Thu Thiem

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Fact sheet from campuspress.yale.edu/newurbanvietnam

Community Information

  • Developer: Investment & Construction Authority of Thu Thiem New Urban Area (Vietnam)1
  • Size: 657 hectares1
  • Type of housing: Apartments, condos1

Self-Narrative

“Thu Thiem New Urban Area of 657 ha has been studied and invested from a strategic development of the city in its 21st century. As a new center of Ho Chi Minh City, it is extended from the existing center to Thu Thiem peninsula crossing Saigon River, serving the going and future development demand of the 10 million population megacity.

Thu Thiem New Urban Center shall be a core and positive motivation for the Eastern city development which has been planned with such important functions as Port and Industrial Park in Cat Lai – District 2, Hi-tech Zone – District 9, National University – Thu Duc District, Ethnic Culture And History Park – District 9, Rach Chiec Sport Center – District 2, Industrial Port Groups in Thi Vai – Long Thanh, Vung Tau, Dong Nai and Nhon Trach city, etc. The Eastern Area is promoted as a modern urban area with its key role in the city’s and adjoining regions’ social and economic development in the Southern Economic Focal Zone (SEFZ).

In their 6th session on June 2002, the 9th Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council issued a resolution to select Thu Thiem New Urban Area Construction Project as the key work of Ho Chi Minh City in the beginning of 21st century. Ho Chi Minh City Communist Party has indicated Thu Thiem New Urban Area as a strategic project to open an overall development opportunity and keep Ho Chi Minh City abreast of other regional modern international megalopolis in the 21st century.

People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City would like to express the highest appreciation to the great contribution and enthusiasm of local and international scientists, specialists, organizations and consultants in your study, examination, planning, design, construction and investment in Thu Thiem New Urban Area; Local and international developers are warmly welcomed to Thu Thiem New Urban Area! Ho Chi Minh City government affirms our commitment to create the most favorable legal conditions for all developers so that the planned dominant development of Thu Thiem could be reachable.”1

Themes


A Brighter Future

  • ”Development of the Thu Thiem district offers an extraordinary opportunity to positively connect the river with the city. The Thu Thiem peninsula enjoys nearly 8.5 kilometers of frontage along the Saigon River. 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 the historic city center. 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 river front city, a positive and enduring image of a world-class metropolis.”1


Balance, Community, and Harmony

  • ”Thu Thiem New Urban Area is designed as a new sustainable city in harmony with the natural landscapes of Thu Thiem area. Concurrently, it provides more open space, utilities, and public works.”1

  • Design principles: “Accommodate pedestrian movement through neighborhoods to enhance connectivity, utilize building form to create neighborhood blocks that are environmentally responsive (e.g. orientation, wind, sun, shade) and create a public waterfront that is open and accessible to all.”1

  • ”The plan for Thu Thiem strengthens the city’s extraordinary bond with the river and is a model for long-term sustainable growth in Ho Chi Minh City.”2

  • ”A key ecological strategy is maintaining Thu Thiem as an “open system”—one that accommodates tidal regimes and high-water events through natural and man-made canals, lakes, and mangrove areas. All residential areas are in close proximity to the water and to the public spaces created through this strategy.”2


Organic

  • Design principles: “Improvement of the city center environment by windy canals, increasing light, and humanity and Enhancement of the riverside open space and green space.”1


Views

  • Design principles: “Create a memorable skyline of diverse building heights; Enhance and optimize important views to and from District 1, from gateways (e.g. bridges and boulevards), and within Thu Thiem; Locate key buildings along the river to take advantage of special sites; and Establish a clear open space network with a hierarchy of size and character.”1

  • Design principles: “Newly constructed buildings will contribute to a dynamic and modern city image.”1

Media

Images from www.sasaki.com

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Sources

1Investment & Construction Authority of Thu Thiem New Urban Area, “Thu Thiem,” Thu Thiem New Urban Area, accessed November 28, 2013, http://www.thuthiem.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/web/english/home.

2Sasaki Associates, Inc, “Thu Thiem New Urban Area,” Thu Thiem New Urban Area, accessed November 28, 2013, http://www.sasaki.com/project/139/.

This research sponsored by National Science Foundation Cultural Anthropology Program Award No. BCS-1026754.