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Reinterpreting Narrowness — Living Big in Small Spaces Exploring Urban Life Through the Lens of Vietnam’s Tube Houses
What does it mean to live sustainably in a narrow space?
In the heart of Vietnam’s urban landscape, a unique architectural phenomenon known as the “Tube House” has shaped how people live, work, and connect.
At the forefront of understanding this way of life is Officine Gặp, a research studio founded in 2021 by Yuri Frassi and Afra Rebuscini, dedicated to decoding the socio-architectural DNA of Ho Chi Minh City.
Their research project, "Reinterpreting Narrowness," dives deep into how urban populations adapt to limited spatial resources while maintaining vibrant, creative, and resilient communities. It examines the dynamics of dense living — not merely from an architectural standpoint, but as a reflection of culture, economics, and everyday interactions. From micro-communities to multifunctional homes, the Tube House becomes a lens through which we see new possibilities for urban design and sustainable living.
Join the Conversation at SX2024
Frassi and Rebuscini will present their insights at the Design Talk 2024 session titled：
(Re)Thinking Inside the Box: Vol. 2 – Better Design, Better Community from an ASEAN Perspective.
Friday, October 4, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SX Talk Stage, G Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC)
About Officine Gặp
Founded in Ho Chi Minh City, Officine Gặp is a collaborative research studio focused on participatory urbanism, cross-disciplinary dialogue, and socially engaged design.
Yuri Frassi is a PhD candidate at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), specializing in the relationships between urban narratives, socioeconomic dynamics, and the built environment.
His work explores how people’s stories and lived experiences influence the way cities evolve — making complex architectural ideas more accessible through dialogue.
Afra Rebuscini, an architect and exhibition curator, investigates the legal, cultural, and human aspects of urban development. Her work blends art, event-making, and civic engagement to encourage public participation in shaping future cities.
Key Discussion Themes (Talk will be conducted in English)
“Small Spaces” and Urban Lifestyles across Southeast Asia
How architecture intersects with culture, community, and creativity in dense urban settings
Simultaneous Thai interpretation available
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