There’s exciting news for Ho Chi Minh City as Sasaki, in collaboration with enCity, has been chosen by the city government to create a new creative metropolis in the eastern region. This partnership between the internationally acclaimed planning organization and the city will bring forth a fresh and inspiring urban area. Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking project.
A Winning Proposal for a Thriving City
Out of the six design firms shortlisted for the project, Sasaki and enCity emerged as the winners of the “Highly Interactive Creative Urban Planning Idea East, HCMC” competition. Their mission is to develop a comprehensive urban planning and design scheme for over 22,000 hectares of land spanning District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District.
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
Sasaki envisions Ho Chi Minh City as a hub of innovation, where academia, government, industry, and communities converge to drive economic growth and foster long-term environmental resilience. The team at Sasaki believes that by following the traditional triple helix model, the city can unlock its true potential.
Six Innovation Hubs for a Brighter Future
The winning proposal introduces six innovative centers strategically located within the designated region, each serving a unique purpose:
1. Thu Thiem Financial Zone: A Beacon of Financial Technology
Located close to Ho Chi Minh City’s urban core and the picturesque Saigon River, Thu Thiem Financial Zone aims to become the region’s premier financial technology hub. The area will witness the convergence of cutting-edge technology in financial operations and services, fostering innovation in the fintech industry.
2. Rach Chiec – Empowering the Sports and Health Sector
Rach Chiec, an upcoming center for sports and health, seeks to capitalize on the thriving sports and fitness market in Southeast Asia. The area aims to establish Ho Chi Minh City as an international destination for sports medicine, sports-related products, and related industries, promoting human well-being.
3. High-tech Park (SHTP) – A Haven for 21st-century Industries
Saigon Hi-Tech Park, designated as the High-tech Park (SHTP), aspires to become a cutting-edge automated production center, propelling Vietnam into the forefront of 21st-century industries. By leveraging existing production capacity and fostering research collaborations, SHTP aims to revolutionize innovative manufacturing and product design.
4. The IT and EduTech Center of the National University
The IT and EduTech Center of the National University will serve as an educational epicenter, equipping students with the necessary skills to excel in the information technology industry. This center will also facilitate interdisciplinary research collaboration, bridging the gap between academia and practical application.
5. Tam Da EcoTech Center – Pioneering Ecotourism
The Tam Da EcoTech Center will play a crucial role in promoting ecotourism, establishing itself as a center for innovation in ecotechnology. By leveraging the natural beauty of the riverbank and encouraging the development of culinary and agro-industrial industries, this center will champion environmentally-friendly practices.
6. Truong Tho Area – A Glimpse into the Urban Future
Shaped like a future urban area, Truong Tho will serve as a model for integrating technology into everyday life and offer a glimpse into the cities of tomorrow. With smart infrastructure, advanced mobility solutions, and data-driven public services, this area will foster innovation in arts, entertainment, and more.
Embracing Resilience for a Sustainable Future
Recognizing the increasing flood risk in South Vietnam, the project integrates strategies to ensure resilience and minimize vulnerability. The proposal incorporates four main approaches: capitalizing on relocation and large industrial investments, utilizing the higher land position of Vietnam National University, leveraging the urban land value absorption policy, and optimizing landscape transportation investments.
To learn more about Sasaki’s visionary project, visit Caravansarai.
By combining expert planning, visionary thinking, and a focus on sustainable development, Sasaki and enCity are set to transform Ho Chi Minh City’s eastern region into a thriving, innovative, and resilient metropolis. The future looks brighter than ever for this dynamic Vietnamese city.