Urban Beyond the Urban 2025 – Day 2: Explore Diverse Urban Life in Ho Chi Minh City
Continuing the dynamic spirit from the first day, the second day of the Urban Beyond the Urban 2025 International Summer Camp, with the journey exploring the theme "Housing Future: Rethinking Urban Livability," took students deeper into the diverse urban landscape of Ho Chi Minh City. From the modern urban area in Thao Dien to the close-knit community living in the Lo Gom apartment complex, students had the opportunity to observe, learn, and reflect on the contrasts yet strong connections in today's urban life.
Image: Students presenting their analysis of the urban survey on the first day
The morning kicked off with presentations and discussions surrounding the field trip to the Van Thanh area and Masteri Thao Dien. Students from ISCM – UEH and Handong Global University compared two contrasting urban spaces: one side being a deteriorating residential area, and the other a modern high-rise apartment complex directly connected to the metro line. These differences raised many questions about spatial equity, housing accessibility, and whether development is creating a living gap within the same city.
Image: Lo Gom apartment complex - the area where students conducted their survey
The next destination of the journey was the Lo Gom apartment complex – a unique architectural space characterized by narrow row houses but with a strong sense of community. Here, students not only observed the unique architectural structure but also engaged with the daily lives of the residents, exploring how the community forms sustainable connections through shared living spaces, drying yards, corridors, and social interactions.
Image: Students exploring housing along the Lo Gom canal and surveying at the Lo Gom apartment complex
Students moved to the Lo Gom apartment complex – a unique architectural space with narrow row houses built decades ago. The living space here clearly reflects the relationship between architecture and community life: from corridors, balconies, to shared yards, all serve as places that connect residents.
Image: Residents sharing traditional handicraft skills in the common living space of the Lo Gom apartment complex
Students had the opportunity to observe how the community here forms sustainable connections through shared activities and listened to everyday stories rich in local flavor in a city that is changing day by day.
Image: Students documenting the current living conditions in the residential area
The second day concluded with lively discussions among student groups about the role of architecture and community in maintaining the "livability" of urban areas. Not only was it a field survey, but it was also a valuable opportunity for students to engage with the city through multiple senses – to see, to understand, and to feel. The Urban Beyond the Urban 2025 International Summer Camp will continue to offer more practical activities in the coming days!
News, photos: Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM) and ISCM Communications Department