Housing for Low-income Groups in Ho Chi Minh City between Re-Integration and Fragmentation Approaches to Adequate Urban Typologies and Spatial Strategies

Abstract

The metropolitan region of Ho Chi Minh City has been the greatest beneficiary of the ongoing transitional process in Vietnam, but this has been accompanied by a sharp rise of social polarization and spatial fragmentation. This paper analyzes the housing sector as an example of the complex dynamics of the transitional urban development. One of the highest income-housing price ratios in the world excludes large parts of the population, especially rural-urban migrants, from access to formal housing and has aggravated housing inequalities in general. New ideas on the provision of housing for low-income people are presented. Hereby, the concept 'Low Rise - High Density' for adequate urban typologies and spatial strategies is promoted. This comprehensive approach, based on proven strategies for sustainable urban development, is adapted to local culture, minimizes financial expenditure, considers socioeconomic needs and provides environmental feasibility. A strategy towards re-inte- gration, also requires the participation of all relevant stakeholders and the stronger incorporation of bottom-up initiatives and of residents' real-life expertise into public planning. Spatial strategies should be specifically developed concerning the redevelopment of residential areas in the inner city and housing in the areas of urban expansion as well as in the surrounding provinces.