The Saigon River Footbridge in Ho Chi Minh City is set to begin construction on April 30, 2025.
The project has an estimated value of US$ 39.3 million.
A Nipa Palm Leaf Design to Blend City with Nature
Last October 2023, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) unveiled the detailed architectural designs for the footbridge. The designs take inspiration from the Nipa leaf, a symbol of Southern Vietnam.
The footbridge will feature a roof structure designed to look like “a nipa leaf floating in the water”. The floating leaf is a typical occurance in Ho Chi Minh’s Saigon River. The palm leaf design and construction materials will symbolize a lifestyle of a “city with nature” for Ho Chi Minh.
On one end of the bridge is a waterfall system that symbolizes the continuous flow of water that residents forget due to the silence of the Saigon River. Inside, the bridge will feature artificial mists and a big roof that will block the intense heat of the Ho Chi Minh City sun. The 190-meter-long footbridge will have an arch and a clearance of 120m to allow the passage of river traffic.
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The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture described the designs as special, impressive, and attractive that both residents and tourists will enjoy. During the day, the footbridge’s open design allows for beautiful river views for pedestrians. While at night, lightning systems will feature an image of the Vietnamese flag.
The project is the winning design of a contest held in 2019, born between a joint venture of Chodai Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kiso Jiban Vietnam. This consortium boasts a robust portfolio that includes the Tran Hung Dao Bridge, and Can Tho Bridge in Vietnam, as well as international projects like the Iwagi Bridge in Japan.
Executing the Saigon River Footbridge
Funding for the project will be provided by Nutifood Nutrition Food JSC, a dairy producer.
The administration of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City issued a four-step process for project executions sponsored by private enterprises and individuals. The four-step process includes the following: 1. signing sponsorship agreements, 2. obtaining approval for investment plans, 3. development and handover, and 4. establishing ownership of the projects. Currently, Nutifood Nutrition Food JSC is in the second step of this process.
Trao Bao Minh, the deputy chairman for Nutifood, stated that the Saigon River footbridge is a thank-you letter for Ho Chi Minh City residents–whose support allowed Nutifood to grow from a small business to a large brand.
During the signing event, HCMC chairman Phan Van Mai emphasized the city’s commitment to urban infrastructure projects and the importance of these private investments for Ho Chi Minh City.
The footbridge will be built between Ba Son Bridge and the Saigon River Tunnel. It will start at Bach Dang Wharf Park and end at Riverside Park in Thu Thiem New Urban area, Thu Duc City.
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