The history of urban green space system planning in the capital city of Hanoi, Vietnam (1886 - 2011)

Abstract

Urban green spaces have gained increasing recognition due to industrialization, modernization, and the negative impacts of climate change. This article examines the history of urban green space system planning in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, focusing on its theoretical prototype and practical planning situations from an international perspective. Aiming to alleviate the crowded and residential conditions caused by the high construction density of the central urban area in Hanoi, the Vietnamese policymakers, planners and investors proposed and formulated planning versions of urban green space to improve its urban congestion and environmental issues. Using the case of urban green space system planning of Hanoi during the French modern planning influence period (1886 - 1954), the Soviet Union planning influence period (1954 - 1991), and the globalization period (1991 - 2011), this article examines urban green space system planning which authorities developed for the capital city of Hanoi in three different periods. By analyzing planning concepts, planning policy, and implementation situations of planning, this article argues that urban green space system planning aims to improve the urban environment quality and create green and leisure spaces for residents. Throughout this trajectory, urban green space planning in Vietnam has undergone continuous transformations. However, in terms of the actual construction and implementation, green space projects in Hanoi city are difficult to succeed due to the issues of urban land using policies, misconceptions arising from diverse perceptions, and the absence of long-term vision.