Hanoi's 100-year vision for its historic heart includes triumphal arch

The Hoan Kiem Lake area in Hanoi center is set for a new look, with a number of existing buildings to be taken down, more public space added and a triumphal arch built as its centerpiece.

Hanoi is gathering public comment on a partial adjustment to the H1-1B urban zoning plan, covering Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings, and to part of the H1-1C urban zoning plan, covering 11 wards of the former Hoan Kiem District.

The study area spans 65.89 hectares, bounded by Cau Go Street to the north, the Hang Trong Street boundary line to the west, Hai Ba Trung Street to the south, and Ly Thai To and Tran Quang Khai streets to the east.

Hanoi's 100-year master plan identifies the historic center, including Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings, as a space of special historical, cultural, architectural and scenic value that plays a key role in the structure of the capital's core.

The lake and its surroundings will be planned as one large square linking August Revolution Square and the Opera House to form a "History, Culture and Arts" space. Pictured is Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, to be known as Peace Square, with its triumphal arch landmark.

Under the study for renovating and upgrading Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings, Hanoi proposes a landmark structure on the north side of the lake, within the expanded Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.

Called the "Triumphal Arch," the structure would stand about 36 meters tall and consist of two architectural forms that rise and gradually open outward toward the top. According to the design brief, the shape draws on the image of a crane's wings spreading upward and is conceived as a large-scale sculptural work tied to the square.

Thoi Dai (Times) Park and Square sits on the eastern side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Planners are studying a network of squares and parks across the area around the city People's Committee headquarters, Ly Thai To flower garden, the Hanoi Post Office and Hoa Phong Tower.

Thoi Dai (Times) Park and Square sits on the eastern side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Planners are studying a network of squares and parks across the area around the city People's Committee headquarters, Ly Thai To flower garden, the Hanoi Post Office and Hoa Phong Tower.

Thoi Dai (Times) Park and Square sits on the eastern side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Planners are studying a network of squares and parks across the area around the city People's Committee headquarters, Ly Thai To flower garden, the Hanoi Post Office and Hoa Phong Tower.

At the Hanoi Post Office, the plan calls for studying the removal of several architecturally unsuitable structures while exploring ways to evoke and recreate the distinctive form of the former Bao An Pagoda at the center of the post office grounds.

At the Hanoi Post Office, the plan calls for studying the removal of several architecturally unsuitable structures while exploring ways to evoke and recreate the distinctive form of the former Bao An Pagoda at the center of the post office grounds.

At the Hanoi Post Office, the plan calls for studying the removal of several architecturally unsuitable structures while exploring ways to evoke and recreate the distinctive form of the former Bao An Pagoda at the center of the post office grounds.

The adjusted plan reorganizes the space around Ba Kieu Temple, adds a memorial to the capital's war martyrs and strengthens connections with the Dinh Le-Trang Tien area and suitable commercial and service spaces.

Southeast of the lake, planners will study a small retail cluster combined with cafes and kiosks, emphasizing the Trang Tien axis running from Hoan Kiem Lake to the Opera House.

Hang Hanh and Bao Khanh alleys in the future. Sidewalks and roadways here will be renovated and uniformly paved with stone, with flower beds and trees placed along the route to add greenery and give the space more continuity.

The city will focus on upgrading and reorganizing Cau Go Street to improve its connection with Peace Square. The roadway and sidewalks will be paved with stone to match the square, creating a unified look and defining the walking space.

Low shrubs, flower beds and taller trees will be added along the sidewalks for greenery and shade. The plan preserves the street's existing character while giving it a tidier, more harmonious and dignified appearance.

The plan focuses on restoring and showcasing the Vu Thach communal house, temple and pagoda complex while improving access from surrounding streets. Buildings of value will be preserved, and the courtyards and landscaping upgraded to harmonize traditional architecture with the urban setting.

West of the lake, planners will study extending Nha Tho Street to Hoan Kiem Lake to link with Le Thai To Street, creating an open space and a walking street. They will also study a high-end hotel created by restructuring the Hanoi Moi newspaper offices and printing house, the city's investigation police headquarters at 2 Trang Thi Street and neighboring sites, to serve tourism and economic development. Pictured is a rendering of Trang Thi Street in the future.

The Opera Hanoi area comprises the capital's culture and arts space, basement levels, a History, Culture and Arts Center, an expanded theater complex, a traffic tunnel connecting to the riverbank, the National Museum of History, a financial center and August 19 Square.

The Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee, working with the Cua Nam Ward People's Committee, is collecting community feedback on the plan from Sept. 7 to 26. The documents are on public display at Hanoi Book Street on December 19 Street, the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee office at 126 Hang Trong Street, and the Hanoi Information and Exhibition Center at 93 Dinh Tien Hoang Street.