Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son: 'Renovating the cultural space at Hoan Kiem Lake is a bold and necessary step'

(CLO) The dismantling and relocation of some constructions around Hoan Kiem Lake to expand cultural and entertainment spaces is attracting great attention from public opinion. In the face of these turning points, Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, shared his insights with reporters of the Journalists and Public Opinion Newspaper about the importance of planning public spaces in the process of urban development in Hanoi.

- Sir, many constructions around Hoan Kiem Lake are being dismantled and relocated to expand cultural and entertainment spaces, contributing to changing the landscape of the capital. What do you think about this decision?

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son: I think this is a bold, necessary and hopeful step. Hanoi has a deep history but is also facing great challenges in the process of urban development. The expansion of public space around Hoan Kiem Lake - the central area where many layers of cultural memories converge - if implemented in the right direction will bring a positive appearance to the capital.

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture andEducation . Photo: quochoi.vn

I see this as an opportunity for Hanoi to adjust the parts that are no longer suitable for the general development. Some previous constructions were built to serve the economy , administration, and commerce, but gradually became out of sync with the heritage space that needs to be elegant and harmonious.

Of course, dismantling is not simple because each construction carries certain attachments to the people. But if this trade-off helps create truly cultural and relaxing spaces, where people can enjoy the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake more fully, then it is a worthy change.

However, it is important that this process has a vision, respects the past and listens to the present. Works of architectural and cultural value need to be carefully reviewed to have plans for conservation, conversion of function or creative preservation.

Expanding cultural space should not mean erasing memories, but rather a way for those memories to be continued in a new form, more suitable to the pace of modern life.

- One of the most notable buildings to be demolished is the Shark Jaws building. What do you think about this decision?

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son: The demolition of the Shark Jaws building will certainly evoke many emotions in the hearts of residents as well as tourists. It is a familiar symbol, a place associated with the memories of many generations. I completely understand the regret, even the debate surrounding this decision.

However, if viewed objectively, the Shark Jaw building has never really blended in with the landscape of Hoan Kiem Lake – a space that is inherently elegant, ancient and sacred. When this building was built in the 90s, it represented a new development step for Hanoi. But now, when the top priority is to expand public space and respect heritage, the existence of this building is no longer appropriate.

I think that dismantling does not mean “erasing a memory”, but rather a way to refresh memories in a different way. When the space around Hoan Kiem Lake becomes more open, when Turtle Tower can be seen from all directions, when people have more places to walk, rest, and socialize – then that is where memories will continue in a different form, lighter and closer.

Before the demolition, hundreds of residents and tourists flocked to the Shark Jaw building to take pictures.

- Not only the Shark Jaw building, about 50 other buildings are also in the process of being demolished to expand the space. In your opinion, should we reconsider or need other solutions?

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son: When viewed from a cultural perspective, the demolition of a series of structures around Hoan Kiem Lake is not a simple story. These are not just concrete blocks, but also anchors of memories, where layers of Hanoi history overlap over many generations.

I think that the issue should not be put in an extreme way - either keep everything or remove everything. Instead, there needs to be a careful selection process, based on specific criteria of architectural value, history, culture, level of impact on the general planning and community sentiment.

There are old buildings that still retain the soul of the city and can be renovated to suit new needs. On the contrary, buildings that are no longer suitable should be demolished, if replaced with humane and sustainable planning solutions.

Hanoi needs to develop infrastructure and transportation, but also preserve its urban identity. A capital with a thousand years of culture cannot only have wide roads and large squares, but also needs spaces to preserve memories, creating the “Hanoi character”.

Fountain area in front of the Shark Jaws building.

- From a personal perspective, what do you expect about the new look of Hoan Kiem Lake area after the renovation process?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Hoai Son: I hope that after the renovation process, Hoan Kiem Lake will truly become a model public cultural space - not only a place for sightseeing, but also an open stage of the capital's cultural life, a place for street art activities, heritage exhibition space, and community exchange.

If well planned, this place can completely become Hanoi's cultural "business card" - a destination not to be missed by tourists, a vibrant cultural space for locals, and a symbol of a city developing sustainably on a cultural foundation.

I believe that if this change is implemented systematically, with social consensus and long-term vision, Hanoi will have a more beautiful, more open Hoan Kiem Lake with more life - a space truly worthy of its position as the heart of the thousand-year-old capital.

Thank you!

Vietnam China (performed)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/pgsts-bui-hoai-son-cai-tao-khong-gian-van-hoa-o-ho-guom-la-mot-buoc-di-tao-bao-can-thiet-post340302.html