Research on the Attractiveness of Informal Public Spaces for the Youth of Hanoi Towards a Livable City. Case Studies from a University Cluster in Hanoi (Vietnam)

This article examines the role and appeal of informal public spaces for young people in Vietnamese urban life. In Vietnam, public spaces are officially defined as squares, parks and flower gardens. The number of such public spaces is very limited in most Vietnamese cities, especially Hanoi. However, in addition to the regulated public spaces mentioned above, there are informal public spaces (IPS) that attract large numbers of young people. It is the dynamic and diversified activities in IPS that create the vitality, uniqueness and appeal of a city. This raises a series of questions: “What factors make an IPS attractive to young people? What role does an IPS play in promoting social interaction among young people in the city of Hanoi? The case study was conducted by three major universities in Hanoi. Using observational surveys and interviews with IPS users, the research revealed that four important factors contribute to the attractiveness of IPSs for young people: (1) accessibility and connectivity, (2) a variety of meaningful functions and activities, (3) comfort and safety, and (4) sociability. The research proposed some recommendations for space management to improve the quality and attractiveness of IPS for the liveable city of Hanoi.