Don't rush to make emotional comments
The new look of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square has caused endless controversy in recent days with various opinions. In particular, many opinions reacted, saying that the new look is ugly, "ugly", lacking in iconography - in a beautiful, expensive and iconic space in Hanoi like Hoan Kiem Lake.
Talking to Lao Dong reporter, a researcher specializing in Hanoi (also known as the "house of Hanoi studying") Nguyen Ngoc Tien said that opinions about the new appearance of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square are being affected by emotions, with a subjective tone, but there is no clear, specific analysis under the professional, scientific lens.
Any project built in Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square will certainly face great public pressure, because it is a project expected to be located in an expected space. I think that is understandable.
However, the opinions that are reacting and criticizing seem to be a bit hasty, because that is only phase 1 of the project. The Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area still has phase 2, the design and construction unit will renovate many more. We should stay calm and wait. What is being built in the current square, I understand that is only the first stage, it must be constructed in a very urgent time to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day. They need to be completed before September 2, the colors and symbols displayed are to celebrate the grand ceremony, while also covering up the still shabby wall behind" - said researcher Nguyen Ngoc Tien.
According to researcher Nguyen Ngoc Tien, when looking at the context of the design unit, he thought that the fountain in the square would seem to have been replaced by another project. Mr. Tien said that there will be many changes when the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square renovation project enters phase 2.
I think there will be many changes. Not to mention, the design unit will also have to calculate the harmony between Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area and the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake (the planned quadrangle). There will probably be connection and balance between those two spaces. Combined with the harmony of the two spaces with the common context imbued with the culture and history of Hoan Kiem Lake. Maybe, we should wait longer, everything is still unclear to comment or judge" said researcher Nguyen Ngoc Tien.
The demolition of Ham Ca Map building clearly brought more airy and spacious space to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and Hoan Kiem Lake.
"Standing on Dinh Liet Street, you can now see Hoan Kiem Lake, and vice versa. That is clearly a positive signal" - Mr. Tien affirmed.
Previously, on the afternoon of September 10, in response to public reaction, the representative of the design unit affirmed that "This design project is not completed but there are still further steps from phase 1 to phase 2. The design will be synchronous, connecting with the surrounding space".
History of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
Historically, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square has been considered an important transit point between the old quarter of the indigenous people (old quarter) and the western quarter around Hoan Kiem Lake in France.
The French chose Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area as part of the center of Hanoi because of this strategic location. Under French rule, the square was called Place Negrier. In 1945, after the success of the August Revolution, this place was renamed Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc.
The name "Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc" is named after the famous school in the early 20th century, which was located at 10 Hang Dao.
Documents recorded from the National Archives Center I, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School began operating around the beginning of April 1907, opened by Luong Van Can, and participated in teaching.
archival documents show that after less than a year of operation, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School has become famous and has a great influence.
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School focuses on educating patriotism, a new way of life and Western civilization to the masses through the subjects: Chinese Language, Chinese (only for recitation of the New Year), French, and formal science (biology, geography, history, literature, education for citizens, economics, etc.).
In a conversation with Lao Dong reporter about the expansion of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, historist Duong Trung Quoc sent a message: "If possible, I think we can pay attention to the ancient house at 10 Hang Dao - which was once the headquarters of the famous Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc school. Let's leave the historical imprints, which are the precious cultural and historical sediment of this land. No. 10 Hang Dao with the old relics of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc school is a testament to the spirit of studiousness, patriotism, and self-respect and resilience of the Vietnamese people".
