The Hai Ba Trung District is seeking public opinions on the Master Plan for the Urban Design of the area surrounding Thien Quang Lake at a scale of 1:500. The plan proposes the construction of a central square and four seasonal squares – Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Thien Quang Lake currently. Photo: HNM
Regarding the reason for proposing the construction of 5 squares, Mr. Nguyen Tien Quang, Head of the Hai Ba Trung District Department of Urban Management (Hanoi), said that urban design and landscape often create open spaces. The Thien Quang Lake area has a beautiful position, landscape, connected to the green park and adjacent to Thong Nhat Park. In the area, there are the cluster of three pagodas Thien Quang – Quang Hoa – Phap Hoa, the cluster of sculptures of the People’s Police, the youth house on the peninsula and the pedestrian street Tran Nhan Tong… Therefore, the design unit believes that there must be a separate urban design project for this area to enhance its role, value, and spatial connectivity.
The Master Plan proposes that the central square be located on Tran Nhan Tong street and serve as the main activity area for the area. The remaining 4 squares are arranged at the four corners of the lake to make use of the near traffic junctions and have beautiful views.
Regarding the construction of 5 squares in an area of only 5 hectares, Mr. Nguyen Tien Quang believes that we should not focus too much on the concept of “square” (wide area) but forget the essence that this is an open space to create highlights and themes. However, after collecting opinions from the people and experts, if it is found to be inappropriate, it can be adjusted before being submitted to the competent authority for approval.
Regarding concerns about the renovation of the lake area and squares affecting the landscape, Mr. Nguyen Tien Quang, Head of the Hai Ba Trung District Department of Urban Management, said that the Master Plan is built with the criteria of minimizing the impact on the water surface and green space. The design almost maintains the area of the water surface, preserves the green space, only supplements decorative trees, flowers, and improves the space to make it more beautiful and modern.
Area studying the urban design of Thien Quang Lake, in which the red part is the central square. Source: Hai Ba Trung District People’s Committee
Regarding the names Spring – Summer – Autumn – Winter, Mr. Nguyen Tien Quang said that Hanoi has a distinct climate of the North with all four seasons, so the project chose the names of the seasons for the 4 squares. “We hope that if people and tourists take a full circle around Thien Quang Lake, they will enjoy the feeling of the four seasons in the capital city” – Mr. Quang explained.
The Master Plan for the Urban Design of the area surrounding Thien Quang Lake at a scale of 1:500 is part of the Thien Quang Lake Pedestrian Space Project and its surroundings. After the renovation of Thien Quang Lake area, Hai Ba Trung District will expand the pedestrian street around the lake. Some items have been repaired and upgraded according to the pedestrian space project, such as the cluster of three pagodas Thien Quang, Quang Hoa, Phap Hoa, and the upgrading of the Youth House on the peninsula, expected to be completed in the third quarter. Hai Ba Trung District aims to complete the project after collecting public opinions and submit it to the competent authority in the second quarter and get approval from the city this year.
