The Ha Dong District People’s Committee in Hanoi has approved the architectural competition results for the Ha Dong Cultural Park – Amusement, Entertainment, and Sports project.
The competition results revealed that the winning design features four squares located at the four main entrances of the park.
The 17,300-square-meter Traditional Square, located at the center, represents the culture of Xứ Đoài and depicts the legend of Sơn Tinh – Thủy Tinh, showcasing the love of the people for their country and their will to survive.
The square’s foundation is adorned with images of the nine-tusked elephant, nine-spur chicken, and nine-red-haired horse. The gates feature a blend of classic and modern elements, with a hint of antique coloring, maintaining a balanced and neat appearance befitting the vast central square and the Cầu Đơ road, an ancient locality in the former Ha Dong area.
Design of the Traditional Square at Ha Dong Park
The Festival Square hosts entertainment activities and is surrounded by spacious areas and playgrounds for children to engage in creative play and develop their motor skills.
The Memory Square is an abstract interpretation of the composition, lines, and materials characteristic of ancient architectural works, representing the culture of Xứ Đoài specifically and the Red River Delta more broadly. Accompanying these are a Thủy Đình and a replica of the Cầu Đơ bridge leading to an island. The structures are modern but embody the soul of cultural and historical architecture.
At the heart of the project, within the Memory Square, stands a silk band sculpture resembling a mandate issued by King Lê Nhân Tông when he sent the renowned envoy Hoàng Trình Thanh to the Ming Dynasty from 1443 to 1460. This diplomatic mission contributed to the successful resistance against the Ming army and brought peace to the nation during that period.
Current state of the abandoned Ha Dong Park project
The Public Service Square, located in the west near the Kite Gate, honors the ancient folk sport of kite flying, which has been a part of Vietnamese culture for generations and is associated with tales of exceptional individuals and historical figures. Kite flying has been a part of every child’s life, serving as a testament to the longevity and richness of our nation’s culture. Thus, the design affirms that kites deserve to represent recreational sports in the social life of the urban area.
The nearly 93-hectare Ha Dong Park project is expected to involve a total investment of VND 1,250 billion, including VND 650 billion for site clearance. The project is scheduled to be implemented from late 2024 to 2027. The park is anticipated to contribute to establishing a harmonious architectural landscape for major roads in the area, such as Ring Road 3.5, Phuc La – Van Phu Street, and new urban areas like Van Phu, Phu Luong, and Kien Hung.
