The ‘A ring of peace’ created by Singapore-based studioMilou architecture firm surpassed other entries to win the first prize of 300 million VND at a recent contest to design architectural plans for upgrade of the 29 March Park located in Da Nang’s Thanh Khe District.

An artist's impression of the ‘A ring of peace’ idea

In the coming time, functional agencies will work with the designers to make adjustments and supplements to this wining architect plan so as to start the upgrade of the park as soon as possible.

The highlight and typical feature of ‘A ring of peace’ is a row of ellipses looking like a floating ring on the lake if viewed from above, especially this impressive design creates a memorial dedicated to Da Nang’s Liberation Day (29 March 1975).

“A monument that everyone can access easily will be one of the most important symbolic landmarks in the city”, said Jean Francois Milou, the Managing Director of studioMilou.

Within the interconnected elliptical columns, a total of 100 sprinklers together create spectacular water shows with eye-catching projection effects, and give the park a fresh, cool atmosphere.

In particular, there is a large garden cafe shop opposite the ‘ring’, along with an outdoor theater used to organise cultural events.

Under the design, besides the highlight of the ‘ring’, most of the existing trees in the park are kept unchanged, whilst more trees and vegetation will be added in order to make the landscape greener and more attractive.

In addition, a children’s playground and a community space are created at the park.

The studioMilou architects also proposed a need to widen a side walk around the lake to access cleaner water surface.

New parking areas, rows of benches, new rest stops, outdoor fitness areas and rowing facilities are also set up here.

The landscape and lake at the 29 March Park will be upgraded into a landmark gathering venue serving cultural and spiritual activities for local residents.

To the northeast of the park are pick-up and drop-off areas for buses, tourist coaches, cars and taxis.

Mr Nguyen Thanh Tien, the Head of the Board of Urban Affairs at the municipal People Council, cum member of the contest’s selection board, said it was coincidental that not only did ‘A ring of peace’ receive high appreciation from the selection board, but it also gained the highest public votes during its display at the park and the city’s Administrative Centre from 9 to 14 October.

He affirmed ‘A ring of peace’ is a good, highly philosophical idea, totally in accordance with the name of the park and conveys a  meaningful message.

Fully concurring with other experts, Mr To Van Hung, the Director of municipal Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, cum Chairman of the city’s Architects’ Association, remarked the fact that the ‘A ring of peace’ stands out from others as it features an impressive view seen from above.

Besides, the project also shows off feasible solutions to many issues regarding effective functionality and water environment treatment at the park.

Mr Nguyen Van Tinh, the Chairman of Thanh Khe District People’s Committee, said, in the near future, representatives from the district-level Urban Management Office and the Construction Engineering Consultancy Centre under the municipal Department of Construction, the contest’ organiser, will work closely with the wining designers to properly adjust ‘A ring of peace’ architectural plan in preparation for the upgrade of the park.

The estimated cost for the upgrade will be calculated in the coming time and then submited to relevant agencies for approval.