A Study on the Spatial Design of Common Areas in Vietnamese Residential Complexes – Focusing on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Cases –

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) The rapid urbanization and economic growth in Vietnam have led to a significant increase in the demand for multi-family housing in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making the design of communal spaces and ancillary facilities within residential complexes a crucial issue. However, the current state of planning and design for communal spaces and ancillary facilities in Vietnamese multi-family housing still requires further development. This study aims to analyze the current status of communal spaces and ancillary facilities in representative multi-family housing complexes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, exploring how these spaces impact residents' convenience and satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the advancement of spatial design in Vietnamese residential complexes. (Method) This study employed a combined methodology of literature review and field surveys. A total of 33 residential complexes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were investigated, with key complexes being directly surveyed. The types, uses, and frequency of installation of communal spaces and ancillary facilities were systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the spatial configuration and intended uses of these facilities were evaluated, categorizing them into six groups: convenience, cultural, educational, rest, security, sports facilities, and comparing them with similar facilities in South Korea. Based on the analysis, facilities were classified as mandatory, recommended, or optional, thereby identifying the characteristics of spatial design in Vietnamese multi-family housing. (Results) The analysis revealed that most multi-family housing in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City consider shops, swimming pools, and fitness centers as mandatory facilities, with swimming pools functioning as essential rest facilities in over 80% of the complexes. Communal spaces such as lobby lounges prioritized resident security and privacy, often incorporating smart access control systems, while cultural and educational facilities were relatively lacking. Even in mid-end complexes, there was a tendency to install high-end ancillary facilities, which is interpreted as a strategy to enhance the convenience of living in complexes located away from urban centers. (Conclusions) This study confirms that communal spaces and ancillary facilities play a crucial role in enhancing the convenience and satisfaction of residents in multi-family housing complexes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It demonstrates that the installation of diverse facilities and the differentiated design of communal spaces can significantly contribute to improving the residential environment. These findings provide essential foundational data for the advancement of spatial design in Vietnamese residential complexes and can serve as a basis for future policy proposals and design guidelines. Comparative studies with South Korean cases and empirical analyses of resident demands will be necessary in future research.