Upcoming Saigon River footbridge designed as nipa palms

Ho Chi Minh City's government chose the design after four years of launching the initial vote.

The nipa palm leaf design is a product of the Japanese-Vietnamese joint venture Chodai - Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam.

The selection committee said the design would allow the pillars of the bridge to stand closer to the riverbank and therefore create more space for vessels to move.

At the same time, the feature would also provide for more airy space for pedestrians on the bridge.

The new footbridge will stand near the existing Ba Son Bridge. Photo by Chodai - Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam

The specific technical figures of the bridge will be studied and completed at a later stage.

The footbridge, which has not been named yet, will be built between the Ba Son Bridge and the Thu Thiem Tunnel.

One end of the structure will land at Bach Dang Wharf Park in District 1 and the other end will be the central square of Thu Thiem New Urban Area, which is still under development.