HUNI architects + OMGEVING + Boydens Engineering + Hydroscan + NEY & Partners has won the prestigious international design competition for the renovation of the Central Square in the Vietnamese city of Da Nang in ex aequo with
CallisonRTKL. The jury opted for two laureates of 16 design teams retained candidates.
Description of the proposal.-
Based on a long-term vision, the old-fashioned Central Square, along with its square walls, will gradually transform into a quality public space adapted to Da Nang's rapid growth. The design of the square refers to a lotus lake, a historic landscape structure in Vietnam. The elongated square is programmed at the ends with the renovated market on the side of the Han River and a lotus canopy on the opposite side that lends itself to be used during events that will take place in the square.
The presence of cars is minimized by burying the parking lot and redirecting traffic around the square. The underground car park is connected to the over-floor pavilions via stairs and lifts. These pavilions extend through the square, with a morphology a structure inspired by the leaves of the lily, providing protection from the sun and rain while harboring different uses. Finally, the pavement also fits the concept of landscape evoking circles of water with circular patterns in different shades of natural stone.
The city's planned master plan for 2030 indicates the city's hope of transforming Da Nang into the most modern city in Vietnam over the next decade. An essential aspect for this event is the renewal of the city's Central Square, which will serve as a tourist attraction in the city center, as well as an important shopping and entertainment center. The square will help connect the banks of the Han River with the main downtown streets, the popular night markets and shopping centers and the administrative center of the city.
Organized by the Department of Construction, the city launched a design competition for the square, inviting national and international companies to submit proposals for the 11-acre project (44515 square meters) with an estimated budget of $31 billion. Sixteen designs from five different countries were presented.
