Hanoi plans to demolish 'Shark Jaws' building

On March 5, the Office of the Hanoi People's Committee announced the conclusion of Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan on the planning and organization of landscape architecture space in the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area, Hoan Kiem District.

The city approves the policy and plan for organizing the architectural landscape space of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area as a basis for researching investment projects for renovation, embellishment and reconstruction.

Specifically, the city agreed with the proposal to demolish the "Shark Jaw" building, build underground space in the existing square area and the expanded space (after demolishing the "Shark Jaw" building). The underground area has about 3 basements with expected functions such as cultural space, commerce, parking lot... The entrance to the basement from the location adjacent to Dinh Liet street.

The city requires agencies to study the change of landscape of Long Van - Hong Van building, Thuy Ta building, Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Center and existing residential areas; agree to study the space of the square overflowing to the sidewalks of the surrounding area.

Hoan Kiem District was assigned to organize the development of a separate urban design project for the area north of Hoan Kiem Lake and south of the Old Quarter, with the main content being Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. After completing the concept plan and solutions for organizing architectural and landscape space, the district chaired the consultation with the City Architecture Council.

Hanoi City believes that Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square has high historical and cultural value, connecting the special national relic site of Hoan Kiem Lake (north) with the national relic site of the Old Quarter (south). The planning and organization of the architectural landscape space of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is carried out simultaneously with the research and investment in the construction of other public spaces around Hoan Kiem Lake under the direction of the Central Government, the City Party Committee, and the City People's Committee.

The "Shark Jaw" building was built from 1991 to 1993, with the front facing Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, the left facing Hoan Kiem Lake, and the right facing Cau Go Street. The building has 6 floors, of which floors 2 to 5 are restaurants and cafes, and the 6th floor has a panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake. Since its inauguration, the architecture of the building has received mixed opinions from urban planning and architectural experts.

In addition to studying the spatial planning and landscape of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, Hanoi is also studying the expansion of public space to the east of Hoan Kiem Lake. The planned urban area for research planning covers an area of ​​over 2 hectares, including many government offices, businesses and about 40 houses.