Hanoi is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the architectural and landscape planning of Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding area, with a proposed “triumphal arch” drawing particular attention from local residents.

The People’s Committees of Hoan Kiem and Cua Nam wards are collecting community feedback on proposed adjustments to the zoning plan for Hoan Kiem Lake and neighboring areas.

Under the overall concept, the Hoan Kiem Lake area would be developed as a large public square and a symbol of the capital, connected with the August Revolution Square and the Hanoi Opera House to create a broader “History – Culture – Arts” space.

The proposal focuses on strengthening connections around the lake. To the north, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square would be expanded, with a symbolic “triumphal arch” incorporated into the area.

A novel design

Having studied landscape architecture in the United States and lived there for many years, Dinh Dieu Huong, a resident of Hoan Kiem Ward, spent an entire morning going through the documents detailing the proposed adjustments to the zoning plan for Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding area.

Speaking to VietNamNet after studying the documents closely, Huong said she was particularly impressed by the proposed triumphal arch.

“According to the design, a triumphal arch would be added to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. It could become a focal point along the spatial axis here,” Huong said.

From an urban planning perspective, she believes that if built, the structure could help draw the eye toward Turtle Tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. In that sense, she said, the idea has merit.

Huong added that if the structure incorporates elements of Vietnamese culture and history, the triumphal arch could give the Hoan Kiem Lake area a new visual identity.

“In my view, if the triumphal arch is designed in keeping with the true meaning of a gateway, it could create even more positive effects,” she said.

Many factors need to be considered

For Nguyen Tien Dat, who has lived around Hoan Kiem Lake for more than 60 years, improving and reorganizing the area is both necessary and worthwhile. However, he believes the proposed triumphal arch needs to be considered from several perspectives.

“A triumphal arch can be understood as a victory gate. If it is a gate, it should be positioned at an entrance. Under Hanoi’s proposed design, this structure would look more like a victory monument,” Dat said.

Pham Hoang Viet, another Hoan Kiem Ward resident, shared Dat’s concerns, saying any redevelopment around Hoan Kiem Lake must preserve harmony with its surroundings.

Viet said the lake is known for its historic, contemplative character, meaning the construction of a triumphal arch should be considered carefully.

“I work in tourism and regularly interact with international visitors. They come to Hoan Kiem Lake because of its distinctive architecture and culture, which have existed for hundreds of years and cannot be found anywhere else,” Viet said. “That is why we need to be cautious in planning and preserve our own identity.”

Dinh Linh, who said she has been attached since childhood to the streets and alleyways surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake, has always looked forward to seeing Hanoi change and develop.

However, Linh believes new structures should reflect the capital’s own identity rather than borrow architectural forms, designs or symbols from other countries.

Each new development, she said, should create its own value so that even as Hanoi changes, residents can still recognize the distinctive character of their city.