In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a quiet revolution is unfolding, not in politics or technology, but in the way urban spaces are being reimagined. Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, a vibrant blend of traditional streetscape, cafés, and green pockets, is redefining public spaces in Vietnam. This innovative model, dubbed “Intersecting Public Space” by researchers, is gaining attention for its potential to transform urban planning not just in Vietnam, but across Asia.
At the forefront of this research is Duy Thinh Do, a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education. His study, published in the Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering (known in Vietnamese as “Tạp chí Kiến trúc và Công trình Xây dựng Á-Âu”), explores how Nguyen Van Binh Book Street seamlessly integrates commercial, cultural, recreational, and social functions. “This is not just about creating a pretty space,” Do explains. “It’s about fostering a fluid, unbounded environment where people can connect, engage, and thrive.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As cities across Asia grapple with rapid urbanization, the demand for energy-efficient, sustainable public spaces is growing. Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, with its pedestrian-friendly design and green spaces, offers a blueprint for creating energy-efficient urban hubs. “By prioritizing walkability and green spaces, we’re not just enhancing the quality of urban life,” Do notes. “We’re also reducing the energy footprint of our cities.”
The research identifies five key activities that dominate the book street: sightseeing, socializing, leisure, cultural engagement, and commerce. However, it also highlights several challenges, including limited parking, inadequate public amenities, poor signage, and insufficient shelter from weather. Addressing these issues, Do argues, is crucial for the sustainable growth of such spaces.
The concept of Intersecting Public Space could reshape future urban developments, particularly in the energy sector. By integrating renewable energy sources, smart lighting, and energy-efficient design elements, these spaces could serve as models for sustainable urban living. “This is about more than just creating a space for people to gather,” Do says. “It’s about creating a space that’s sustainable, resilient, and adaptable to the changing needs of our cities.”
As Vietnam continues to urbanize, the lessons from Nguyen Van Binh Book Street could prove invaluable. By embracing the Intersecting Public Space model, cities can create vibrant, energy-efficient hubs that enhance the quality of urban life while reducing the environmental impact. The research by Do and his team offers a compelling vision for the future of urban planning, one that prioritizes people, sustainability, and innovation.