Images of collective living quarters appear in many works by both domestic and international photographers, often shared in groups dedicated to Hanoi memories, drawing much attention. These structures testify to societal transformation across eras. According to researcher Tran Hau Yen, collective living quarters represent a miracle and a construction achievement during the initial years of peace after 1954 in the North.

William E Crawford captured the A1 Giang Vo collective living quarters in 1988. The work featured in two exhibitions: "Hanoi 1985-2015 - Forgotten Years" and "Past and Present, Changing Hanoi Streets," which took place in late April 2023.

Born in 1949, William Crawford first visited Hanoi in 1985. He returned multiple times to photograph street scenes and daily life, documenting the capital's post-war changes and growth.

Hanoi's collective living blocks are a favorite subject for photographer Peter Steinhauer. He anticipates these structures will be demolished for new apartment complexes. Therefore, he aims to document them visually, preserving a capital hallmark.

Peter Steinhauer photographed the Giang Vo area in 2016. During his time living in Hanoi from 1993 to 1997, he dedicated time to observing and documenting life in the old collective living quarters.

A corner of the collective living quarters through Peter Steinhauer's lens. Amidst the modern urban landscape, these old blocks stand apart from the bustling pace of life, exuding peace. However, many areas are dilapidated. In April, the Thanh Xuan Bac collective living quarters were proposed for renovation after more than 40 years of use.

Steinhauer was impressed by the over 50-year-old architecture and how households extended their living space by a few square meters, creating "tiger cages."

The photographer captured the hallway of a building, with peeling paint and crumbling tiles.

Born in 1966, Peter Steinhauer is an American photographer who has lived and worked in Asia since 1993. Early in his career, he focused on portraiture before documenting architecture within urban landscapes, man-made structures, and natural scenery. Peter's works are part of the collections at the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and numerous other private collections worldwide.

By Phuong Linh

Photos: William Crawford, Peter Steinhauer