The Viet Nam 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.

Illustration photo. Photo: Internet

In particular, the central and the Cuu Long (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 VND5-10 million ($245-490), 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.

Source: VNS