Conclusion: Catalogue, Location, Use and History of French Colonial Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Conclusion

Ulaş Başar Gezgin

Not surprisingly, some colonial buildings survived and some couldn’t. Iconic colonial buildings are very well protected, such as Opera House and People’s Committee building, but less iconic ones are gradually being demolished.

As some colonial buildings are divided into several lots and the owners are free to modernize their lot or even demolish their lot and replace it with a modern building, it can be stated that one of the main threats against the colonial buildings of Ho Chi Minh City is piecemeal demolition and modernization, in addition to demolition as a whole. Division into lots can be considered as a result of post-war housing policy. In colonial times, people of high socio-economic status could live in big colonial buildings, but after the war, they are distributed to a higher number of people.

Some of the government buildings retained their original use. Some other government buildings and villas were converted to museums which contributed to their survival. Schools, military buildings and religious buildings mostly survived, but that is not the case for residential buildings which are not shown in Saigon maps of the colonial times. As they were not documented previously, they are under heavier threat. Demolition is very highly likely for colonial buildings which are not widely known and which are not on the main streets.

In the time of research, some colonial buildings were found to be scheduled for demolition or almost demolished for new development. Special regulations for the historical buildings are necessary. This inventory of the colonial buildings in Ho Chi Minh City can contribute to new policies on this issue. Of course, new policies and new regulations are not sufficient; enforcement of the regulations is critical as well. 

In a further study, more information can be collected: For example, based on the findings of this inventory, a quantitative analysis can be developed to show what percentage of buildings survived; however this was not possible due to two limitations: First of all, time was quite limited. Secondly, classification and counting are difficult as some colonial building areas include more than one building; some others include buildings that are colonial in essence but modernized in façades and vice versa. Furthermore, a map of colonial buildings can be developed. This was again not possible due to time limitations.  

In a future study, why owners modernize the façades and why they demolish their lot of the colonial building can be investigated by interviews or surveys. What their motivations are and what can be done to conserve the colonial façades would be the central questions. Interviews with relevant authorities can also be conducted to complement the findings of owner surveys.

Another avenue for further research can be the comparison of colonial postcards with current conditions, although it may fit an idea of a photo album more than a research project. Issues such as surrounding walls, piecemeal demolition, shops blocking the buildings can be better investigated by this way. These were not done in this study, due to the time limitations. 

Source: Gezgin,  U.B.  (2011/2017).  Catalogue,  Location,  Use  and  History  of  French  Colonial 

Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). 

CATALOGUE, LOCATION, USE AND HISTORY OF FRENCH COLONIAL BUILDINGS IN HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON) Ulaş Başar Gezgin Table of Contents Abstract............................................................................................................................................ 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 2. The Streets of Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City..................................................................................... 3. Conclusion.................................................................................................................................... References........................................................................................................................................