Ho Chi Minh City - Pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River with steel arch design in the shape of nypa palm leaves, circulatory waterfall arrangement, artistic lighting... expected to become a new iconic symbol of the city.
This is the construction connecting District 1 to the newly developed Thu Thiem Urban Area in Thu Duc City, which was recently approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee for its architectural design inspired by the image of a coconut palm leaf - a familiar symbol of the people in the Southern region.
Thông tin dự án Cầu đi bộ hình lá dừa nước vượt sông Sài Gòn
| THU THIEM PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| Site area | 92.500 m2 (Aprx.) |
| GFA | 11.000 m2 (Aprx.) |
| Design | Takashi Niwa Architects + Chodai & Kiso-Jiban Vietnam |
| Inspired by | Nypa palm leaf on the water |
| Location | Thu Thiem New Urban Area - District 1 |
| Structure | Steel arch structure |
| Maximum span | 188m |
| Maximum height | 28,5m (from water level) |
| Maximum width (slab) | 11,0m (including extended slab) |
| Maximum width (roof) | 36,2m |
The design was carried out by the consortium of Chodai – Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam and achieved the highest score among the architectural proposals submitted for the bridge.
Landscape of the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River as seen from District 1. Next to it is Ba Son Bridge, which has been in operation for over a year now.
The pedestrian bridge is positioned to be constructed between Ba Son Bridge and the Saigon River Tunnel. On the District 1 side, the bridge's foundation is planned to be located in the Bach Dang Park area, near Nguyen Hue Street.
On the Thu Thiem side, the bridge's foundation is located within the riverside park and beyond the boundary of Zone A, to the south of the central square in this urban area. This is one of the 5 bridges and one river tunnel planned to connect Thu Thiem with the surrounding area across the Saigon River.
The nypa palm leaf-shaped design has been evaluated to provide an open and spacious appearance, offering an expansive view for pedestrians on the structure.
The design firm proposed a construction method for the steel arch by prefabricating various components and then assembling them on-site. This approach helps minimize the impact on traffic and the environment during the construction process in the city center.
A water cascade feature has been incorporated into the pedestrian bridge's design. This plan has been assessed by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture as suitable for the design of the central square in Thu Thiem.
On the bridge, green spaces are also arranged, along with amenities like seating, trash bins, resting points for leisurely stops, providing convenience for people who come for recreation and entertainment. Upon completion, the structure will be exclusively for pedestrians and vehicles that assist people with disabilities, and it will prohibit any form of vending or business activities.
According to the design team, the bridge piers are strategically positioned near the riverbank to optimize the support column system beneath the Saigon River, creating a minimal obstruction underwater and ensuring smooth navigation for boats and ships.
During the night, the pedestrian bridge will feature artistic lighting systems, creating focal points on the Saigon River and providing a luminous experiential space for people and tourists to stroll and enjoy themselves.
A scene of people enjoying entertainment on the pedestrian bridge in the evening.
The design team also suggests that upon completion, during the daytime, the city can organize music festivals, art exhibitions, and other events. At night, it can host outdoor cinema screenings, water music shows, 3D projections, and more.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture, the nypa palm leaf-shaped design for the bridge is unique, non-repetitive, and simple, which is expected to be attractive to residents and tourists. Specific technical details of the design proposal will be further studied and refined in the subsequent stages.
Upon completion, the pedestrian bridge will connect to the park located opposite Tôn Đức Thắng Street, with motorcycle parking areas arranged at both ends for easy access by the public.
In the next steps, the leadership of Ho Chi Minh City has requested that the design options closely adhere to the design concept and ensure appropriate integration with the surrounding area. Detailed design phases should follow and clarify the shape according to the chosen concept.
The city government has set a goal to start the construction of the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River on April 30, 2025, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country.
Nguồn: VnExpress – Ảnh: Liên danh thiết kế.
