The catwalks that end in sculpture are another of its main attractions
hochiminh , the former Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and the country's center of commerce. The metropolis has numerous typical markets and constructions of colonial architecture, which combines with attractions and contemporary buildings comparable to those of other large Asian cities, such as Bangkok or Singapore.
This fusion of tradition and modernity is precisely the element that best defines the new central park, the spectacular redesign of 16 hectares in the middle of the city by the LAVA architecture studio, in collaboration with the landscaping and urban planning studio Aspect.
"The Gently raised, curved pedestrian walkways follow the pattern of 19th-century railroad tracks built by the French. The sunken gardens provide play spaces and artistic performances, and are linked with an underground area that connects to the new Ben Thanh metro station, while artificial trees provide shelter and harvest water and energy.
A true green lung
Ben Thanh will be the main stop of the first metro line in the country, another milestone in the history of mobility in the area: “The place has always been related to transport. It was the first railway station in Southeast Asia, it is currently a bus terminal, and in the near future it will be Vietnam's first subway station . Our design references both history and future mobility”, said Chris Bosse, director of LAVA.
Thus, the striking, and metaphorical, "railroad lines", orange in color, end with a dramatically twisted steel sculpture further commemorating the history of transportation and reminding visitors of the old urban fabric. In addition, they maximize the existing vegetation in the park and provide different routes to the activity areas of the new square: sculpture gardens, open-air art galleries, water fountains, music and theater pavilions, a skatepark, sports areas, playgrounds, forests, waterfalls, and retail spaces.
ARTIFICIAL TREES WITH A VERY NATURAL PURPOSE
One of the most particular aspects of the new Central Park in Ho Chi Minh, colloquially called September 23 Park by locals, is the large number of artificial trees that will be installed in it. They are divided into three categories: 'water purification trees', that collect rainwater to recycle it and use it for irrigation, drinking and fueling hydrants; 'vent trees' , which reduce heat and create fresh air; Y 'solar trees' , which have angled solar panels to optimize radiation and store energy, and information screens, chargers and WIFI routers.
Artificial trees to improve life
“Envisioned as a place for people, the design was formulated with a focus on the diversity of experiences needed to create a world-class central park: one that respond to its context, climate and community and that solves the daily needs of the people, as well as of the visitors and the days of meeting and celebration. The design is the superposition of a series of spaces, places and experiences that, compared to other world-class parks, results in an environment for the future that respects its past and culture," adds Steven Buckle, director of Aspect Studio.
In fact, from LAVA they emphasize that the redesign has been carried out thinking of creating an informal space , putting the emphasis on the user experience while meeting the social and environmental sustainability requirements of the 21st century. "Relinquishing formal and hostile bosses, our design is informal, multipurpose, friendly, connected and continuous”, Bosse defends.
“We are excited to have won this competition and to have the opportunity to create a place that truly bridges the past and the future, a connection between man, nature and technology . The metro will turn a new page for urban transportation and, together with the revitalization of the park, will improve quality of life, central to a truly international city.” These are words, again, from Bosse, whose vision of this Central Park will be materialized in three years, and with it, the day-to-day life of an entire city.
A destination for night and day