Adaptation of “participatory method” in design “for/with/by” the poor community in Tam Thanh, Quang Nam, Vietnam

Abstract

It is likely that many projects related to residential planning and resettlement for low- income people have faced many challenges, not only in Vietnam, but in many countries around the world. Those projects are granted by the governments in order to provide more comfortable and healthier living conditions and better facilities for impoverished communities. Nevertheless, these efforts do not show sufficiency nor effectiveness, and a lack of sustainability. For example, the appearance of “Ghost” cities in some countries, or the desolate villages that are relocated for the farmers in flooding regions in the south of Vietnam. In reality, after the process of resettlement and relocation, people cannot naturally adapt to new living environments. As a result, their new life rapidly becomes boring; without stable jobs and income, the household economic condition is in poverty and they find ways to go back to their comfort zone. Most projects designed for the poor usually indicate an impasse, because they themselves cannot self-revitalise and develop after the projects and supports finish. The insufficiency or failure of several community programs results from lack of understanding or ignorance of the needs of a community. In the field of architectural design and urban planning, a fairly common method known as “participatory design” is a useful tool in designing the well-being of the community. However, the shallow understanding of this method’s application can lead to very little achievements in practice. The paper uses a successful project for an impoverished residential neighbourhood in Tam Thanh, Tam Ky, Quang Nam, Vietnam to show how to implement the principles of participatory design in the real environment, through listening and understanding the local people’s conceptions and demands. Furthermore, the paper shows the adaptation of participatory concept: “from passive to active community” which is the key point to achieve successes in this project. Three principal steps were employed, including identifying core issues in the community, creating changes in human perceptions and living conditions, and demanding further operation and maintenance of the community. This inspiring project attracted a positive involvement of local people, volunteers, and experts in all stages: analysis, design, and implementation. Now, the impoverished commune in Tam Thanh is revitalised by a model of a lively ecotourism village, which results in the household income’s improvement, a delightful life for everyone, and sustainable social development. The successes of the regenerative project in Tam Thanh are significant and inspirable for many similar poor communities across Vietnam. The participatory designing model is initiated and implemented by the ideas and huge contributions of the local people, in efforts to transform their habitat better and more sustainable in long-term.