Generative forces shaping the traditional city: the case of Hoian, Vietnam

Abstract

This study develops a new approach for assessing the form of a traditional city by employing Christopher Alexander’s generative method, which involves pattern and form languages. The pattern language for a traditional city and a new set of 20 properties of urban elements are developed to provide a better framework for understanding urban form. These properties are synthesised from the 15 properties outlined by Alexander and the 10 qualities proposed by Kevin Lynch. The Coherent Index is developed and implemented to assess the impact of generative forces on the urban form of the ancient quarter of Hoian, Vietnam. This study reveals that the ethnic interdependence and integration of the international community, the power of water and trade, and monarchical power were the most important forces that determined the form of Hoian between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.

Keywords:

• Pattern language
• form language
• generative forces
• urban form
• traditional urbanism

Notes

1. Prior to the twentieth century, foreigners referred to Hoian by several names: Faifo, Fayfo, or Facfo. I use the name Hoian when the city is discussed from a Vietnamese perspective and the name Faifo when it is being viewed from a foreigner's perspective.

2. To accommodate both conventional citation styles and Vietnamese culture, Vietnamese authors whose names are written with the surname last (i.e. Truong Dang) in the cited publication will be cited in this paper in the same style. However, the preferences of Vietnamese authors who use the Vietnamese surname-first style (i.e. Dang Truong) will be honoured.

3. The author uses Mumford’s words when discussing the organic city.

4. One mau is equivalent to approximately 4970 m². Therefore, 20 mau is approximately 99,400 m² (9.9 ha).

5. Personal communication May 4, 2014.

6. Wheeler (2006) asserts that water features serve as the connecting elements of the Quang Nam area.