering these homes inadequate. In response, locals ingeniously constructed “cages” — iron-frame extensions protruding from the main units — to create additional living space.
The ensuing tableau was chaotic, undeniably so, yet oddly picturesque. Wandering through the maze-like lanes of these vintage neighborhoods offers a captivating glimpse into vibrant daily life: bustling markets, improvised cages, quiet sidewalk tea stalls, and aging yellow walls next to warn-out staircases, tangled electric wires, and so much more. It’s a scene where time seems to stand still, inviting photographers to document its raw authenticity.
This unique photography workshop isn’t tailored for tourists; it’s a pilgrimage for photographers and aficionados of real-life narratives. Join us as we delve into the heart of Hanoi’s living history.
