The GreenCityLabHuế project has successfully implemented a demonstration showcase of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the urban area of Trường An, Huế City. This is the third out of four showcases funded by the project for the city, aiming to promote the development of multifunctional green spaces, adapt to climate change, and improve the quality of life for the community.
A Green Cultural and Community Space
The showcase is integrated into a cultural green space in Trường An – a location that regularly hosts community activities, cultural events, and local gatherings. The project upgraded a part of this space to enhance ecological functions, reduce the urban heat island effect, provide more shade, and add amenities for community use. The main components of the showcase create a landscape that harmonizes with the local surroundings, including:
- Three entryways with alternating precast concrete slabs, ensuring surface permeability and convenient connection to the street and the Community Cultural Center.
- A permeable surface made from 540 circular pavers of various sizes, forming a 170 m² mini square for community activities, facilitating rainwater drainage, and reducing surface temperatures.
- Three stainless steel bench frames placed on natural pebbles, weather-resistant and suitable for various uses.
- Locally sourced pebbles that serve as bench bases, harmonize with the landscape, and support biodiversity.
- A stainless steel trellis system supporting bougainvillea, creating a cool green canopy with fixed seating underneath.
- A solar lighting system (4 lights, 500 Wp capacity) providing illumination in the evening to enhance usability.
- Colorful Bougainvillea spectabilis trees that provide shade, filter air, and offer habitat for small wildlife.
- Roses, grass, and other native plants in the central area, rotated seasonally to refresh the landscape and prevent soil erosion.
Positive Impact on the Community
Since its completion, the NbS showcase in Trường An has quickly become a popular gathering and relaxation spot for residents of all ages – from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly. Activities here are diverse: exercising, sitting or lying down to relax, chatting, eating, reading, playing traditional games, or helping toddlers learn to walk.
This space not only improves urban environmental quality but also encourages healthy lifestyles, strengthens community bonds, and raises awareness about the value of nature-based solutions. It serves as a tangible example of integrating NbS and Green-Blue Infrastructure (GBI) into existing spaces, optimizing available resources and local conditions.
Towards Sustainable Maintenance
In the coming period, the project will work with the authorities of Thuận Hoá Ward – the newly established administrative unit – to provide technical guidance for the care and maintenance of the showcase. The goal is to ensure that this green space continues to meet the diverse needs of the community while preserving the ecological, social, and economic values it brings.
The project encourages local residents and community organizations to take part in protecting the environment, keeping the space clean, and caring for the greenery. Active community participation will help maximize the effectiveness of the showcase and make it a replicable example for other areas of Huế City.
Acknowledgements
The showcase was carried out with permission from the People’s Committee of Huế City, under Decision No. 1608/UBND-XD dated March 5, 2025, issued by the People’s Committee of Thuận Hoá Ward. It is the result of the “Huế Initiatives – Green Space, Green City” design competition, designed by architect Lê Khánh Trình and colleagues, and constructed with the cooperation of Hoàng Ân Design & Construction Co., Ltd., Hùng Tịnh Tâm Mechanical Enterprise, and An Hoa Garden Greenery Company.
GreenCityLabHuế sincerely thanks the People’s Committee of Huế City and the People’s Committee of Thuận Hoá Ward for their support and permission to implement the project; architect Lê Khánh Trình and colleagues for their creative design; Hoàng Ân Design & Construction Co., Ltd., Hùng Tịnh Tâm Mechanical Enterprise, and An Hoa Garden Greenery Company for carrying out the construction with great responsibility; and all local residents for their participation, assistance, and companionship throughout the process.
This collaboration has contributed to creating a sustainable green space that delivers ecological, social, and cultural benefits for the Trường An community, while laying the foundation for scaling up nature-based solution showcases in Huế City in the future.
