In a bold move to reshape one of Hà Nội’s most iconic public spaces, the city’s People’s Committee has approved a proposal to demolish the so-called ‘Shark Jaw’ building, a six-storey commercial centre in Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, at the heart of the historic Hoàn Kiếm District. Known locally as ‘Hàm Cá Mập’ for its distinctive architectural design, the building at No. 7 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street has housed cafes, restaurants, and clothing shops since its completion in 1993. Its removal marks the beginning of a comprehensive redesign of the square, a symbolic landmark linking the revered Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the storied Old Quarter.
The ambitious plan aims to replace the above-ground structure with a three-level underground complex, featuring cultural and commercial spaces on the first basement level, and parking or multipurpose areas on the lower two. This initiative, backed by Vice Chairman Dương Đức Tuấn, seeks to enhance the architectural landscape and organisation of the square, a bustling tourist hub and a site of deep historical and cultural significance. Yet, as the city balances modernisation with heritage preservation, questions linger over the project’s impact on Hà Nội’s historic character and the community that surrounds this cherished space.
A Symbolic Heart of Hà Nội
Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square is more than just a public space; it is a cultural bridge between two of Hà Nội’s most treasured landmarks. To the north lies Hoàn Kiếm Lake, designated a Special National Monument, its serene waters and iconic Turtle Tower steeped in Vietnamese legend. To the south stretches the Old Quarter, a National Historic Site and a labyrinth of narrow streets that pulse with the city’s ancient trading history. The square itself, often filled with street vendors, tourists, and locals enjoying leisurely evenings, embodies the intersection of Hà Nội’s past and present. 
Vice Chairman Tuấn underscored the square’s importance, describing it as a “crucial link” that demands careful planning to preserve its historical and cultural value. The Hà Nội People’s Committee has endorsed a broader vision of renovation and beautification, not just for the square but for the wider Hoàn Kiếm Lake area. This includes a dedicated urban design framework, overseen by the Department of Planning and Architecture, which will encompass key streets like Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Cầu Gỗ, and Hoàn Kiếm, as well as the facades of significant buildings such as the Long Vân – Hồng Vân complex and the Hồ Gươm Cultural Information Centre.
The demolition of the ‘Shark Jaw’ building is a centrepiece of this vision. The proposed underground structure is intended to declutter the square’s surface, creating a more open and pedestrian-friendly environment. Access points to the underground levels, potentially via mechanised lift platforms and staircases, are being planned to minimise disruption to the square’s connection with surrounding pedestrian zones, including Cầu Gỗ Street. Alternative entry from Đinh Liệt Street is also under consideration to maintain the area’s flow.
Balancing Modernisation and Heritage
While the project promises to modernise one of Hà Nội’s most visited areas, it has prompted debate over how such changes will affect the city’s historic fabric. The ‘Shark Jaw’ building, though not a heritage structure itself, has become a recognisable part of the square’s identity over the past three decades. Its removal raises questions about whether the underground replacement will harmonise with the area’s cultural ethos or risk turning a historic space into a sterile, commercialised zone.
To address these concerns, the Hà Nội People’s Committee has commissioned additional studies on the project’s impact. These include assessments of how the redesign will alter the facades of surrounding buildings like the Thủy Tạ Building and nearby residential areas. Plans for greenery, including the preservation of heritage trees, are also in focus, alongside a comprehensive lighting design to enhance the square’s ambience. A stage for cultural events is proposed, strategically placed to integrate with radial streets, ensuring the space remains a vibrant hub for public gatherings.
The Hoàn Kiếm District People’s Committee, tasked with developing the urban design plan, must adhere to Việt Nam’s Urban Planning Law and Architecture Law. Once finalised, the proposal will face scrutiny from the city’s Architecture Council before any shovels hit the ground. This rigorous process reflects a broader commitment to balancing development with preservation—a challenge many rapidly growing Asian capitals face as they modernise while safeguarding their cultural roots.
A Broader Vision for Hoàn Kiếm Lake
The revamp of Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square is not an isolated project but part of a larger effort to enhance public spaces around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. This area, often seen as the beating heart of Hà Nội, draws millions of visitors annually, both domestic and international. Its pedestrian zones, established in recent years, have transformed weekends into car-free celebrations of street food, music, and community. The city’s leadership sees the square’s redesign as a way to build on this success, creating spaces that are not only functional but also reflective of Hà Nội’s unique identity.
Yet, if the underground complex prioritises commercial over cultural uses, there is a risk it could dilute the area’s historical significance. While parking facilities are a practical necessity in a city grappling with traffic congestion, their inclusion in such a symbolically charged space may strike some as incongruous. The possibility of multipurpose use for the lower basements, as noted in the committee’s plan, offers a potential compromise, though details remain sparse at this stage.
Community and Cultural Implications
Beyond aesthetics and functionality, the project’s impact on local communities deserves attention. The businesses currently operating in the ‘Shark Jaw’ building—cafes where locals sip cà phê sữa đá and shops catering to tourists—face displacement. While the underground commercial spaces may offer new opportunities, the transition could prove challenging for small vendors who rely on the square’s foot traffic. The city has yet to announce specific support measures for affected businesses, a gap that could fuel discontent if not addressed.
Culturally, the square and its surroundings are a living archive of Hà Nội’s history, from colonial-era architecture to post-war reconstruction. Any redesign must tread carefully to avoid erasing these layers of memory. The emphasis on preserving heritage trees and integrating cultural spaces is a positive step, but the true test will lie in implementation. If the project leans too heavily on commercialisation, it may alienate residents who see the square as a communal rather than transactional space.
Looking Ahead
The demolition of the ‘Shark Jaw’ building and the transformation of Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square represent a pivotal moment for Hà Nội. On one hand, the project signals the city’s ambition to modernise its infrastructure and enhance its appeal as a global tourist destination. On the other, it underscores the delicate balance between progress and preservation—a balance that will define Hà Nội’s urban identity for generations to come.
As studies continue and plans take shape, public consultation will be crucial. Engaging residents, business owners, and cultural advocates could help ensure the redesign reflects the diverse voices of those who call this historic district home. For now, the fate of the ‘Shark Jaw’ building serves as a reminder of the transient nature of urban landscapes, even in a city as steeped in history as Hà Nội. If executed with care, this project could breathe new life into a beloved space; if not, it risks becoming a cautionary tale of heritage lost to the march of modernity.
