Nutifood announces design partner for pedestrian bridge across Saigon River

This is also the joint venture that won first prize in the architectural competition: Architectural design plan for the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River according to Decision No. 4589/QD-UBND of Ho Chi Minh City signed and approved on October 9, 2023.

Construction drawing design is an important step, playing a decisive role in the process of implementing the construction of the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River. This is not only the stage of converting architectural design ideas into detailed drawings, but also the stage of ensuring the safety and efficiency of the project.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Hoang, Deputy General Director in charge of the Project of Nutifood said: “The pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River has a very special design because it simulates the shape of a water coconut leaf floating gently on the river, so the requirements for aesthetics and art are very high. Therefore, this project requires experienced engineers with top skills to ensure both artistry and absolute safety.

That is the reason Nutifood chose the CKJVN - CHODAI - NIWA joint venture, the "father" of the architectural concept design. We believe that they will best convey the idea into reality to create a masterpiece, worthy of being the new symbol of the city".

According to the agreement, the scope of work performed by the CKJVN - CHODAI - NIWA consortium includes: Consulting on survey, preparing construction drawing design documents (building information modeling - BIM) and placing stakes for site clearance and road boundary markers.

To ensure the highest quality for the project design, the CKJVN - CHODAI - NIWA joint venture will conduct a "wind tunnel experiment" at a reputable unit in Europe or the US to improve the accuracy and safety of the project.

“Wind tunnel testing” is very important for construction projects carried out in places with strong winds and many high-rise buildings along both banks such as the Saigon River. The pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River has a complex architecture, a central span of up to 187m, a low dome, and a wind-resistant structure like a kite. The bridge body is slender, curved, and narrow in width, so wind tunnel testing at prestigious, world-leading centers is extremely necessary.

As the main "leader" for the design of the construction drawings this time, Chief Engineer Kudo Hiroshi (Chodai Co., Ltd.), said: "We are very happy, excited and honored to be chosen by Nutifood as a partner to carry out the technical design for this meaningful bridge. Not only now, but from the beginning, 6 years ago, when working with chief architect Niwa Takashi, as an engineer, I put a lot of heart and effort into designing the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River. When our architectural idea surpassed many competitors, which were large companies from many countries such as France, Spain, Finland, and Vietnam, I really expected that this project after construction would truly be a unique symbol of Ho Chi Minh City".

“This bridge is a beautiful but very difficult project, unprecedented in the world, so the implementation is a real challenge for us. However, with the experience of implementing large-span bridges in Japan and other countries around the world, and understanding Nutifood's passion, we wish to join hands to contribute to creating a unique project for Ho Chi Minh City,” said Mr. Kudo Hiroshi.

Nutifood will continue to select contractors to carry out other items of the project to build a pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River, including a construction unit under the consultancy of the My Thuan Project Management Board.

Nutifood is expected to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River on April 30, 2025.

The project is also Nutifood's heart and gratitude to millions of customers and people in Ho Chi Minh City who have supported the company's products in 25 years of establishment and development.