Directions for improving the quality of social housing today and in the future

On December 1, 2023, the Hanoi Association of Architects organized a discussion session entitled “Planning and Architecture of Social Housing – Present and Future”.

At the discussion session, many experts discussed various aspects related to social housing, including social housing architecture, social housing development planning, solutions to address the gap between commercial housing and social housing, as well as solutions to improve the quality of social housing.

The discussion session provided architects with comprehensive knowledge and information about planning, as well as experience in designing social housing in several cities in Vietnam and around the world. Let’s explore with LPC the directions for improving the quality of social housing today and in the future that were discussed at the session!

1. Regulations on the development of social housing

According to the “Hanoi Housing Development Program for the 2021–2030 period”, approximately 1.215 million m² of new social housing floor area will be developed, with 1–2 independent residential areas prepared for investment and detailed planning for 2–3 areas to be studied and developed.

The proportion of social housing for rent must meet at least the minimum requirements prescribed by the Central Government, while housing for rent-to-own must account for at least 10% of the social housing area in a project. Social housing development requirements for the 2025–2030 period must also comply with the national and city housing development strategies, combining housing development with planning improvements and strict management.

To achieve the goals and requirements for social housing development, policies need to update housing development plans in line with socio-economic conditions, establish databases, and manage the portfolio of social housing projects.

Investment support policies should be developed and the capacity of investors enhanced; land should be effectively allocated for housing and industrial park development in accordance with land-use plans and planning; financial resources from land funds and investment projects should be used effectively to develop social housing; and land resources should be utilized to develop social housing for rent.

In particular, funding from the state budget and other sources should be allocated to develop housing for policy beneficiaries and national target programs, while continuing to implement preferential tax policies.

2. Directions for improving the quality of social housing today and in the future

The understanding and perception of social housing has traditionally been “confined” to the idea of cheap, low-quality housing. However, in reality, social housing is an important housing segment in the process of urban development and social welfare. On average, land allocated to this type of housing accounts for approximately 20% of the urban residential land fund, so it has a significant impact on the architectural and planning landscape.

To ensure the quality of a social housing project, close cooperation among the three “parties” is required: the State – Investors – Consultants. In this cooperation, the consultancy plays an intermediary and supporting role, helping find suitable solutions so that investors can develop projects with the best quality and schedule, at costs appropriate to the set selling prices, while still ensuring social housing development policies.

The design of social housing should not differ from that of commercial housing. Planners need synchronized mechanisms and policies. In addition, professional organizations should also put forward recommendations and solutions to state management agencies regarding this issue.

Social housing should no longer consist of “matchbox-like” concrete blocks, but should become buildings that apply green standards and save energy. Therefore, development policies for social housing need to be carefully selected and applied in accordance with actual conditions to meet people’s social housing needs, and regardless of the model, the important thing is that value creation should take priority over economic benefits.

The above is LPC’s compilation of information on directions for improving the quality of social housing today and in the future, discussed at the “Planning and Architecture of Social Housing – Present and Future” discussion session organized by the Hanoi Association of Architects. We hope this article will be useful to our readers!