Comments and reactions about Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square are heavily subjective.

Talking to reporters about public reaction to the new look of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, experts said that we need to stay calm while the project is not yet completed.

Perspective of the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square renovation project.

Don't be too quick to judge emotionally.

The new look of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square has been the subject of endless controversy over the past few days, with many opinions being divided. Many people have reacted, saying that the new look is ugly, “rustic”, and lacking in symbolism – in a space as beautiful, expensive and symbolic as Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the most beautiful, expensive and symbolic places in Hanoi .

Talking to reporters, Hanoi expert (also known as “Hanoi scholar”) Nguyen Ngoc Tien said that opinions about the new appearance of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square are tinged with emotion and subjectivity, and do not have clear and specific analysis under a professional and scientific lens.

“Any project built in Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square will certainly face great public pressure, because it is an expected project located in an expected space. I think that is understandable.

However, the opinions that are reacting and criticizing seem to be somewhat hasty, because that is only phase 1 of the project. The Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area is still in phase 2, the design and construction unit will continue to renovate a lot more. We should be calm and wait a little longer. What is being built in the square now, I understand that it is only the first phase, and must be constructed in a very urgent time to celebrate the 80th National Day. They need to complete it before September 2, the colors and symbols displayed are to celebrate the great ceremony, and at the same time cover up the shabby wall behind" - researcher Nguyen Ngoc Tien said.

New look of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.

According to researcher Nguyen Ngoc Tien, when looking at the perspective of the design unit, he thinks that the fountain in the square will probably be replaced by another structure. Mr. Tien believes that there will be many more changes when the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square renovation project enters phase 2.

“I think there will be many changes. Not to mention, the design unit will also have to calculate the harmony between Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake (the planned quadrangle). There will probably be a connection and balance between the two spaces. Plus the harmony of the two spaces with the general cultural and historical context of Hoan Kiem Lake. Perhaps, we should wait a bit longer, everything is not clear enough to make any judgments or assessments,” said researcher Nguyen Ngoc Tien.

The demolition of the Shark Jaw building has clearly brought more open and airy space to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and Hoan Kiem Lake.

"Standing on Dinh Liet Street, you can now see Hoan Kiem Lake, and vice versa. That is clearly a positive signal," Mr. Tien affirmed.

Previously, on the afternoon of September 10, in response to public opinion, the design unit representative affirmed that "This design project is not completed but there are still next steps from phase 1 to phase 2. The design will be synchronized and connected with the surrounding space".

History of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square

Historically, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square was considered an important transit point between the old quarter of the natives (the old town) and the Western quarter around Hoan Kiem Lake in France.

The French chose the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area as part of the center of Hanoi because of its strategic location. During the French colonial period, the square was called Place Négrier, until 1945, after the successful August Revolution, when the name was changed to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc.

The name “Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc” was named after the famous school of the early 20th century, once located at 10 Hang Dao.

According to records from National Archives Center I, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School started operating around the beginning of April 1907, with Luong Van Can opening the school and participating in teaching.

Old photo of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. Photo: Document

Archival documents show that after less than a year of operation, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School became famous and had great influence.

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School focused on educating the masses about patriotism, new lifestyles and Western civilization through the following subjects: National language, Chinese characters (only for reading new books), French, and general sciences (hygiene, geography, history, literature, civic education, economics , etc.).

In a conversation with reporters about the expansion of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, historian Duong Trung Quoc said: “If possible, I think we can pay attention to the old house at 10 Hang Dao - which used to be the headquarters of the famous Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School. Let's preserve historical traces, which is to preserve the precious cultural and historical sediments of this land. No. 10 Hang Dao with the old vestiges of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School is a testament to the studious spirit, patriotism, pride and resilience of the Vietnamese people.”

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nhan-xet-phan-ung-ve-quang-truong-dong-kinh-nghia-thuc-nang-tinh-chu-quan-post881850.html