The Hanoitimes - The old yellow-painting apartment buildings in Hanoi, apart from their own charms and characteristics, has also contributed to the development of the city. Apart from Turtle Tower, Hoan Kiem Lake, or One Pillar Pagoda – the eternal symbols of Hanoi , old yellow-painted apartment buildings with caged balconies characterize the post-war Hanoi. They are a part to the landscape of the capital both yesterday and today. The old apartment building inside Hanoi University in Thanh Xuan district., Hanoi. Photo: Dinh Quyen. Built in the 1960s-1980s in the four central districts of Hanoi, old apartment buildings, usually with five storeys, remarked the first stage of the construction of the new socialist country, becoming not only a witness of history and architecture of a period but also a symbol of neighborhood and community culture and life. As those buildings were firstly given to state cadres, residents here were not only neighbors but also co-workers and even friends. Many generations have lived in those buildings and everyone knows each other as well as each other’s family members. In addition, as they share several parts in the building such as the gate, the balcony, the hall, the playground, the garden, among others, their relationship is close. The Kim Lien old apartment building in Dong Da district., Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Anh Tuan. To many people born during the 1960-1980s, these buildings reminisce their childhood . It was where they chased and played games with other kids next door along the hall and the playground every day. When they grew up, the narrow stair could be a romantic dating place at night. To women, it was unforgettable days washing dishes and clothes under the public tap with others, drying them on the balcony, or preparing a big pot to together cook banh chung (traditional rice cake) in the public space in front of the building on the occasion of Tet (Lunar New Year …
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