Experts give comments on COVID-19 victims memorial project in Ho Chi Minh City: There should be a design competition with a clear "topic"

Associate Professor Dr. Phan Xuan Bien, former Head of the City Party Committee's Propaganda Department, said that the park planning should include many parts: a central memorial, an area displaying information about the "war" against the epidemic, and a space to honor frontline forces, shining examples of compassion.

It clearly states the policy of "fighting the epidemic like fighting the enemy" of the Central Government, the City Party Committee - City People's Committee, the activities of leaders, the bright examples of frontline forces such as doctors, the army, and the police; exuding the unity and solidarity in fighting the Covid-19 epidemic.

Architect Nguyen Truong Luu, Chairman of the City's Literature and Arts Association, said that the memorial should be located in a place that is easily accessible to the people, has symbolic value and connects memories, and helps people see the future through loss. He said that the location of the project is very reasonable, the remaining problem is how to plan and use the old project to harmonize with the common space.

Mr. Pham Duc Hai, former Deputy Head of the City Party Committee's Propaganda Department, acknowledged that this is a necessary project, with humane and responsible meaning. The chosen location is completely suitable. It is necessary to listen to the broad opinions of the people to shape a memorial project that is both symbolic and closely linked to the community's memory.

He proposed that the monument park must express three ideas: Pain and love; fierceness and resilience; expectation and aspiration, to see that after the pandemic there is expectation and aspiration to build a more livable and prosperous city.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hau, General Secretary of the City Historical Science Association, commented that the significance of the memorial must reflect the memory of history, the affection, solidarity, and consensus of the people with the government in preventing and fighting the pandemic. Therefore, the architect must express this most important idea when designing, and all other contents should be included in the memorial house located on the campus.

According to Ms. Hau, the project needs to be approached from the perspective of the victims and the people to portray the spirit of "pain but love overcomes". The monument should focus on one main message, avoid spreading out. Other meanings can be conveyed in the exhibition house, helping people when coming here feel themselves in the story of the city; creating memories of love, solidarity, consensus; a simple but meaningful project.

Architect Ngo Anh Vu, Director of the City's Institute of Urban Planning, said that the location of the land is suitable, but it is necessary to open the Tran Binh Trong route to Ly Thai To, and at the same time adjust the zoning plan to expand the space. He suggested that the city should organize a design competition for the project with a clear "topic" and orientation on symbol, space and function.

Previously, implementing the direction of the Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, the Department of Culture and Sports of the City organized a wide public consultation on the project of a symbol recognizing the solidarity and unity of the city's people in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic at land plot No. 1 Ly Thai To Street, Vuon Lai Ward with 3 contents.
First, from the loss to the rapid revival of the city. Second, to express gratitude for the spirit of solidarity and unity of the city and the whole country in the fight against the pandemic and socio- economic recovery. Third, a reminder for the future, a profound historical lesson, a reminder for future generations.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chuyen-gia-gop-y-cong-trinh-dai-tuong-niem-nan-nhan-covid-19-tai-tp-hcm-nen-thi-tuyen-thiet-ke-voi-de-bai-ro-rang.html