Farewell to the 'Shark Jaws' building and emotions for the future

Built more than 30 years ago, this building has caused controversy among architects and Hanoians because of its impact on the Hoan Kiem Lake area. However, before it is demolished at the end of April, everyone wants to preserve the moment when this architectural block still exists.

A little regret of Hanoi people

The “Shark Jaw” project is a commercial center built on the foundation of an old tram station, located at 7 Dinh Tien Hoang Street (Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi). In 2004, the Hanoi Tram Enterprise merged with the Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco). To date, Transerco is the unit responsible for managing and operating the building. This project was designed by the late architect Ta Xuan Van but was later modified by the project construction unit.

The name “Shark Jaw” comes from the architectural style with the protruding roof, shaped like a shark’s jaw. Construction began in 1991 and was completed in 1993. The building has been under great pressure from experts as well as Hanoi residents. Over the decades, this project has always been a controversial topic regarding its architecture, planning as well as its ability to impact the appearance of Hoan Kiem Lake area.

The “Shark Jaw” building has the most prime location in Hanoi. The building is 6 stories high, the first floor has an area of ​​about 200m2 and is rented by some shoe and accessory brands such as Aldo, Swarovski. From the second floor up are restaurants and cafes with a full view of Hoan Kiem Lake and some streets such as Hang Gai, Hang Ngang, Cau Go, Dinh Liet...

The convenient location and beautiful view make this place an attractive destination for many locals and tourists during holidays and big events. The units renting premises here benefit greatly from the abundant and bustling supply of customers. According to research, every Lunar New Year, some restaurants even sell seats to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks on "Shark Jaws" to make a lot of money. Many witnesses said that a seat like that costs at least 500,000 VND/person, and if they are slow to "arrange the bricks", the seats will be sold out.

Ms. Phong Lan, who lives on Hang Bac Street (Hoan Kiem District), shared: “Many Tet holidays, after visiting relatives, our family had to go to Hoan Kiem Lake to take souvenir photos in front of the fountain and “Shark Jaws”. Looking at each photo over the years, we can see the mark of time on each person’s face and each scene. “Shark Jaws” is becoming more and more beautiful and sparkling. Today, I took a photo alone in front of this building before it was demolished. The feelings are unclear, but saying there is no regret is not true.”

“Shark Jaws” seen from above. (Photo: Hoang Ha)

Hanoi is becoming more and more modern, the appearance of the capital changes every day, but surely, there are street corners, rows of trees, and roofs that are always deeply imprinted in someone's memory. "Shark's Jaw" is the same, it has become a familiar corner of Hoan Kiem Lake. Not only that, that architecture is also the place that witnessed many dates, meetings and even farewells.

Anh Quoc Anh, living on Mai Hac De Street (Hai Ba Trung District) still tearfully recounts: “More than 20 years ago, I was just a poor student. I mustered up all my courage and money to invite my girlfriend to “Shark Jaws”, because a cup of coffee there was very expensive. That day it was drizzling, looking out from the top floor of the building, the scenery was so beautiful, I mustered up all my courage to confess my love to my girlfriend. It was so romantic, but she rejected my feelings. Over the years, whenever I was too tired from the hustle and bustle of life, I would go to “Shark Jaws”, trying to sit in the same old corner, to remember how naive I was when I was young”...

Looking forward to a more reasonable architectural complex

In just over a month, the image of “Shark Jaws” will only remain in people’s memories. The Hanoi People’s Committee has agreed to dismantle the building before April 30, 2025 to serve the renovation and beautification project of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. This space will be planned as a traffic square, helping to connect the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and streets such as Dinh Liet and Cau Go. It is expected that the new square will have an area of ​​12,000m2, becoming a public space serving the people as well as important events of the capital and the whole country.

“Shark Jaws” at the groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo: Hans-Peter Grumpe)

According to public information, the Hanoi City People's Committee has assigned the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee to "organize the establishment of a master plan in parallel with the establishment of a separate urban design to serve as a basis for implementing the investment project to renovate, embellish and reconstruct the space of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square according to regulations (the establishment process requires consultation with the City Architecture Council, asking for opinions from relevant organizations, individuals and communities".

Thus, “Shark Jaws” has completed its mission of “existence is reasonable”. The decision of the Hanoi City government to demolish the building to expand the public space around Hoan Kiem Lake is a brave and necessary step. However, how to build and how to plan it must be carefully calculated. Because any construction that arises in the central area of ​​the capital must be selected between the past, present and future; satisfying the needs of the community as well as architectural value. “Shark Jaws” leaves an impression on the people’s hearts largely due to its prime location, not its intrinsic architectural value. And whether bold or traditional, the upcoming construction must be in harmony with the soul of the land of a thousand years of civilization.

The “Shark Jaws” building has become a part of Hanoi’s life. When this architecture is no longer there, perhaps the street corner will be less bustling, there will be no more traffic jams every weekend when going from Hang Bong Street to Cau Go Street. Some forums and social networks even look for old photos, from the time when “Hanoi had the clanging of electric trains” and there was no “Shark Jaws” to remember a building that has existed for decades.

“Shark Jaws” will become an old story, a souvenir photo, a name that evokes an imaginary Hanoi for future generations. However, more than regret, the aspiration for an architectural complex with more civilized cultural and artistic spaces is something to look forward to. Goodbye, “Shark Jaws”!

Viet Quynh

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chia-tay-toa-nha-ham-ca-map-va-nhung-xuc-cam-cho-tuong-lai-post543809.html