It is unlikely that provincial authorities would issue regulations on national cultural identity within architectural management regulations.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hien - Deputy Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation - chaired the meeting. Photo: Hoai Thu

On the morning of April 17th, the Provincial National Assembly Delegation held a conference to gather feedback on the draft Law on Architecture. Representatives from relevant departments, agencies, and units involved in architecture and planning in the province attended the conference.

At the conference, eight opinions were contributed to the draft Law, with many focusing on the provision allowing provincial-level authorities to issue regulations on preserving national cultural identity in planning and architecture.

Specifically, regarding the provision that "local authorities are responsible for regulating national cultural identity in architectural management regulations to ensure feasibility and suitability for each region and locality under their management," some delegates argued that this condition is difficult to implement. Representatives from the Department of Construction and the Provincial People's Council suggested carefully reviewing this content and making appropriate adjustments to ensure its suitability and effectiveness in implementation.

In addition, delegates also suggested adjustments, additions, and amendments to several provisions regarding the preservation and exploitation of architectural works; the subjects of architectural management; architectural management regulations; architectural services and architectural practice; regulations on granting architectural practice certificates; regulations on planning management and architects practicing as individuals; and the rights and obligations of organizations and individuals exploiting and managing cultural and historical architectural works for restoration.

A section of Vinh City's architectural planning showcases the traditional architectural style from the Nguyen Dynasty. (Archival photo)

Regarding regulations on the authority to issue construction permits, a representative from the Department of Construction stated that if the provincial level were responsible for issuing permits, it would lead to an overload and become impossible to implement.

Representatives from the Institute of Architectural Planning offered some suggestions regarding prohibitions in the Architecture Law and the requirement that urban architecture must conform to planning. Regarding the management of archived records, the representatives from the Institute of Architectural Planning argued that the retention period should be clearly stated, and that requiring construction contractors to also retain records is unreasonable.

The opinions and suggestions discussed at the conference were received, compiled, and forwarded by the Provincial National Assembly Delegation to the relevant levels and sectors as prescribed.

The draft Law on Architecture was discussed and received feedback at the 6th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee, with dozens of comments. Among them, delegates commented on the scope of regulation, focusing on two aspects: architectural management and architectural practice. Some opinions suggested expanding the scope of the law to include the management of architectural development, preservation, and promotion of the value of Vietnamese national architecture. Others argued that the scope of the Law should only focus on architectural practice.