Anh Chi Em Shelter

A phased initiative in rural Vietnam building safe, storm-resilient homes, clean water solutions, and vocational centers, uplifting marginalized communities through sustainable livelihoods and social progress.

place Asia, Vietnam, Núi Cà Đam. VIE 001
Surface . Date Started:
January 1, 2025.
Phase Ongoing. Type Social housing.
Target Group Emerging communities. Partner
Client Donor
Tecnology .
Design
Design
Design

1. Observe.

Why, context, challenge.

In Vietnam, rapid industrial growth has lifted millions out of poverty but left behind ethnic minorities like the Co people. This community of roughly 40,000 individuals in Tra Bong District, Quang Ngai Province now faces increasing marginalization. Many Co live in fragile homes with limited access to clean water, proper sanitation, education, and secure income. Their livelihoods often depend on informal, unsustainable work such as small-scale forest extraction, exposing them to significant health risks, especially among women and children.

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In response, a collaborative initiative is being launched to ensure that Vietnam’s progress benefits all. Led by Anh Chi Em and supported by Architects Without Borders, university researchers, financial partners like KPMG and DHL, as well as experienced NGO advisors, the project focuses on immediate community needs and long-term empowerment. The goal is to improve living conditions by introducing clean cooking setups, better sanitation, and affordable daylighting solutions, while also addressing critical water access challenges.

Beyond these immediate upgrades, the project envisions a future where community-driven development creates lasting change. By integrating education and vocational training into its strategy, the initiative aims to provide the Co people with sustainable livelihoods and the skills needed to build a resilient future. This approach not only addresses health and safety concerns but also works to bridge socio-economic gaps, ensuring that the benefits of Vietnam’s economic boom are shared equitably across all communities.

Who participate

Jan Godzimirski

Jan Godzimirski

Architect - Project Achitect - jan@augnorge.org
Jan Kazimierz Godzimirski, a 2018 graduate from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, is an architect focused on sustainable and simple design. His experience spans interdisciplinary research, collaborations with indigenous communities, museum conservation, and various architectural projects. From 2017 to 2019, he taught at the Scarcity and Creativity Studio, exploring design, craftsmanship and materials. Jan has also been involved with the Eco Moyo Education Centre in Kenya, supporting educational infrastructure, and with Wielozmysly in Poland, advancing accessible art for the visually impaired. His recent work with Architects Without Borders in Africa and Ukraine reflects his commitment to using architecture for positive change.

Support an Ongoing Project.

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