NAM SAM SON MLP

Location: Northern Vietnam
Design : Urban Development
Design Architect: P&T
Client: BRG
Site Area: 547ha
Capacity: Lead designer and team leader

Image 1: Overall MLP

Image 2: Site location

Nam Sam Son in Thanh Hoa province is located 157 to the south of Hanoi and a short drive from the province’s capitol city Than Hoa. The area will become a vital destination in northern Vietnam with the implementation of the Nghi Xuan Economic for both commerce and tourism.
The urban design study area is immediately to the south of Sam Son and undeveloped. The Nam Sam Son peninsular shaped site borders the Ocean to its east and the Yen river in the west. The river is home to a typical Vietnamese fishing community on stilt structures into the Yen River. The Beach is undeveloped. The 5.5km long and 546.5ha in size site divides into two parts: in the north low rise and low density villages whilst in the south the land is used for prawn farming. These two entities are divided by a large cemetery at the site’s most narrow midpoint.

Image 3: Demarcation between urban and leisure development

The cemetery is used as a demarcation to divide the site into two distinct development areas: the renovation and development of existing structures to the north and the creation of a tourist destination resort element to the south. A 100m wide costal protection corridor is envisioned to be lined with an ocean boulevard, vitalizing the beach and providing access to the resort developments in the south.

Image 4: Existing fishing village. Despite its delipidated appearance it is rather charming

The design is inspired by the local fishing community heritage and aims to educate and preserve Vietnamese culture and identity. The ocean site is to be developed sensible and sustainable to create a modern and natural tourist destination. The creation of leisure and resort facilities will raise the area’s attractiveness and provide growth and employment potential for future generations.

Image 5: Design vision sketch for ocean boulevard

Image 6: Ocean boulevard

The relocation and re-developed areas aim to provide a social economic balance to ensure social harmony and mutual beneficiary growth. Relocation is kept to a minimum with the concentration of new developments along the proposed new road network and along the beach. Schools, Kindergartens, local government office, retail etc are provided throughout the residential development areas to create a working and functional residential environment. The ocean boulevard is divided into high and low density, creating a rhythm similar to waves landing on the beach to provide a sense of space and excitement when traversing the boulevard. Buildings lining the beach accommodate residential, hotels, shop houses, food and beverage, leisure, entertainment etc. The beach boulevard itself is spacious with an extensively landscape green divider breaking down the perceived vehicular traffic. The green divider also serves as an alignment for a green electric beach shuttle bus service, further reducing vehicular impact on the beach. Wind break tress are located at the promenade that lines the entire length of the beach to lessen to impact of seasonal typhoons in a traditional and proven method.

Image 7: Aerial view toward the sea

Image 8: Ocean pier and boulevard

The area south of the cemetery will be developed into a quality tourist destination, providing malls, museums, resort hotels, leisure and entertainment. Exclusive living quarters are provided along the beach and newly constructed marinas. The marinas are equipped with locks to not be subject to the tidal water levels of the Yen River. The heart of the resort development zone is characterized by a 65ha amusement park consisting of 4 season garden representing autumn, winter, spring and summer, amphi theatre, eco safari park, family hotels and various entertainment facilities for children and families. The park does take incorporate heritage elements from the adjacent fishing community by incorporating the Yen river promenade and extending the resort part of the site into the re-development part, linking both entities together to create a harmonious and balanced ensemble.

The new development is designed as a new destination and to attract visitors outside of Than Hoa province and abroad.