The iconic Ho Con Rua (Turtle Lake) in downtown Ho Chi Minh City is depicted in a design donning a new set of green lights.

Turtle Lake, one of the city’s most symbolic historical sites, is located in the heart of the southern metropolis at the roundabout connecting Pham Ngoc Thach, Tran Cao Van, and Vo Van Tan Streets. 

The lake was last given a facelift in 1970 but now, thanks to an initiative meant to beautify the city and increase its allure to local and international tourists, the lake, along with the rest of the route between the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon; the century-old People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City building, and the Saigon Opera House; will be renovated.

The green lighting included in the renovation design is aimed at bringing new life to the area and touching visitors’ emotions.

Turtle Lake will be developed into a modern public space and an ideal tourist attraction.

It is expected to offer a vibrant atmosphere which reflects the spirit of solidarity, friendship, and international cooperation, as well as connect the values of the past, present, and future, and promote youthful energy and cooperation for peace and prosperity. 

Via the design, the new renovation will transform the site into a net-zero-emission landmark, fueling the city’s ‘green’ future.

Turtle Lake will become captivating to visitors with a colorful symphony of water and light based on five principles.

The first principle is the harmonious combination of water and light which is meant to evoke nostalgia. 

The second principle is to draw on emotions through different light performances at various time frames, with special light shows for holidays. These changes in lighting are meant to help the site renew itself every hour and every day.

For instance, during rush hour, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm each day, the Turtle Lake area can show 4000K neutral white light to provide a clear and bright illumination and create a cozy atmosphere.

Between 6:00 to 10:00 pm, visitors can witness the transition from monochromatic light to the polychromatic of different intensities that match background music and changes to the lake’s water fountains. 

Turtle Lake is lit up with the relaxing and comfortable 3000k light from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am the following day.

The next principle is directional and interactive lighting, in which background lights play a role in illuminating the entire area and ensuring lighting quality and sufficiency.

Notably, the light is used to highlight the main elements of the lake and dim supporting elements to convey fascinating stories.

Tourism information screens and signs will also be placed in the area.

A platform in the center of the lake is equipped with a highly interactive modern console where visitors can control the flow of water and light, allowing for an interactive experience.

Sustainability and energy-efficiency are taken into account in the design. Only clean energy is used to light the lake. Accordingly, solar power panels ensure a continuous power supply.

The final principle of the renovation is creating safety and functionality. Foot crossings near Turtle Lake well-lit guarantee the safety of pedestrians.

The design meets all lighting standards, ensuring that the venue is provided with adequate lighting without creating light pollution in order to treat both people and animals to comfort.

Turtle Lake is not only an appealing tourist attraction, but also a symbol of international cultural exchange and cooperation.

The 'Illuminating the Route to Net Zero' competition, initiated by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, is seeking proposals and contributions of green and sustainable lighting, with a view to building eco-friendly urban spaces in Ho Chi Minh City.

The competition is jointly organized by Tuoi Tre and Signify, with support from the Dutch Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Ho Chi Minh City, and the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam.

The contest is open to all Tuoi Tre readers, including students, civil servants, experts, engineers, architects, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and others, both domestically and internationally.

The design for the new facelift of Turtle Lake based on lights is one of the competition’s entries.

* This is architect Tran Huu Khoa's entry to Tuoi Tre's ‘Illuminating Route to Net Zero' contest. To join the contest, readers can register at tuoitre.vn/net-zero.html or send their entries to netzero@tuoitre.com.vn from now until October 25, 2024.

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