Description:
The iconic ¡°tube houses¡±, or nha ong in Vietnamese, are a landmark feature
on the streets of the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi. Identifiable by their narrow
facade, stacked several floors high, the buildings are influenced by French
colonial design made popular by limited space in the capital. The architectural
design is described as a combination of both the traditional and modern.
Transcription:
Tube houses dominate the streets of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. Barely 4 meters
(13tf) wife, they are 3 times that in depth and at least 3 floors high.
The homes emerged in the late 19th century during the French colonial period.
A growing population and land shortage let to narrower homes. The architectural
style remains popular today.
Bui Khanh Tung: Tube houses are cheaper to build
and buy than villas, and even cheaper than premium condominiums.
Also, you can have privacy when you live in a tube house. You can raise your
pet in your house, park your vehicle for free, and you can do anything you want
inside your house.
Nguyen Manh Thong: The advantage of living in a tube house
is that we can live on the plot of land we own. We can build and modify the
house based on what we like and what is suitable to the interior and exterior
design.
Its muliti-floor structure allows several generations to live under the same
roof. But some residents complain about the lack of green spaces, natural light
and fresh air. Still, the structures remain a favorite in the city with architects
calling them adjoining houses.
"this model of house is essential for an urban
architect (today). The adjoining house is a combination of both the traditional
and modern residence." -Tran Quoc Bao.
Questions:
1. What is a tube house? What's the term used by architects?
2. What are the advantages of living in tube houses?
3. Why are some residents are complaining?