Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Protecting cultural assets and creating spacesfor community activity were some solutions given during the Cities of theFuture and Heritage Preservation conferences, organised in the framework ofItalian Design Day (IDD) 2019.

This year, the Italian Embassy hosted IDD on March 20 and 21. Vietnamese andinternational architects, experts and businesses offered suggestions on how topreserve and promote the values of Hanoi and cities in the world.

The main event of IDD took place at the UNESCO-recognised Imperial Citadel in Hanoi.Experts discussed how urban development and cultural heritage can be combinedto build a smart city of the future, which would also generate and sustaintourism.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro said design is an essentialcomponent of the Italian culture and way of living.

He also introduced architect Michele De Lucchi, Ambassador of Italian Design2019. De Lucchi travelled to Vietnam to attend workshops at variousuniversities.

“Hanoi, like other cities in Vietnam and the world, is facing the challenge ofprotecting its strong cultural identity while responding to the needs of rapidurban growth,” said Ambassador Alessandro.

“Through the conferences and discussions, we can say that, yes, urbandevelopment and cultural heritage can fruitfully coexist. That is the Italianvision for ‘cities of the future’ and we are eager to work with the city of Hanoion this.”

Michael Croft, head of the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, said the city hasaccumulated a reservoir of cultural resources through its historicalexperiences, which are deeply embedded in its culture.

Croft said heritage and development are not enemies, but natural friends.

“I say this because UNESCO places great importance on the application ofculture as a fundamental tool for urban development, enhancing thesustainability – which includes the liveability – of cities,” he said.

He said creative industries form an integral part of sustainable urbandevelopment for a number of reasons.

“Creative industries also play a vital role in the economic development ofcities by creating pathways for job creation and encouraging urbanregeneration,” Croft said.

“Galleries, artist studios, craft shops, design studios as well as restaurantsand cafés may form a vibrant and attractive neighbourhood.”

“This is why the approach to a city’s cultural assets is as important as themanagement of its physical assets,” he said.

“More than any other city, Hanoi represents the diversity of Vietnamese historyand culture, and thus it represents the nation.

“Today, it is a capital growing in confidence and ambition, engagedinternationally – visited by millions of tourists each year. We have we have anopportunity to do something at scale, to conceive of not just a creative city,but a creative capital, a sustainable capital, backed by a creative economy.”

Famous heritage sites can be protected against damage from theweather and ageing thanks to innovative technologies including new paints andcoatings.

Pamela Phua, general director of AkzoNobel Paints Vietnam, said innovativecoatings can be highly effective in protecting structures – even ancientheritage sites, for which preserving the aesthetic is critical.

“By collaborating with many different parties including internationalinstitutional partners as well as local government authorities, AkzoNobel iscommitted to hugely supporting the revitalisation of Vietnamese historicalheritages nationwide,” she said.

Luigi Croce, Chairman of the Venice Architects Association, shared his ownexperiences in heritage preservation in Italy and said he hopes to work withVietnamese developers and businesses to build a master plan for preservingheritage sites during the new wave of development.

“Heritage preservation is more than just ‘keep history alive’; it revitalisesthe local economy and builds that sense of belonging, pride and identity to thecountry,” Croce said. “In Italy, we have gained various successes in preservingsymbolic structures by reusing and adapting them to modern necessities.”

Pham Tuan Long, Vice Chairman of the Hoan Kiem district People’s Committee,said heritage preservation requires a joint effort from all sectors.

“Heritage preservation is meaningful not only to cultural and economic growthbut also to the identity of the nation,” Long said. “I’m glad to seeenterprises like AkzoNobel are collaborating with developers to work oninnovative technologies in preserving and rebuilding those structures, bringingmore value to the community.”

The first IDD was held in 2017 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs andInternational Cooperation. It takes place annually in more than 100 citiesaround the world with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of design,celebrating the great masters of the past and debating contemporary trends andissues.-VNS/VNA