Advisory group proposes building ‘floating city’ by Red River

The Red River bank area would become Hanoi’s central business and service axis, turning it into a « floating city, » as per a proposal by an advisory group.

The advisory group, made up of several entities from multiple ministries and led by the National Economics University, has provided 10 ideas for the urban planning of the capital for 2021-2030, and beyond.

The group has proposed adapting the Red River mudflats into a form of terraced fields. During the dry season, the land would be used for parking space, sport, business and service activities, and when the water rises, the area would simply become a flow of water.

The area on the bank and riverine would see the development of services and entertainment, making it akin to a « floating city. » There would be viaducts and roads along the river where the viaducts would serve tourism purposes.

On urban development planning, the group has suggested renovations for old neighborhoods, such as by making all business and services establishments move underground, leaving only skyscrapers, public roads and gardens on the surface in a transit-oriented development (TOD) model.

Other suggestions include moving old neighborhoods away from the TOD area, and away from traffic nodes and underground stations.

The group also suggested the construction of scientific, cultural and « elite-attracting » cities. Hoa Lac would be considered a city of science and technology, while the Son Tay-Ba Vi area would be considered a tourism-culture city with its numerous cultural legacies like the Son Tay Old Fortress, while the climate and ecosystem potential of the Ba Vi national park could be utilized for hospitality.

The northern area was suggested to become a « city in the forest » model to attract the elite, similar to Beverly Hills.

The urban planning project for Hanoi for 2021-2030 is expected to be presented before the National Assembly by the municipal People’s Committee before it can be approved in December.

By Vo Hai – VnExpress.net – August 14, 2023