Current status of Residential spatial organization of Ethnic minorities in Bac Giang province and Sustainable development orientation

Abstract

Bac Giang is a northern mountainous province in Vietnam with ethnic diversity, home to six major ethnic minorities, namely the Nung, Tay, San Diu, Hoa, Dao, and San Chay (including Cao Lan and San Chi), who collectively account for 97.78% of the total ethnic minority population. Currently, in accordance with the National Target Program for Socio-economic Development in Ethnic Minority Areas, along with the progress of society and improvements in material living standards, ethnic minorities have built brick houses and multi-story buildings similar to those of the Kinh people. These changes have significantly altered the spatial organization of housing within ethnic minority communities. Along with the benefits of improved living conditions, these changes also present a major challenge in preserving traditional architecture and maintaining local cultural identity. Analyzing the current situation and proposing solutions for sustainable development are essential to ensuring both modern living conditions and the preservation of ethnic cultural identity. This research focuses on assessing the current situation of housing space organization for ethnic minorities in Bac Giang province and proposing sustainable development directions based on preserving and promoting the value of traditional architecture in the housing construction process.

The study employs research methods such as field surveys, literature review, secondary data analysis, and practical evaluation. The research analyzes the current status of housing space structure: communal space, production space, and proposes two main directions: one regarding the organization of living space, and the other concerning housing construction, including the renovation of traditional houses and the building of new houses.

The results of this study are significant for evaluating the current situation and providing directions for the development of living spaces for ethnic minorities; they contribute to the formulation of policies that promote sustainable development, cultural preservation, and the improvement of living standards for ethnic minority communities.

Keywords: Ethnic Minority Residential Space; Bắc Giang Province; Sustainable Development.