Wednesday, June 18, 2008.

1. An urban area connecting with the rivers:
Development of Thu Thiem offers an extraordinary opportunity to positively connect the river with the city. For years, the river has been the “back door” and edge of the city, used to support commerce and transport. In parts, it is heavily polluted and edged by shipping facilities, warehouses and storage yards. Yet, as Thu Thiem is developed, the river will be transformed as an important visual, transport and environmental asset that will enhance the overall quality of life and urban environment as it flows between the Thu Thiem district and District 1. The perception of the river will change, with the Thu Thiem district along its edge offering a memorable new “postcard” image of the city center. Ho Chi Minh City will be perceived as a riverfront city, a positive and enduring image of a world-class metropolis.
The master plan creates an “urban delta” that incorporates the “wet” conditions of the delta within the urban development, rather than obliterating such a natural condition. Water canals and existing vegetation provide the green open space framework for the urban environment
Open space occupies a majority of land uses. Waterfront parks connect the Core center and Northern residential areas with the river. Urban canal connects Saigon with the Central Lake which joins the natural canal system in running to the redeveloped delta. Central Plaza, Central Lake and local parks are to enhance the connection with this comprehensive open space system. Land use plan is intentionally flexible to meet the city future demands as well as the fluctuating economic and social conditions.

2. Water space in Thu Thiem New Urban Area:
The detailed master plan has indicated the following water surface landscapes:
Residential Waterfront: Defined by the Saigon River and North Residential Area, and by an urban canal to the west and a natural canal to the east, this informal riverfront park is approximately 1.8 kilometers long with an average width of 120 meters. The park will be used principally by residents of the North Residential Area and is expected to be a place for community gatherings.

Urban Canal: There are four (4) urban canals in Thu Thiem. Three (3) canals are located in the North Residential Area and one (1) canal is sited in the south Core Area, to the west of the sports and entertainment area. The north canals are approximately 35 meters wide with urban promenades along both sides. Approximately 800 meters in length, the two (2) most easterly canals are integrated public amenities within the residential zones. An extensive water taxi system will utilize the canal system. Sufficient headroom has been provided below the four (4) canal roadway crossings to allow for the small water taxis to navigate the canals.

Urban Waterfront: The urban waterfront is defined as the “Crescent Park”, embracing the Saigon River between the Convention Center in the north and the Sports Park to the south, for a distance of 2 kilometers. For most of its length, the Crescent Park is framed on its edges by formal tree plantings. The southern point of the park is marked by a dramatic landform. The northern point of the Crescent Park is noted by an outdoor performance space. At night, the walk along the riverfront will be one of the most memorable among world –class waterfront cities.

Central Lake: The Central Lake lies at the heart of Thu Thiem. The lake is conceived of as a city-scale open space amenity, to be used by all citizens of HCMC as well as the Thu Thiem resident and visitor population. The Central Lake is approximately 14 hectares in area, with an average diameter in its circular portion of approximately 350 meters. The Central Lake provides a spectacular foreground for the Museum of South Vietnam. The lake is experienced as a dynamic and vibrant environment.

Natural Canal: Natural canals are found throughout Thu Thiem. Much of the existing canal system is retained within the Master Plan, while others are modified to respond to physical requirements of the plan. The canals vary in width, though they are typically in the 50-60 meter range. The canals have been planned in order to support stormwater management and water quality enhancement.

Marina/Water Transportation: As cargo ships and barges give way to pleasure craft, and as the industrial shipping ports are relocated, a new vista of the riverscape may be realized. The marina facilitates this new visual experience of the Thu Thiem open space. Located at the east end of the East/West Boulevard, the marina will host recreational boats and provide a ferry stop and water taxi station.

Delta Landscape: The Delta Landscape is the predominant landscape type at
Thu Thiem, and expresses the character of much of the delta landscape of South Vietnam and HCMC. Today, it functions as a rare, quiet “oasis” within the city; the plan seeks to retain this function while accommodating limited development within discrete areas.

Thu Thiem is to accommodate living and working, recreation, harmonious life and natural approach. A significant concept in Thu Thiem New Urban Area planning and design is the integration of delta landscape into this area. The existing landscape nature shows a unique characteristics of the South and Hochiminh City.
Tran Dang Linh, Thu Thiem ICA.