Green areas are rare in Ho Chi Minh City: In Vietnam’s largest city with 8 million inhabitants, empty slots and green zones are at risk to become lucrative construction sites. “Colorful Zone” presents itself as an attractive exception. In the midst of a popular backpacking district, nestled in an intercity park with vast concrete areas, an old theater and a parking garage, the project emerges as a green weather-proof cultural and leisure hub. On the top level of the plaza, multifunctional pavilions with integrated coffee shops and restaurants are inviting passers-by to take a break; on the lower levels, areas for retail, gastronomy and kids’ entertainment offer a variety of opportunities for leisure and shopping experiences as well as lingering.
Winner
Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards 2020
Colorful Zone
Mixed-Use Architecture Built
Firm
Holzer Kobler Architekturen
Architect/Designer
Barbara Holzer
Design Team
Guo Hongyu, Zhang Dayuan, Liang LInyi, Tan Jiayu , Tan Zhuofeng, Liu Jiangjun, Xu Longquan, Zhu Yongting, Chen Xiaomiao, Mai Yongjian
Client
HCMC University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Area/ Year
11‘000 sqm/ 2017
Location
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Studio Location
Zurich/Berlin
Photographer/Copyright
©Hiroyuki Oki
The translucent roof construction of the pavilions allows for an activation of the square all year round – the large canopies let enough light through to the lower floors as well as offering shade and safety from the heavy rain showers of the monsoon. With an average yearly temperature of 28°C and constantly high humidity, people urgently need shaded areas with a working air circulation – that’s why a main area of the “Colorful Zone” is submerged below the ground where the temperatures are pleasantly cool, and one is safe from torrential downpours.
At the same time the element water is of importance and visible in all details of the project: on the lower levels, a central water collection tank is assembling the water from the rain showers and transforming it to an appealing water fountain. A water cascade at the main entrance and other fountains are found above and below street level.
The green area of the park is continued throughout the lower levels through a green wall at the entrance as well as high-growing plants to both sides of the openings to the street level. The project is viewed as a re-activation of the square and a solution to foster the development of the area.
Registrations open… Don’t miss the opportunity to win with your visionary projects.