Human-Centered Urban Planning for Public Spaces in Ho Chi Minh City: Ben Nha Rong – Saigon Port and the Memorial Site at 1 Ly Thai To
The decision to designate parkland and memorial functions for the Ben Nha Rong – Saigon Port area and the 4.4-hectare site at 1 Ly Thai To Street reflects a scientific, human-centered, and sustainable urban planning vision for Ho Chi Minh City.
Amid rapid urbanization, this orientation not only helps preserve the living environment but also safeguards historical memory and reinforces the identity of a modern metropolis.
Although the “commercial value” of such prime central land is extremely high, no metric can truly outweigh the spiritual, health, and quality-of-life benefits that green public spaces bring to the community.
Looking at global cities such as Paris, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, and New York, it is evident that:
Ly Thai To Park No. 1 – A Valuable “Green Lung” in the City Center
The 1 Ly Thai To site, located at the intersection of densely populated districts, holds strong potential to become a meaningful urban green space.
In a compact urban context, every square meter of greenery plays a vital role in climate regulation, energy restoration, and providing relaxation spaces for residents.
Maintaining its function as a public green park and minimizing commercial development is a sound and forward-thinking direction.
This space should prioritize free community amenities such as fitness areas, children’s playgrounds, small public plazas, and outdoor cultural spaces—truly making it a park for the people.
Investment in public space is an investment in the future and the identity of the city.
Public squares, parks, and riverside corridors all contribute to the quality of life that every modern city strives to achieve.
The proposal to preserve 13 historic villas within the site is a highly commendable direction. Protecting architectural, cultural, and historical values will allow the park to become a “map of urban memory” for the city.
These buildings could be adaptively reused as:
- Art exhibition houses,
- Exhibition and gallery centers,
- Community workshop and meeting spaces,
- Storytelling hubs for the urban history of Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City.
Many parks around the world have been developed from architectural heritage sites and have become iconic landmarks of their cities. This demonstrates that preservation and development can absolutely go hand in hand.
The idea of a memorial space dedicated to Covid-19 victims should be expressed with subtlety and emotional depth. It does not need to be a monumental structure, but rather a landscape focal point—somewhere people can come to find silence, reflection, and remembrance.
An artistic symbol, a distinctive green area, or an outdoor exhibition pathway could all tell the story of solidarity, compassion, and the resilience of the people of Ho Chi Minh City. This is also a reflection of the humanistic identity of the city named after President Ho Chi Minh.
Green Space – A Foundation for Sustainable Development
The park area at Ben Nha Rong – Saigon Port and the memorial site at 1 Ly Thai To represents a modern planning mindset that places people at the center. Conducting an architectural design competition is essential to ensure aesthetic quality, symbolic value, and community significance for the entire project.
Most importantly, all implementation steps must be carried out carefully, scientifically, and creatively, avoiding rushed decisions. With thorough preparation, this space can become an emotional landmark—preserving the memory, spirit, and pride of the city both today and for future generations.
The preservation and development of green spaces such as the Ben Nha Rong – Saigon Port area and the memorial site at 1 Ly Thai To Street is not only a sound urban planning decision, but also a statement affirming the human-centered vision of Ho Chi Minh City.
As a city grows together with its parks, memories, and communities, it is also building a sustainable foundation for future generations—toward a future that is harmonious, livable, and filled with pride.
