Hanoi has launched a competition to look for the best design ideas for its kilometer-zero (Km0) marker, which is expected to be a symbolic landmark of the Vietnamese capital city in the future.

Vietnam Architecture Magazine, together with sponsors including the Vietnam Fine Arts Association and Vietnam Association of Architects, announced the competition on Wednesday.

The competition aims to find ideas for creating a landmark monument for the capital city. Hanoi’s authorities also hope it will become an attraction in the future.

According to organizers, the competition is open to all professional institutions, including consulting and designing units, universities, and other organizations.

All Vietnamese citizens, including sculptors, artists, architects, and art and design students, are also eligible to compete individually.

The organizers did not set detailed requirements relating to the shape or functional features of the to-be milestone, with a view to getting the most unique and creative designs.

They only reminded the participants to be mindful of cultural and national aspects while creating the artwork.

Participants will create the design of the Km0 milestone to be located in any of the four suggested locations.

The first location is at the intersection of Dinh Tien Hoang and Hang Khay Streets, where the current Km0 milestone is now.

The current milestone is a flower-shaped clock, a gift from the Swiss city of Bern to Hanoi on the occasion of the 1,000th founding anniversary of the Vietnamese capital.

Two other potential locations are the area next to Hoan Kiem Lake — across from the Emperor Ly Thai To monument — and in the yard in front of the Emperor Ly Thai To monument.

The fourth option would be left to the participants' proposal as long as the location is located within the area near Hoan Kiem Lake.

The panel of judges consists of reputable experts and officials from the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, the Vietnam Association of Architects, as well as the Cultural Heritage Department and the Vietnam Cinema Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

The competition will receive design submissions until July 6 and the following evaluation process will be conducted immediately from July 6 to 10.

The final design for the Km0 milestone will be open to public feedback before being submitted to the Hanoi People’s Committee for approval.

An awards ceremony is scheduled for July 15.

There will be three prizes for the best designs including one first prize, one second prize, and one third prize with their values, respectively, being VND100 million (US$4,300), VND80 million ($3,440), and VND50 million ($2,150).

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