What do experts say about the planned demolition of the "Shark's Jaw" building?

(NLĐO) - Many experts support the plan to demolish the "Shark's Jaw" building to redevelop the architectural and landscape space of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.

To plan and organize the architectural and landscape space of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, Hanoi will demolish the "Shark's Jaw" building and relocate some agency headquarters to make way for a park, expanding the public space in the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake).

Hanoi will expand public spaces in the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake. (Photo: Huu Hung)

Supporting this initiative, according to Dr. and Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, former Vice President of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, expanding the space around Hoan Kiem Lake to create a connection with surrounding areas has been a concern since 1995. However, after 30 years, this has not been possible due to a lack of investment capital and land clearance funds.

Mr. Dao Ngoc Nghiem believes that for the research and planning of renovation in the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake, focusing on increasing public and open spaces, the authorities need a comprehensive overall picture. This "picture" must show how the expansion will extend to the east and west of Hoan Kiem Lake, as well as the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area and the area where the Zero Milestone will be located. Furthermore, there must be a connection with the C9 underground station of urban railway line 2, the Nam Thang Long - Tran Hung Dao section (under Dinh Tien Hoang Street).

Hanoi will demolish the "Shark's Jaw" building and relocate some government offices to make way for a park. Photo: The Huynh

Sharing the same view, architect Tran Huy Anh, Standing Committee member of the Hanoi Architects Association, believes that expanding public space around Hoan Kiem Lake is necessary because the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area is currently overcrowded.

The area around Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. Photo: Huu Hung

The "Shark's Jaw" building was reportedly constructed over two years, from 1991 to 1993. It boasts a prime location, with its front facing Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, its left side overlooking Ho Guom Lake, and its right side bordering Cau Go Street. The building has six floors, with floors 2 to 5 housing restaurants and cafes featuring many well-known brands.

According to our research, the "Shark's Jaw" building is managed and operated by the Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco). Transerco is a state-owned enterprise under the Hanoi People's Committee.

This place hosts many special events. Photo: The Huynh

The Hanoi People's Committee has approved the proposal to demolish the "Shark's Jaw" building and is considering a design and renovation plan for Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square.

Accordingly, Hanoi has assigned Hoan Kiem district to coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to develop a separate urban design plan for the square and street area north of Hoan Kiem Lake and south of the Old Quarter, with the main focus being the Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square area.

After demolishing the "Shark's Jaw" building, relevant authorities are studying the construction of approximately three basement levels and proposing specific functions for the basements, including allocating cultural and commercial spaces on basement level 1, and parking areas on basement levels 2 and 3.

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Source: https://nld.com.vn/chuyen-gia-noi-gi-ve-viec-se-pha-bo-toa-nha-ham-ca-map-196250306162958754.htm