Hanoi, September 12, 2025 — The Europe Today: The Urban and Architectural Institute under the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering has confirmed that the renovation of Đông Kinh–Nghĩa Thục Square, a central feature of the pedestrian zone around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, is still in its first phase and remains unfinished.
Responding to public concerns about the square’s new appearance, Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, Deputy Director of the Institute and head of the design consultancy team, emphasized that further stages are planned to ensure a seamless integration with the surrounding urban and cultural landscape.
In recent weeks, the square has seen significant changes, including expanded pedestrian zones, infrastructure upgrades, new greenery, and public amenities following the demolition of the “Shark Jaw” building at No. 7 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street. A large LED screen has been installed on the façade of No. 7–9 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, while nearly 14,000 square metres of space have been converted into pedestrian-only areas after traffic flow reorganization and removal of parking facilities.
While some residents and visitors have welcomed the opening of new public space, others expressed concern that the design disrupts the area’s historical character and complicates traffic around the lake. Addressing these concerns, Cường stressed that what the public sees is only the initial stage of Phase 1, which was expedited to prepare for major political and cultural events in the capital.
“This is a key project for Hanoi,” he said. “Given its proximity to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Đông Kinh–Nghĩa Thục Square must embody the city’s cultural identity while embracing modern development and honoring 80 years of national history.”
A focal point of the redesign is a 12-by-17-metre LED screen, intended to reflect modernity while harmonizing with the Old Quarter’s heritage setting through its soft yellow tone. Cường acknowledged comparisons to the iconic “Shark Jaw” building but stressed that the new design prioritizes urban amenities and community use. He noted that temporary solutions, such as coverings for power boxes under the LED screen, will be improved in the coming months as part of continued enhancements.
The redevelopment is planned in two phases. Phase 1 includes demolition of the Shark Jaw building, renovation of the Hapro building at No. 7–9 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, façade upgrades along Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, restoration of the historic Thủy Tạ restaurant, and reorganization of traffic as directed by the Hà Nội People’s Committee. Phase 2 will expand public spaces, renovate the first row of buildings facing the square, upgrade technical infrastructure to align with Hoàn Kiếm Lake’s status as a national special relic, and add new cultural and community facilities.
Đông Kinh–Nghĩa Thục Square is regarded as one of Hanoi’s “living heritage” sites, frequently hosting major cultural and artistic events, including Tết and New Year celebrations that attract thousands of residents and visitors.
