Red River planning requires 1,000-year historical perspective

During a seminar titled ‘Red River - A New Symbol of Development for the Capital’, Dr. Nguyen Viet Chuc discussed the cultural implications of adjusting the Red River sub-zone planning in Hanoi.

Dr. Chuc emphasized that for a 100-year urban vision to be successful, it must understand and reflect on the previous 1,000 years of history. He argued that cultural preservation and urban development are not necessarily opposing forces, noting that culture is dynamic rather than static.

Reflecting on proposals made in 2000, Dr. Chuc recalled efforts to transform the Red River into a peaceful waterway and develop the river's central islet into a ‘soul park.’ He suggested that effective preservation involves building upon historical legacies rather than merely clinging to the past, citing the reconstruction of historical sites as a model for modern planning.