Forms and spatiality of street vending in informal settlements: The case of in-between spaces in Hanoi

Street vending plays a critical role in the informal urban economy of cities in the Global South, serving as a key source of livelihood for the urban poor. However, limited understanding of how street vending works and its relationship with urban forms hinders the development of effective planning policies and design interventions by local authorities. This paper explores the complex dynamics of street vending in the informal settlements of Hanoi, focusing on its interactions with public/private interfaces and mobility patterns within in-between urban spaces. Contrary to the common perception of informal vending as chaotic, this study sheds light on the socio-spatial negotiations and informal codes that shape the visibility and performance of various types of vendors. The paper provides a better understanding of the dynamics of informal street vending and contributes to how urban designers and planners can effectively engage with interventions in the Global South. • The spatial dynamics of various types of street vending within informal settlements in Hanoi, Vietnam, are studied. • Six types of street vending are identified, with a focus on their mobility and interactions with public/private interfaces. • Socio-spatial negotiations and informal codes shaping the visibility and performance of street vendors are explored • The spatial tactics different vendors use to negotiate space, visibility, and appropriate in-between spaces are revealed