Who designed and built the 'Shark's Jaw' building?

Since its construction, the "Shark's Jaw" building has sparked much controversy, with over 200 articles published about the project. The designer, architect Ta Xuan Van, said he once cried because the building had been altered and expanded.

The Hanoi People's Committee has approved the proposal to demolish the "Shark's Jaw" building (next to Ho Guom Lake), suggesting the creation of an underground space in the existing square area and an expanded space after the building's demolition.

The "Shark's Jaw" building. Photo: Hoang Ha

Immediately, this information attracted public attention because from the time the project began until its completion, there had been numerous opinions suggesting that it would disrupt the landscape around Ho Guom Lake.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Dr. Dao Ngoc Nghiem, architect and Vice President of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, said that the "Shark's Jaw" building has undergone two renovations and is located near Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the Old Quarter.

Mr. Nghiem said that there were many conflicting opinions when the building was constructed. During that period, more than 200 articles were published about the project.

Upon investigation, the structure is believed to be "an unauthorized combination of the old tram station and the unlicensed Hoan Kiem Lake Department Store." Furthermore, for a time, the structure was completely covered in tarpaulin, and many parts were haphazardly demolished to expand it.

The building's designer, architect Ta Xuan Van, shared in an interview that he "cried" when he saw the structure being altered.

It was 1993, the building was almost finished in its rough construction phase, Mr. Van was on a business trip to Vinh, and when he returned to Hanoi, he found his "brainchild" wrapped tightly in tarpaulin, with many parts haphazardly damaged to make way for expansion.

"I sat there crying, feeling indignant because I couldn't understand why people would treat architectural works and their designers so cruelly," Mr. Van shared with the press in 2019.

But then, according to Mr. Van, the incident caused more public outcry when people arbitrarily painted the building completely black.

It is known that in Notice No. 64/TB dated August 19, 1996, Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet requested: “The Hanoi People's Committee shall strictly handle the investor of this project, re-establish discipline in the city's construction management, and force the investor to modify the building's architecture (in terms of shape and height to conform with the overall landscape). Administrative sanctions or legal prosecution should be applied if deemed necessary to uphold discipline and order.”

However, even after many years, the building still stands, with most of its area used for commercial investment, such as opening restaurants and eateries.

In the 1990s, this building served as Hanoi's tram control center. After a period of corporate restructuring, the "Shark's Jaw" building is now managed and operated by Transerco.

Following the demolition of the "Shark's Jaw" building, relevant authorities are expected to study the construction of approximately three underground levels and propose specific functions for their use.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/toa-nha-ham-ca-map-do-ai-thiet-design-xay-dung-2377953.html