In Vietnam, large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are struggling to provide enough public space for their residents. This situation is becoming more serious due to rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to increasingly scarce land for public space. The urban green space ratio in Vietnam is currently only 1/5 to 1/10 of the world standard, with an average of 2-3m² of green space per person in large cities. Large urban areas in Vietnam are seriously lacking in public spaces such as parks, squares and playgrounds. Existing large parks such as Tao Dan Park or Thong Nhat Park in the inner city are not enough to meet the needs of the growing population. Allocating land to expand parks is almost impossible due to the huge cost. To solve this problem, the privately -owned public open space (POPS) model can be an effective solution. Although not a new concept, with a history of more than 60 years in the world, POPS is a modern urban space managed and maintained by private individuals. Public spaces with canopies and large fans, along with cafes, eateries, shops and parks at Guoco Tower (Photo: TGCC). Although considered public, POPS are managed by the project owner himself, aiming to create an area for community interaction and activities without requiring government costs for construction or maintenance. POPS come in many forms, such as terraces, plazas, outdoor corridors, rooftop gardens, walkways, small parks, and outdoor dining areas. POPS originated in the 1960s in New York, when the government issued a Zoning Resolution to address the shortage of public space due to population growth and high-rise construction. The Bonus Floor Area program was enacted to encourage developers to create public space in their projects, in return, they would be granted additional floor space as a mutually beneficial solution. In crowded cities, POPS are important because they help reduce pressure on traditional public spaces, while increasing the value of buildings and surrounding areas. In Vietnam today, many real estate projects focus only on profit, leading to an imbalance between private development and community benefits. The POPS model can be a solution, by encouraging real estate investors to create public spaces in their projects such as squares, rooftop gardens or green corridors, helping to increase green space for people without requiring large land funds or budgets from the Government . Phu My Hung urban area in Ho Chi Minh City is a typical example of POPS in Vietnam, with many parks, lakes and green spaces free for the public. Managed by the investor Phu My Hung, these areas ensure quality and safety for users. Some highlights include the Crescent Lake Park and the Starlight Bridge, where residents can enjoy fresh air, relax, exercise and organize community activities. Phu My Hung not only meets the entertainment needs but also improves the quality of life in a densely populated area. Singapore, through the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) model, has developed many guidelines on POPS suitable for tropical climates, providing valuable experience for Vietnam with similar weather conditions. Design solutions for POPS in tropical climates include: creating green spaces with trees, rooftop gardens and automatic irrigation systems to maintain coolness and provide shade; covered walkways to protect residents from the heat and rain; along with a fan system, open design to increase air circulation and reduce ambient temperature between high-rise buildings. Public space with roof (Photo: TGCC). Guoco Tower, completed in 2016, is part of Tanjong Pagar Centre in Singapore, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). The building integrates work, retail and living spaces, with POPS areas such as covered plazas and green parks, designed to adapt to the tropical climate. The bars, cafes and restaurants here also incorporate community spaces, promoting connections between residents and workers. According to URA guidelines for POPS spaces, a minimum of 1m² of public space is required for every 50m² of gross floor area (GFA) of the project, or at least 25% of the ground floor construction area. If covered, the height must be at least two storeys to create ventilation. The space should be located on the ground floor, near major roads, easily accessible and barrier-free. In addition, at least 50% of the area must be shaded from 9am to 4pm to ensure public convenience. The policy to encourage privately owned public spaces (POPS) in Vietnam can be implemented through the application of a bonus floor area (GFA) policy similar to that in Singapore. Accordingly, real estate developers will be granted additional construction area if they invest in creating public spaces that meet standards. This not only encourages private participation in the development of public spaces but also ensures related economic benefits. For this policy to be effective, the government needs to establish transparent management regulations to maintain and monitor POPS spaces. This helps prevent investors from arbitrarily restricting public access or trying to transform registered POPS spaces into private commercial areas, closing off to outsiders, causing disadvantages to the community. The benefits of implementing POPS for Vietnam are clear. First, it will help address the shortage of public space, especially in crowded urban areas such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. POPS creates more public spaces without depending on the state budget or public land funds. Second, these spaces also contribute to improving the quality of life of residents, creating green and airy areas that help reduce stress from the urban environment. Residents can enjoy relaxing places right in their residential areas, thereby improving their mental and physical health. Finally, developing projects with POPS not only increases the value of real estate but also attracts the attention of buyers and investors. This will promote sustainable urban development, creating a better living environment and a more balanced balance between economic development and community benefits.
Báo Dân trí•23/10/2024
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