“A tranquil and welcoming public realm for the city’s tallest tower”
Design Problem and Issue Statement
The goal of the project was to provide a contemporary and vibrant public realm which would cater for the large pedestrian traffic generated by the Vincom Landmark 81 and the surrounding residential estates. The design team has taken on the responsibility to design HCMC’s largest public realm and giving it the commercial and social values that it deserves. The public realm functions as a key node for pedestrian connectivity, linking public transport systems, retail and surrounding residential developments. The design also needs to function as a valuable and dynamic public space that compliments the scale and grand nature of the tower development.
The Vincom Landmark 81, with a height of over 460m, is the tallest building in Vietnam. The 81-storey development is located in Vinhomes Central Park – one of the most prime locations in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Its frontage faces the beautiful Saigon River, and is conveniently connected via major road and water transportation.
The landscape design for Vincom Landmark 81 delivers a dynamic, contextual and well-integrated public realm that addresses sustainable design challenges at various interfaces of the project. The extensive planting of trees and implementation of water elements helps to create comfortable, human scale spaces which are easily accessible and pedestrian friendly.
Working seamlessly with architects and engineers, the landscape team ensured a symbiosis of natural and built elements that results in a successful design approach for plaza’s and podium areas. A contemporary and integrated landscape design language is utilized which provides a distinct visual character and remains responsive to the various social and commercial needs of the development.
The Public Realm around the tower accommodates a range of spaces for residents, shoppers and arriving hotel guests. Various interactive water features catch the attention and provide a sense of place.
The lush and random layout of trees in combination with the sound of water, creates a pleasant and calm atmosphere within downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Large canopy trees provide abundant shading during warm and sunny days while they also provide an intimate atmosphere and reinforce the identity of the open space.
Outdoor lounges are provided on the podium landscape and compliment to the various hotel facilities such as outdoor pools and bar area.
Planting Strategy
The contemporary and lush character of the design has been extended into the planting design. To ensure a green image throughout the year many evergreen species have been selected. A large variety of groundcovers and shrubs with varying leaf shapes, sizes and colors has been selected for the green walls and the sub-planting at the tree planters.
Project category: Public Project
Role of the entrant in the project: Landscape Architect and Architect
Project location: Vinhomes Central Park, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Design year: 2015
Year Built: 2018