Architectural competitions for river bridges to transform urban landscapes

In urban areas, river bridges not only play the role of traffic connectors, but they can also become architectural highlights that give a city its unique character, if designed beautifully and harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

Before its construction, the An Hao Bridge design is selected through an architectural competition. Photo: Pham Tung

Creating urban landmarks

For years, when people think of Hue City, alongside its historical monuments, one of the most striking features drawing visitors is the series of bridges spanning the Perfume River, Truong Tien, Phu Xuan, and, most recently, Nguyen Hoang. With their elegant architecture, these bridges have become distinctive urban landmarks, serving not only as transportation links but also as symbols of the city’s charm and identity.

Similarly, in Da Nang City, bridges over the Han River, such as Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Thuan Phuoc Bridge, have been built not only to meet traffic needs but also to serve as tourist attractions and iconic urban landmarks.

In Dong Nai Province, the Dong Nai River flows through major urban areas, providing great potential for the construction of bridges that fulfill similar goals. However, in reality, most river bridges in the province currently only meet the single criterion of traffic connectivity. The goals of creating tourist destinations or distinctive urban landmarks have largely been left unaddressed.

In late 2015, construction officially began on the An Hao Bridge, which spans the Dong Nai River. Positioned at a strategic gateway to the city, the project had previously undergone an architectural design competition organized by the authorities. The contest resulted in two second-prize winners, as no first prize was awarded. However, for various reasons, neither of the selected designs was ultimately used in the bridge’s construction.

In early 2023, construction officially began on Thong Nhat Bridge, which spans the Cai River as part of the Bien Hoa Central Axis Road Project. Located in a prime area of Bien Hoa City, now part of Tran Bien Ward, the bridge had been proposed for an architectural design competition with the goal of creating not just a traffic connector but also a visual landmark for the city. However, the proposed competition ultimately did not materialize.

According to Ho Van Ha, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai People's Committee, most river bridges in the province currently serve only a single purpose: transport connectivity. None has yet fulfilled the goal of becoming architectural highlights that contribute to the urban landscape.

Architectural competitions - an urgent need

To enhance traffic connectivity and meet the demands of economic and social development, Dong Nai Province is now implementing numerous transport infrastructure projects, including the construction of several road bridges across rivers.

The Cat Lai Bridge (replacing the Cat Lai Ferry) and Long Hung Bridge (Dong Nai 2 Bridge) are among the major projects currently undergoing investment procedures. Both have attracted great interest from investors, with design proposals already submitted.

According to Duong Van Hieu, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Construction, the cable-stayed design for Cat Lai Bridge generally meets architectural and aesthetic standards. However, for Long Hung Bridge, which spans the Dong Nai River and runs through an urban area, the proposed cantilever design is not considered architecturally appropriate. Therefore, the Department of Construction has proposed organizing an architectural design competition for the project.

Khuong Nguyen Duc Chuong, Chairman of the Dong Nai Association of Architects, emphasized that architectural design competitions, including those for river bridges, should be open to a broad range of participants to encourage diverse and creative proposals. He noted that one essential criterion in such competitions is cultural identity, which helps create distinctive features for each urban are

Vice Chairman Ho Van Ha stated that the Cat Lai Bridge and Long Hung Bridge are major projects for the province: These bridges are not only vital for traffic connectivity but also intended to serve as urban landmarks. Therefore, Dong Nai Province will organize architectural design competitions for them. It would be a real pity to invest such large sums in construction without holding a contest to create architectural works that could stand the test of time,” he stressed.

Chairman Khuong Nguyen Duc Chuong of the Dong Nai Association of Architects further noted: For any city, creating a strong architectural and landscape impression, especially in key urban areas, is essential. River bridges, if designed beautifully and harmoniously with their surroundings, will naturally become visual and architectural highlights of the city. That’s why I fully support the province’s policy of holding design competitions for river bridges. Through these competitions, authorities can receive creative ideas and feedback to refine the final architectural solutions and create meaningful urban landmarks. Most importantly, these ideas can help shape a bridge design that reflects Dong Nai’s unique identity and character.”

By Pham Tung - Translated by Trieu Ngan, Minho