The pedestrian bridge over the Saigon River is shaped like a nipa palm leaf

The pedestrian bridge over the Saigon River is shaped like a nipa palm leaf

The bridge connecting District 1 to Thu Thiem Urban Area, Thu Duc City, is designed in the shape of a nipa palm leaf - a symbol of the South, expected to create an architectural highlight on the Saigon River.​

The above architectural plan has just been approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee after 4 years of selection. The nipa leaf-shaped bridge was designed by the joint venture Chodai – Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam, achieving the highest score among the four participating options.

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The design of the pedestrian bridge bears the image of nipa palm leaves. Photo: Consulting consortium

The selection committee evaluated that the above option helps optimize the column system under the Saigon River bed, bringing the column system closer to the shore to create large underwater clearance and avoid collisions. This design also helps the bridge deck to be airy, opening visibility for pedestrians on the construction site. The circulating waterfall in this plan is suitable for design in Thu Thiem central square.

At the same time, the above architectural form is considered a unique, impressive, unduplicated, simple plan, creating attraction for people and tourists to Ho Chi Minh City. The project investment rate given by the design unit is also feasible and has accurate foundations. The specific technical parameters of the design plan will be researched and completed at a later stage.

In the next part of the detailed design, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee requires that the plans closely follow the design content, showing appropriate connection with the surrounding area. The detailed design stages need to be followed and clarified according to the ideas of the chosen option.

The pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River is located between Ba Son Bridge and the Saigon River Tunnel, connecting Thu Thiem New Urban Area, Thu Duc City with District 1. On the District 1 side, the foot of the bridge is expected to be in the area. Bach Dang wharf park, near Nguyen Hue street. In Thu Thiem, the foot of the bridge is located at the riverbank park and outside the boundary of area A – south of the Central Square in this urban area.

Previously, from September 2020, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee basically agreed on the above architectural plan. However, the city notes that bridge railings need to ensure safety and aesthetics; Choose the main color of the bridge other than white. At the same time, when completed, the bridge will only allow pedestrians and vehicles to support people with disabilities; Prohibit all forms of trade and business…

In addition to the pedestrian bridge, connecting Thu Thiem Urban Area with the surrounding area is planned with 4 bridges and a tunnel. Among them, the tunnel across the Saigon River and two bridges, Thu Thiem and Ba Son, have been put into operation. The remaining two bridges, Thu Thiem 3 (connecting District 4) and Thu Thiem 4 (connecting District 7), have not yet been invested.

According to VnExpress