about this project

What started out about three years ago as an idea to document a culture in a state of transition, evolved into something very much different from what I had expected. The transition I found was obvious and well documented, the roads well trodden. What I didn't expect was the transition in my personal life, as this "art project" evolved into something far deeper and more meaningful. What I didn't expect, was to discover a way of life.

Brett Skarbakka, 2011

khu tâp thê': Hanoi's disappearing neighborhoods

This title refers to many neighborhoods built around Hanoi over the last 50 years, which were originally constructed for general officials.  Now under mostly private ownership, these single-floor, row-house, alley structures are being reconstructed as high-dollar, multi-story buildings with small shopfronts, hairstylists, and occasional restaurants.