HoREA Proposes Adjusting the Population Calculation Method for High-Rise Residences: Improving the Quality of Life for Ho Chi Minh City Residents

With rapid development and urbanization, Ho Chi Minh City is facing urgent issues regarding urban infrastructure, particularly in determining the population in high-rise buildings, especially mixed-use residential buildings. To address this, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has developed and proposed a draft regulation on the method for calculating population in high-rise residential buildings. The draft presents two main methods: one is to calculate the population based on a standard of 3.5 people per apartment, and the other is based on the structure and usage area of the apartments.

However, the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association (HoREA), led by Chairman Le Hoang Chau, has submitted a proposal to the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and the Department of Construction to adjust these methods. In the proposal, HoREA suggests increasing the average living space per person in residential units. According to Mr. Le Hoang Chau, such adjustments would help improve the living environment and raise the quality of life, making Ho Chi Minh City’s development more sustainable.

Analysis of the Two Population Calculation Methods

The draft regulation proposed by Ho Chi Minh City offers two methods for determining the population in high-rise buildings: one based on an average of 3.5 people per apartment, and the other based on the area and structure of the apartments. Specifically, for apartments smaller than 40 square meters, the population would be 1 person; for apartments between 40 and 60 square meters, 2 people; for apartments between 60 and 80 square meters, 3 people, and so on.

However, according to HoREA, using the area of the apartment to determine population can lead to some issues, especially when the apartment area is small, which would result in increased population density. This could create overcrowded buildings with insufficient living space, thus affecting the quality of life for residents.

Additionally, if calculated based on an average of 3.5 people per unit, Ho Chi Minh City’s population estimates may overestimate the actual number of residents in each apartment. This is one of the reasons why HoREA proposes increasing the living space per person in the apartments to create a more spacious and comfortable living environment, avoiding overcrowding.

Comparing Ho Chi Minh City's and Hanoi's Population Calculation Methods

HoREA has also compared Ho Chi Minh City's population calculation methods with those of other large cities, particularly Hanoi, to highlight the key differences in their approaches. Specifically, in Ho Chi Minh City, the maximum allowed area for a 2-person apartment is 60 square meters, while in Hanoi, the allowed area is up to 70 square meters. This means that Hanoi places more emphasis on providing residents with more spacious living spaces, which aligns with the trend of modern urban development and helps improve the quality of life for its residents.

Mr. Le Hoang Chau pointed out that Ho Chi Minh City should learn from Hanoi’s approach and adjust its regulations on apartment areas to provide higher-quality living spaces for residents. He stated that with limited apartment sizes, Ho Chi Minh City will struggle to provide adequate living space, which will hinder the development of satellite cities and suburban areas, where large land resources are available but lack proper planning.

Proposal to Increase Average Living Space and Improve Quality of Life

HoREA proposes increasing the average living space per person in high-rise buildings to improve residents' quality of life and promote the development of high-quality urban residential areas. Currently, the average living space per person in Ho Chi Minh City is about 23 square meters, which is lower than the national average of 27.8 square meters. This highlights the shortage of living space in the city and the need for comfortable housing for families.

HoREA believes that Ho Chi Minh City needs to adopt a more reasonable method for calculating population in high-rise buildings, which would allow for an increase in the average living space per person and prevent overcrowding. This adjustment would not only create a more comfortable living environment but also support the city’s sustainable urban development.

Furthermore, increasing residential space would help Ho Chi Minh City implement its development strategies, especially in satellite cities and suburban areas. These areas have large land resources and should be developed into high-quality residential areas with improved living conditions.

Conclusion: The Right Direction for Ho Chi Minh City’s Sustainable Urban Development

HoREA emphasizes that Ho Chi Minh City needs to implement more reasonable regulations for determining the population in high-rise residential buildings. This would not only increase the living space per person but also improve residents' quality of life. Through a reasonable calculation method, Ho Chi Minh City can maintain its development pace while improving the living conditions of its residents and laying the foundation for the city’s sustainable development.

Mr. Le Hoang Chau emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City should not overly restrict apartment sizes, as this would contradict the goal of improving urban living standards. Urban development should move toward more spacious and comfortable environments, providing better living spaces. Ho Chi Minh City should refer to the experience of Hanoi and adjust the relevant regulations to meet the long-term urban development needs, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents.