The Vietnam Architecture Association has launched a design competition challenging domestic and overseas Vietnamese architects

Hanoi (VNA) -- The Vietnam Architecture Association has launched a design
competition challenging domestic and overseas Vietnamese architects to come up
with an innovative idea for building houses in flood-prone areas.

In particular, the central and the Mekong Delta regions will be targeted. The
organisation's board will receive designs through January 25, 2011.

According to the General Statistics Office, more than 160 people were killed or
went missing during last month's flash floods. About 700 houses were swept away
and another thousand were partially destroyed or submerged.

Chairman of the association Nguyen Tan Van said the competition was aimed at
seeking the most feasible and effective housing models for minimising losses in
flood-hit areas.

Flood-resistant houses were built as a trial in southern Dong Thap province
several years ago.

"However, they failed to attract local residents due to high cost and long-time
construction. People in the central region are still living on their houses' roofs
during stormy season," Van said.

He said designs must be practical, low in cost, adapt to severe weather
conditions, and suit flood-prone residents' lifestyles.

The winning designs, worth between 5-10 million VND (245-490 USD), will be
awarded on April 27 of next year.

They will be on display so that residents can submit opinions to the Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development who will then implement the
construction.-Enditem