Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake Area to Undergo Urban Planning Overhaul

Hanoi is embarking on a significant urban planning overhaul for the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake area and its surroundings, with the aim of harmonizing historical heritage and modern development. Architect Ho Thieu Tri, representing the consulting unit for the revised planning project, shared insights into the pressures and objectives driving this initiative for the Hanoi People's Committee. Tri highlighted the immense pressure associated with planning and renovating the capital's central area, particularly the Hoan Kiem Lake precinct, described as the "heart and lungs" of Hanoi. He noted the delicate balance required in making any design decisions within this sensitive zone. The consulting team has dedicated nearly a year to extensive research, involving countless drafts and revisions, to develop a comprehensive vision for the area. One of the primary objectives of the revised plan is to preserve and enhance the unique values and characteristics of the Hoan Kiem Lake area. The plan also seeks to expand public spaces and plazas, strengthening the lake's connectivity with surrounding districts to the north, east, west, and south. Development towards the east is considered particularly significant, as it aims to connect with the Red River's expanse and envision a future Red River landscape avenue. Furthermore, a crucial direction is to create a harmonious blend between existing architecturally valuable structures and future modern constructions. The integration of ancient values with new architectural lines is expected to contribute to a distinctive spatial character for the Hoan Kiem Lake area. Tri emphasized that the lake must retain its special historical significance, alongside its cultural and artistic values, with enhanced connectivity through key spatial axes, such as the Trang Tien area extending to the vicinity of the Hanoi Opera House, forming a unified whole for the capital's central district. The preservation and promotion of architecturally and historically valuable structures in the Hoan Kiem Lake area are paramount. Tri pointed to the significant North-South axis, extending from the south, past Turtle Tower, to Ngoc Son Temple and continuing to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. This axis is marked by special historical, cultural, spiritual, and religious sites. At the northern end, the expansive Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, also known as Peace Square, features the newly built Arch of Triumph, a modern structure envisioned to embody the Vietnamese spirit and signify the nation's entry into a new era, playing a vital role in connecting the North-South axis. On the eastern and western sides, particularly the east, there is an intermingling of ancient structures and buildings constructed by the French in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These structures hold special value and contribute to the image and atmosphere of the Hoan Kiem Lake area, familiar to Hanoi residents for generations. Structures of value will be assessed and studied to preserve their unique historical elements. Tri also commented on the connection between new constructions like the Finance Tower, Times Square, the 7-star hotel, and the Arch of Triumph, with existing old and ancient structures. He suggested that instead of viewing modern and old constructions as opposing or contrasting, their integration can create a unique landscape for the Hoan Kiem Lake area. The urban planning revision is anticipated to bring a new look to the capital's center, forming a green space with squares, public areas, parks, and trees, thereby establishing the Hoan Kiem Lake area as the "heart" of Hanoi. Source: VnExpress