Hanoi's proposal to demolish the Shark Jaw building, an architectural work located in the center of Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hoan Kiem district, has become a topic of interest for many residents and tourists. This building, located in a prime location, known as the "golden street" of Hanoi, has become a familiar symbol, associated with the memories of many generations of people in the capital.
The building was built from 1991 to 1993, the front facing Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square, the left facing Hoan Kiem Lake, the right side adjacent to Cau Go Street. Currently, the building is managed and operated by Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco). Transerco is a state-owned enterprise under the City People's Committee.
Going back in time to count the changes on this street corner, we can see the timeless love and dedication that the people of this thousand-year-old land have for the land of the Imperial City. Before the “Shark Jaw” building was built, this place was just a small floor used as a tram operating station. So small that it was modest in the center of Hanoi, because as a cultural researcher once “decoded”: building such a small tram operating station was to connect the old quarter with Hoan Kiem Lake.
Before the news that Hanoi wanted to demolish the Shark Jaw building (Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hoan Kiem), many people were curious about this building located in the middle of Hanoi's "golden street".
According to the leader of Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco), an important part of Hanoi's urban history has been marked at the current location of the Ham Ca Map building. Before the 1990s of the last century, this area played the role of a public tram station, serving the travel needs of the capital's people. When Dinh Tien Hoang Street was named, this bus station was located at the beginning of the street, numbered from 1 to 5, becoming an important transit point for tram lines spreading throughout the surrounding areas. In particular, the longest tram line, connecting Hoan Kiem Lake with Ha Dong (more than 10 km), had its departure point from here.
Initially, the building was named DAEWOO. On the wall, the building had turtles (toads) with the direction of crawling up to the sky, but later they were removed.
After 1990, when trams were gradually replaced by more modern means of transport, the Ho Bo tram station at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square was allowed by the city to change its function from serving public transport to commercial business. Seizing this opportunity, Hanoi Tram Company, one of the four predecessors of Transerco, coordinated with consultants and architects to design a new project on the old land.
The project carries the memories of the people of the capital
After many discussions and consultations with the city leaders, the idea of a 5-storey building with a unique architectural design, shaped like a "Shark's Jaw", was formed. Along with that, the plan to build the building by pouring the floor, pouring concrete columns, then building walls and partitions was also chosen. This was a fairly new construction method at that time, not yet widely applied in Vietnam.
Because of the "unusual" design and construction method, the building's construction process has faced many strong objections from the public. Many people believe that the building's architecture is not suitable for the landscape surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake, especially in the context of this area having many ancient architectural works with strong historical imprints.
Projects that have accompanied Hanoi for many years
The first architect to design was the late architect Ta Xuan Van (1942 - 2020), he once shared with the press: "When participating in the design competition, this project was called the International Trade Center, I walked around the old quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake to find ideas. If you go from Hoan Kiem Lake through Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Duong, Hang Giay streets, the old quarter ends at the Hang Dau water tower, a cylinder. Therefore, the project starting in the old quarter should also use curves to "respond" to the water tower at the end. And the curves are probably also suitable for the shape of Hoan Kiem Lake and the shape of the land. So I held the pen and swirled it on the paper like rising smoke. The plan was chosen and the investor allowed construction."
At that time, there were hundreds of articles about this project, the development was more terrible when the building was painted black. The public opinion disaster was at this time. Perhaps that is why the name "Shark Jaws" was born.
The "Shark Jaw" building has been a famous location in the capital for many years, many famous brands are setting up business premises here.
After this project was criticized too much, the late architect Ta Xuan Van was invited to re-edit it. When completed, he hoped that this project would be a beautiful memory for Hanoi and hoped that future generations would try to preserve the most beautiful images.
Currently, this 6-storey building has one of the most beautiful locations in Hanoi with the front facing Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square, the left facing Hoan Kiem Lake, surrounded by walking streets. Shark's Jaw has 6 floors, of which floors 2 to 5 are restaurants and cafes. In particular, the 6th floor has a panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake. Thanks to its "diamond" location, this place is also the most expensive business location in Hanoi. Currently, many famous brands such as Aldo, Bia Ha Noi, Highlands coffee, Vua cha ca, LAIKA Cafe are operating here.
According to many shares, the decision to demolish the "Shark Jaw" building and expand the space of Hoan Kiem Lake is the wish of many generations of Hanoians and architects.
Recently, the office of the Hanoi People's Committee issued a document announcing the conclusion of Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan at the meeting to review the design and renovation plan of Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square, Hoan Kiem District.
Hanoi People's Committee approved the proposal to demolish the Shark Jaw building, propose underground space in the existing square area and expanded space after demolishing the building; study about 3 basements (cultural and commercial space can be arranged in basement 1, parking area in basements 2 and 3).
The city has approved the demolition plan of the "Shark Jaw" building to reorganize the architectural and landscape space.
According to the Hanoi People's Committee, Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square is an area of high historical and cultural value, connecting two important areas: the special national relic site of Hoan Kiem Lake (North) and the national relic site of the Old Quarter (South). The renovation of this square is carried out simultaneously with the research and investment in the construction of other public spaces around Hoan Kiem Lake under the direction of the Central Government, the City Party Committee and the City People's Committee.
In the heart of Hanoi, a city with a thousand years of history and culture, urban reconstruction is still taking place in a bustling and vibrant manner. New buildings are being built, roads are being widened, public spaces are being renovated, all of which contribute to the construction of a modern and civilized Hanoi.
However, in the process of development, Hanoi still preserves and promotes its traditional values and unique cultural beauty. Historical relics, ancient architectural works, long-standing customs and practices are all preserved and promoted, creating a harmony between the past and the present.
Hanoians, with their distinctive cultural identity, are always proud of the history and traditions of the capital. The past existences and the changes today are all within the common goal: to build a splendid, elegant, civilized and modern Hanoi. In that journey, the generous and open-minded character of Hanoians has always been clearly demonstrated, from the past to the present. Hanoians are always ready to accept new things, but also do not forget traditional values. They always know how to harmonize the past and the present, the tradition and the modernity, to build an increasingly developed and civilized Hanoi.
