When International Designs Help Shape Saigon’s Urban Landscape

With 14 proposals submitted by leading international consulting firms, the architectural design competition for the land plot at 448 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street (Xom Chieu Ward, District 4) successfully identified an optimal solution — striking a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and urban identity.

On July 12, MHL Investment Joint Stock Company – a member of the IMG Group ecosystem – in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Planning Information Center, organized the announcement and award ceremony for the international architectural design competition for the land plot located at 448 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street. This site is one of the few remaining riverfront locations along the Saigon River and plays a crucial role in shaping the spatial organization of Southern Ho Chi Minh City’s urban landscape.

The competition extended far beyond the selection of a building façade — it was an opportunity to promote comprehensive design thinking, encompassing functional zoning, volumetric proportions, and the building's interaction with the surrounding riverfront urban landscape. Proposed solutions were required to demonstrate iconic value while ensuring environmental sustainability, investment efficiency, and technical feasibility for construction.

Within just two months of its launch, the competition received 14 submissions from six international architectural consulting firms, including two from the United States, and one each from the Netherlands, France, Singapore, and China. All participating firms are among the world’s leading architectural brands, possessing high professional expertise and proven experience in large-scale urban projects across the region.

The proposals were presented directly to the competition jury, which comprised domestic and international experts in urban planning, architecture, engineering, and investment management. The evaluation was based on five main criteria:

1. Symbolism and urban identity
2. Architectural language and aesthetics
3. Feasibility in terms of planning, engineering, and materials
4. Integration with the landscape and open space
5. Green building solutions, community functionality, and user safety

All submitted proposals reflected a high level of preparation and professional responsibility from the participating design teams. While certain aspects still required refinement, each entry brought forth unique ideas and distinct architectural identities — all aimed at establishing a coherent architectural language, symbolic value, and brand recognition for the entire project within the context of a modern urban environment. Several proposals made effective use of sun-shading systems, façade details with high constructability, and thoughtful combinations of local materials and lighting technologies — contributing to energy efficiency and creating impressive nighttime visual effects.

The proposal titled “Growing Seedling” — true to its name — embodies an architectural form that rises gracefully along the riverfront, creating a striking new landmark on the Nguyen Tat Thanh axis. The design reflects a modern spirit, ecological friendliness, and harmony with the surrounding urban landscape.

 

The Second Prize-winning proposal stood out with the image of "Interwoven Waves," maximizing the potential of the Saigon River waterfront. It featured soft curves and a flexible spatial layout, creating a strong visual impact through its sculptural form and offering sustainable applicability.

The Third Prize-winning proposal showcased a unique concept: utilizing soft architectural lines to evoke the elegant form of a traditional Vietnamese conical hat (“nón lá”), subtly blending cultural symbolism with a modern design approach.

Shaping a New Icon – A Landmark for the Modern City

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Le Tu Minh – Chairman of the Board of Directors of IMG Investment Joint Stock Company – emphasized:
“This competition is not only about selecting the optimal design, but also reflects IMG and MHL's strong commitment to contributing to the architectural landscape of Ho Chi Minh City. In the near future, we plan to organize additional international-scale design competitions focusing on lighting and interiors, with the goal of turning this project into a new symbol of the city. Other projects developed by IMG and MHL will continue to uphold our core values of architectural integrity, quality, and sustainability.”

Immediately following the announcement of the results, the investor will begin working with the winning design team to develop technical drawings, prepare the detailed planning dossier, and select a suitable construction contractor. The project at 448 Nguyen Tat Thanh will also build upon the development experience of IMG/MHL, whose notable projects include The Artemis Hanoi — a landmark that left a strong impression in the high-end apartment and commercial center segment.

The competition was not only a professional initiative but also a message reflecting a shift in investment mindset within the field of urban development. By organizing a transparent design competition — with the participation of international firms and evaluation by a panel of experts — the approach demonstrates a necessary direction to enhance the quality of living spaces and contribute to shaping a new urban identity for Ho Chi Minh City during this pivotal stage of transformation.