Sustainable Preservation of Vernacular Architecture for Enhancing Urban Cultural WelfareinVietnamese Ethnic Minority Communities

The architectural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, particularly exemplified by the Hmong people, embodies centuries-old cultural values and traditions intricately adapted to their natural and social environments. This heritage, however, faces significant challenges from globalization, urbanization, and the rapid pace of modernization, which threaten the sustainability of traditional architectural practices and the cultural identity they support. This study explores the current state of traditional architectural practices among Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, assesses the impacts of modernization, and identifies sustainable preservation strategies. By integrating modern needs with traditional values, this research aims to enhance urban social and cultural welfare by preserving the architectural heritage crucial for cultural diversity and socio-economic development. Through a mixed-methods approach involving qualitative data frominterviews and focus groups, and quantitative data from field observations, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of these issues. The findings underscore the necessity of elevating awareness, enhancing state management, and integrating modern needs with traditional values for the sustainable preservation of ethnic architectural heritage.