Ho Chi Minh city to Transform Prime Land into COVID-19 Memorial & Green Space
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A new memorial complex in Ho Chi Minh City aims to honour those lost to the pandemic while addressing a critical shortage of green space and prioritizing quality of life over rapid economic development.
Ho Chi Minh City is moving forward with plans to create a comprehensive COVID-19 memorial complex, transforming two valuable land parcels – Nha Rong Wharf and Ly Thai To No. 1 – into parks, cultural spaces, and heritage preservation areas. The project reflects a shift in priorities for the megacity, emphasizing livability and remembrance in the wake of the devastating pandemic.
A City United in Remembrance
The initiative gained momentum in June 2021, as residents collaborated with local authorities to support low-income families impacted by COVID-19.This spirit of unity, described by one resident as a reminder of “good traditions,” underscored the need for a lasting tribute to those lost. “The reason for emphasizing peacetime is as it was a time when the post-war nation was focusing on innovation and nation-building,” a senior official stated, “and people inadvertently forgot many communal values.”
The proposed memorial isn’t simply about mourning; it’s about learning and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son envisions the complex as a “memory bank and local school,” storing lessons from the pandemic and cultivating “humanistic values” for future generations.
Reclaiming Prime Real Estate for the Public Good
The decision to repurpose Nha Rong Wharf and Ly Thai To No. 1 is notably notable, as both locations were previously slated for high-rise development. Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, explained the policy shift, garnering widespread support from citizens. “Not only I but many others think the city’s policy is very reasonable,” one resident shared, revealing the personal toll of the pandemic: “I also have a young
Connecting the City Through green Space & Accessibility
Landscape design will be crucial, integrating the Ly Thai Tho green space with nearby Au Lac Park and creating a network of green spaces along key streets. A continuous loop electric bus route is planned to connect schools, parks, memorials, and commercial facilities, improving accessibility for students and residents.
Architect Son emphasized the importance of preserving existing green space and planting additional trees. The design will prioritize a “quiet campus with green space to block out noise,” offering a peaceful environment for reflection. This approach diverges from conventional war monuments, aiming for a more “private and spiritual space.”
A Global Vision for a Livable City
Ho Chi Minh City’s ambition to become a world-class city requires a shift in mindset,according to Architect Son. The memorial complex represents a commitment to prioritizing quality of life and honoring the lessons of the pandemic. The project’s success will depend on a thoughtful and sensitive design that balances remembrance, education, and the creation of a vibrant public space. “This is the ‘right solution’ that meets the needs of city residents,” Architect Son concluded, expressing his respect for the city’s strategic decision.
