Present awards for architectural designs of archaeological relic at 18 Hoang Dieu

In the afternoon of 24 June, at the Center for Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Preservation, Hanoi People’s Committee organized a ceremony to present awards for “Architectural design contest for preservation and promotion of the value of archaeological relic at 18 Hoang Dieu, Central Sector of Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Hanoi”.

According to the Organizing Board, The contest was held with a view to selecting the best design ensuring the general principle: preservation and promotion of the heritage value of the archaeological relic at 18 Hoang Dieu; elegant architecture, harmonious with adjacent architectural works and local landscape; towards building a historical, cultural park of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, honoring the heritage value, bringing about the highest benefits for community”.

2 Second prizes, 1 Third prize, 3 Consolidation prizes were presented to the designs participated in the contest “Architectural design contest for preservation and promotion of the value of archaeological relic at 18 Hoang Dieu, Central Sector of Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Hanoi”.

Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc presented awards to the winners on 24/6. Photo: Gia Huy

Within three months, the Organizing Board received 24 projects from 23 different architecture firms.

In order to evaluate and grade the competitive projects, Hanoi People’s Committee has established a Board of Examiners consisting of local and international experts  in field of architecture, planning, culture, history, preservation and archaeology chaired by the Architect. Nguyen The Thao, Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee.

Through 3 rounds of examination, the Board of Examiners agreed to select top 6 architectural designs which were displayed at the Center for Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Preservation from 30 April to 8 May for collecting opinions form public.

Asso. Dr. Architect Nguyen Quoc Thong, Vice Chairman of the Council of Examiners said the fact that so many local and international architects have been attracted to the contest showed their attention and sincere respect to the country’s invaluable cultural heritage.

The designs in the contest expressly showed the two main architectural graphic tendencies: simple geometric tendency in form of works and organic tendency, flexible in form of garden, park with different scope and lay-out. Each tendency, which is considered based on the contest criteria, has its owns advantages and disadvantages.

The Second prize worth VND 200 million was presented to 2 firms: Studio Milou Singapore and Joint Venture:  Vietnam National Institute of Architecture (Ministry of Construction) – Boydens Engineering Vietnam; The Third prize went to a joint project between the Consultant and Investment Construction No 36 and the Cultural Works Designing and Building Joint-Stock Company; The Organizing Board also awarded 3 Consolidation prizes.

No first prize affirmed the difficult level and high requirement to reach for the works not only for the purpose of preservation, promotion of archaeological relic values but also the attractive architecture, harmonious with local landscape, meeting the needs of modern life and bearing the hallmark of Thang Long – Hanoi.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, the Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc commended the participants to the contest with the desire to preserve and promote the archaeological relic values at 18 Hoang Dieu. She assigned Center for Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Preservation in coordination with the relevant departments, sectors and agencies, architects and scientists to urgently implement and complete the preparations to the Project, adhering the requirements specified in the Decision No. 696/QĐ-TTg dated 8 June 2012 issued by the Prime Minister; study and open to the concepts of the projects participated in the contest in line with the approved Plan to be submitted to the municipal authorities for approval.

The Vice Chairwoman also asked the architects, scientists and authors who took part in the contest to continue their coordination with the authorities of Hanoi city during the implementation of the next activities with a view to have the best products as directed by the Prime Minister and honor the values of the relic site as the World’ Cultural Heritage.