Seeking identity for Dong Nai’s bridges

More than mere transport projects, bridges spanning rivers in Dong Nai stand as “historical witnesses,” marking key phases in the transformation of a land with over 325 years of establishment  and development.

The artwork “Nhip noi 2 bo” by photographer Nguyen An highlights the beauty of Ghenh Bridge. Photo: Nguyen An

Amid rapid urbanization, bridges across the Dong Nai River are expected to evolve into distinctive architectural and cultural symbols, helping shape the image of a modern yet culturally distinctive locality.

Each bridge, a cultural narrative

In modern urban structures, bridges are not only connectors but also symbolic spaces. With its dense river network, Dong Nai is now home to dozens of bridges of various sizes. From Dong Nai Bridge, Hoa An Bridge, An Hao Bridge to Hiep Hoa Bridge and Ghenh Bridge, each structure reflects a slice of history and a milestone in development process. However, most of these bridges still retain a purely technical appearance and have yet to truly become iconic architectural and cultural landmarks.

According to People’s Artist Giang Manh Ha, Chairman of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, major bridges in the province require architectural highlights and artistic elements that reflect a distinct cultural identity. Each bridge, he noted, should embody an idea and tell a story about the history, culture and people of Dong Nai over its 325-year journey.

“I hope that in the future, when people mention Dong Nai, they will not only think of a dynamic industrial hub, but also of its bridges as unique and recognizable symbols that set the locality apart,” he said.

He further revealed that the creative idea of transforming concrete bridges into representative architectural and cultural icons has been acknowledged by the Provincial Party Committee and formalized through directives. Accordingly, the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association has been tasked with proposing specific concepts, initially focusing on three bridges, namely Hoa An, An Hao and Thong Nhat.

A general plan has been proposed to study these three key bridges in Bien Hoa urban area, aiming to turn them into signature architectural and cultural symbols of Dong Nai.

From the perspective of architects and researchers, infusing bridges with identity should begin with the locality’s own history, place names and cultural values.

Chairman of the Dong Nai Association of Architects Khuong Nguyen Duc Chuong noted that while Dong Nai, a land shaped by rivers and bridges, is entering a period of strong growth, it must also confront a crucial question: how should its architectural identity be expressed amid modernization?

Specifically, An Hao Bridge, a key gateway to Pho Islet, could draw on heritage elements, as the area is rich in historical and cultural imprints, with numerous historical figures, recognized relics and a diverse system of communal houses, pagodas and shrines. At the same time, the bridge is closely linked to the province’s industrial development.

Meanwhile, Hoa An Bridge is envisioned to reflect local identity through reliefs and Bien Hoa ceramic motifs integrated into its railings, combined with artistic lighting systems. Spaces beneath the bridge could be developed into scenic stopovers overlooking the riverside parks facing Pho Islet, thereby linking infrastructure with urban life. For Thong Nhat Bridge, the creation of small public squares at both ends is expected to enhance community interaction and create visual highlights.

Toward distinctive architectural and cultural symbols

Architect Khuong Van Muoi, former Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Architects, emphasized that as Dong Nai continues to expand its transport infrastructure, particularly its road and bridge network, establishing a distinct architectural identity for local bridges is essential. This is applicable not only to existing bridges but also to those planned in the future, which should incorporate identity elements suited to their location, spatial context and historical narratives.

“Bridges are not only connectors of traffic but also links between the past and the future. Given the scenic advantages along the Dong Nai River, it is important to plan riverside public spaces that serve both residents and visitors. A vibrant and experience-rich urban environment will, in turn, contribute to socio-economic development,” he said.

To turn bridges into true architectural and cultural symbols, experts have suggested organizing large-scale architectural design competitions to mobilize the creativity of professionals and the wider community, thereby selecting solutions that are both aesthetically compelling and feasible. In parallel, the application of modern technologies such as artistic lighting displays and 3D mapping could help transform bridges into attractive nighttime destinations, supporting tourism development.

In reality, many cities at home and abroad have successfully turned bridges into defining urban icons. For Dong Nai, its extensive river system and more than 325 years of formation and development provide valuable “material” to realize the vision of developing Hoa An, An Hao and Thong Nhat bridges into distinctive architectural and cultural symbols.

By My Ny – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha