The decision to demolish the Shark Ham building near Hoan Kiem Lake has caused a stir in public opinion in recent days. This project was built in 1991 and completed in 1993, located right at the beginning of Dinh Tien Hoang Street, opposite Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
However, since its inception, the building has caused a lot of controversy because many people thought that the location and architecture were not suitable for the landscape of the area.
Talking with Lao Dong, Architect Ton That Liem - expert Kien Truc and Urban Planning - Ho Chi Minh City Association of Architects - completely agreed with Hanoi City's policy on demolishing the Shark Ham building.
He expressed his opinion: "First of all, when talking about demolition, we need to consider the effectiveness of the project for the common benefits of society. From the perspective of Urban Planning, a project not only serves its own interests, but needs to consider the direction of community interests and harmony in the overall general space of the urban area.
The Shark assidence Building has a strange architectural style that is not in harmony with the general landscape architectural space of the old town and Hoan Kiem Lake, occupying a large construction area that affects the view and reduces the open space to Hoan Kiem Lake. In my opinion, the demolition of Ham Ca Map building is necessary".
According to the architect, if this project is dismantled, the landscape conservation space of Hoan Kiem Lake will become more spacious and airy. The connection between Hoan Kiem Lake and Pho Co is more harmonious, closer and more friendly. Thereby, enhancing the value of the area's landscape conservation space, creating conditions for improving the quality of the living environment and harmony with surrounding works.
"In terms of architecture, this building is not a characteristic of Hanoi's architectural heritage. The building does not come from a traditional architectural style that needs to be preserved. Its architecture also does not have the typical mark of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Therefore, if we sacrifice this building to restore open space for the urban area, in my opinion, it is reasonable," said the architect.
He said that if the project has been appraised by the city, this is a traditional building of Hanoi, suitable for the architectural space of the new area that needs to be considered for preservation. However, in reality, its architecture is very unfamiliar and does not have the typical value of the old town.
Regarding the planning of an empty land area after the demolition of the building, Architect Ton That Liem said that this needs to be done reasonably, both ensuring the preservation of the landscape of Hoan Kiem Lake area and meeting the practical needs of the urban area.
The architect suggested: "Instead of building another project to replace the Ham Ca Map building, the most optimal option is to keep the open space on the ground, prioritize an open view of Hoan Kiem Lake, not build high-rise buildings.
However, to avoid monotonous space, we can arrange miniatures, trees combined with walking paths, creating a space for walking, exchanging, and living together for people and tourists.
This area can become an ideal gathering place for festivals, Lunar New Year or other cultural events. At the same time, installing seats, fountains, artistic lighting systems... will help the space become more lively and sparkling at night".
In addition, the architect believes that the underground space below this area should be taken advantage of. He cited foreign cities, many of which have effectively exploited underground floors to serve traffic, trade and public utilities.
The use of underground not only releases construction volume that takes up visibility on the ground but also creates more useful value for the local community and tourists.
He emphasized: "Currently, Hoan Kiem Lake is seriously lacking in parking space, people and tourists have to go far to find parking space, causing inconvenience and affecting common traffic. If we take advantage of the underground space to build a parking lot with 2-3 basements, we can solve the need to park vehicles for people, visitors as well as agencies and businesses in the area.
In addition, the basement can be used as offices, shops, souvenir stalls, creating a modern commercial space but still ensuring that it does not affect the landscape above".
From the construction and demolition of Ham Ca Map building, architect Ton That Liem learned from experience that no matter wherever, urban architecture always has the same principles. When working in sensitive locations, it is necessary to study in harmony with the overall surrounding area.
"When studying a project, don't just mention it, but study the architectural styles and styles in the area, especially the area with characteristics. The characteristics of the project must be oriented towards the general package, not thinking about a separate project.
If we seriously evaluate the preserved ancient works around the Hoan Kiem Lake area in the past, we will find an architectural style in harmony with the general architecture of the area and not the current architectural style," he said.
In addition, this urban architect expert believes that it is necessary to assess whether the location of the project is necessary for its existence or not before deciding to allow the construction and existence of the project. Factors to consider include architectural style, vision, harmony with the general landscape space, environment, historical value, culture, society, etc.
The architect affirmed: "If we had seriously considered and anticipated those issues in the past, the review council with the participation of experts related to the fields of Monument Conservation, Culture, History, Construction Architecture and Urban Infrastructure Engineering would certainly have had thorough consideration solutions in 1991".
