“Desire to Fly High” – Award-Winning Design in the 10,000-Billion-VND Hai Phong Administrative Center Competition
Project Overview
Hai Phong City recently announced the results of the design competition for its new Administrative–Political Center and Convention–Performance Complex in the North Cam River Urban Area. Out of all submissions, the IBSTAC – BIDECONS – CETECH – T&D consortium was the only all-Vietnamese team (without foreign partners) to enter the Top 3 award-winning designs, earning Second Prize in the competition.
This ambitious project, covering 324 hectares with a total investment of nearly 10,000 billion VND, represents a new development nucleus for Hai Phong, aligned with the city’s long-term orientation for sustainable urban growth in Thuy Nguyen
Design Concept – “Desire to Fly High”
IBSTAC’s proposal, titled “Desire to Fly High”, embodies the spirit of modernity, ambition, and the symbolic identity of the port city.
The architectural form is inspired by a seagull spreading its wings over the vast sea and sky — a familiar and poetic image of Hai Phong, expressing the city’s aspiration to soar, to reach higher, and to conquer new horizons.
Master Plan – Welcoming Prosperity with Harmony of Nature
Drawing from Eastern architectural philosophy, the planning concept follows the principle of “leaning against the mountain, facing the river” — symbolizing stability, success, and prosperity.
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The Administrative–Political Center is located to the south, overlooking the Cam River.
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Behind it stands the Convention–Performance Center, designed with forms inspired by mountain silhouettes, providing a strong and protective backdrop.
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The central square and water surface represent “Minh Duong”, a symbolic open courtyard welcoming positive energy and vitality.
The building’s orientation — long façade facing south and short sides facing east–west — enhances its microclimate efficiency, capturing cool southern
Architectural Highlights
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Administrative–Political Center: The “heart” of the project, symbolizing strength, aspiration, and unity through its soaring seagull-inspired form.
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Convention–Performance Center: Architectural lines are distilled from the overlapping limestone formations of Lan Ha Bay, creating a sculptural, nature-reflecting structure that connects culture, art, and the community.
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Landscape Planning: Integrates green corridors, water elements, and open plazas — connecting human activity with natural rhythms.
Vision & Message
“This ambitious project will become a symbol and pride of the Vietnamese people in general, and of Hai Phong in particular.”
— Lead Architect Trinh Anh Tuan
The Hai Phong Administrative Center stands as a vision of innovation, sustainability, and cultural resonance, marking a milestone in Vietnam’s architectural progress — where modern urban governance meets poetic natural inspiration.
About IBSTAC Architects & Planners
With over 20 years of experience, IBSTAC Architects & Planners has consistently pursued the mission of creating unique, innovative, and comprehensive design solutions that meet international standards.
Notable projects include:
In 2020, IBSTAC was honored among the Top 10 Architecture Firms in Vietnam at the BCI Asia Awards, reaffirming its reputation in the regional architectural industry.
Proudly operated and developed by 100% Vietnamese architects and experts, IBSTAC continues to realize its vision:
“Design for a Better Life.”
Ibstac Architects & Planners
