Renovating the appearance of Hoan Kiem Lake.
On March 5th, the Office of the Hanoi People's Committee issued Notice No. 102/TB-VP regarding the conclusions of Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan at a meeting to review the design and renovation plan for Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square in Hoan Kiem District.
Regarding the research content and proposed solutions, the city agrees with the proposal to demolish the "Shark's Jaw" building, and to create an underground space in the existing square area and an expanded space after the demolition of the "Shark's Jaw" building.
Specifically, Hanoi city plans to study approximately 3 basement levels, proposing specific functions for each level (ideally, cultural and commercial spaces should be allocated to basement level 1, and parking areas to basement levels 2 and 3); if parking is not allocated, the space could be used for dual-purpose purposes. Attention should be paid to the placement of the angled corners (at Dinh Tien Hoang Street and Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square) in a reasonable manner, conforming to design standards and regulations…
The construction of a simple underground access ramp located on the northern side of the square (Cau Go area) could partially affect the northern space of Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square; reducing the square's area and disrupting the connection and interaction between Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square and Cau Go Street - the pedestrian zone.
The city proposed that the consulting unit study an approach from Dinh Liet Street, arrange a mechanized lifting platform system (possibly combined with stairs) at a location near Dinh Tien Hoang Street (the location where the "Shark's Jaw" building will be demolished), and study the use of the grandstand's roof.
Speaking with reporters from Kinh tế & Đô thị (Economy & Urban Affairs), architect Pham Thanh Tung, Chief of the Office of the Vietnam Architects Association, shared: "There are many structures on the eastern side of Hoan Kiem Lake, among which the Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square needs special attention during the planning and renovation process. When the French planned it, they placed a fountain here, but later we built a five-story building. Architecturally, that structure has no special features, and even has an unflattering name: 'Shark's Jaw'. However, because it is located in a prime location on Hoan Kiem Lake, it has become a place of public interest. Therefore, demolishing this structure, and some other structures that affect the landscape of Hoan Kiem Lake, is very necessary."
A synchronized, systematic, and scientific approach.
Planning and renovating the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake to enhance public spaces and open areas serving the people of Hanoi is essential. Through this, Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square can be expanded, becoming a focal point of Hoan Kiem Lake, serving as a creative space, a community space, and a performance space for the people and tourists.
Architect Pham Thanh Tung - Chief of the Office of the Vietnam Association of Architects shared: "When renovating, attention must be paid to urban underground space to address all shortcomings such as public toilets, parking lots; service shops; and access points that do not affect daily life, traffic in the surrounding area, and the landscape."
According to architect Pham Hoang Phuong, an expert in architectural theory and criticism at the National Institute of Architecture (Ministry of Construction), unlike previous approaches, this planning study for the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake aims to enhance public spaces and open areas to serve the people of Hanoi. In addition to considering physical architectural elements, the study also fully examines the values of the landscape, greenery, preservation and promotion of the architectural values of cultural heritage and valuable architectural works, and the application of new scientific and technological solutions in lighting and decoration. This approach can be considered relatively comprehensive, systematic, and scientific.
Architect Pham Hoang Phuong proposed focusing on researching and planning the beautification of the facades of directly accessible streets. He stressed the need to resolutely remove extensions and additions that damage and degrade the landscape. A prime example is the renovation and restoration of the facades of old buildings along the main routes, ensuring overall uniformity while avoiding complete uniformity to maintain historical diversity. He also proposed demolishing the "Shark's Jaw" building, which was highly controversial due to its negative impact on the architectural landscape of the Hoan Kiem Lake area in the past, to make way for the construction of underground public facilities such as parking lots, pedestrian spaces, and public services, which are currently severely lacking.
On the other hand, since Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square is a crucial intersection connecting many important areas of the Hoan Kiem Lake area and its surroundings, consideration should be given to locating the entrance adjacent to the square, potentially integrating it directly into the newly constructed underground space after the relocation of the "Shark's Jaw" building, and building an underground public service system at this location. Organizing an underground pedestrian corridor system from the metro station to the exit points, optimizing these spaces for diverse indoor public, commercial, service, and cultural activities, has been very successfully implemented in Tokyo (Japan) and Paris (France).
Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/viec-lam-can-thiet-830344.html
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