Landscape architecture is the study and design of open spaces at different scales such as: parks, campuses, streetscapes, squares, residential areas, resorts... From the study of artistic, environmental, architectural, technical and sociological elements, landscape architects will propose plans for arranging materials, objects, and shapes to bring harmony and beauty to the entire project; at the same time, balance and nurture the natural environment.

The landscape design of Flamingo Dai Lai Resort was carried out over 15 years (2007-2022), divided into many phases. The landscape design and construction area is 70.4 hectares out of a total area of ​​103.94 hectares in Ngoc Thanh commune, Phuc Yen city, Vinh Phuc province. The design belongs to the group of authors including architects Nguyen Thuong Quan, Bui Thi Bich Dao, Le Van Hoang, Nguyen Thi Phuong Yen and associates of FARC Architecture Joint Stock Company.

A corner of Flamingo Dai Lai Resort. Photo provided by Vietnam Association of Architects

Inheriting the landscape of Dai Lai Lake, the "backdrop" of Tam Dao range, the group of authors chose a "natural" design - artificial as natural - to create a friendly resort space with a rich resort ecosystem, a green architectural model. The main elements that make up the landscape design of the resort are trees, water surfaces, traffic axes and functional areas (resort accommodation, sports areas, entertainment spots, camping, vegetable gardens...) are blended with landscape techniques used in the design such as: Wide landscape towards nature, techniques of borrowing scenery, connecting scenery. Landscape technologies such as using native trees and imported trees, maintenance and care technology combined with trees are also carefully researched along with irrigation energy sources, lighting to protect the environment.

The landscape of the tourist area is filled with artificial hills to diversify the terrain and increase the green surface area. These hills are also used to separate spaces to change the viewpoint and create emotional experiences. The water surface is also added by digging more artificial lakes and streams, leading water from Dai Lai Lake deep into the land to increase the water surface perimeter, increase access to the water surface for resort projects combined with trees to regulate the microclimate of the area.

The route is not only a traffic axis but also a place for people to experience every level of emotion. The route is designed to weave through the natural environment and limit the impact on the natural state with different types of routes: Motorized traffic routes with and without sidewalks, walking paths by the lake or poetic paths, roads in pine forests filled with the fragrance of grass, flowers, and early morning dew... There seems to be no boundary between humans and nature. In particular, the walking routes are designed according to each specific theme, planted with rows of typical trees such as acacia, pine and shrubs that bloom all year round. Different materials such as bare concrete roads, stone-paved paths, wooden paths, and clay roads in pine forests... are selected according to each theme to create diversity and bring many experiences, while bringing indigenous colors to the design.

The functional areas are flexibly distributed along the landscape axis. The Hong Hac gate and stage are designed with many conventions and symbols with spatial transformations that impress visitors from the first steps to the resort. The four-season flower garden with an open, open view where hundreds of flowers bloom. Applying the "wide landscape" technique, the four-season flower garden spaces have an open view, interspersed between the villas according to the land use planning. Plants are planted in patches, lines, large fields and changing the types of flowers according to the season, creating different levels of emotions at each time the flowers bloom during the year.

Along the landscape, camping areas, children's playgrounds, and art spaces are interspersed. Giant works of art arranged on large lawns will make visitors feel like they are lost in an exhibition space in the heart of nature. At the same time, these are also visual highlights that the architects intentionally included in the design.

It can be said that few tourist areas take up to 15 years to build and create a landscape. However, thanks to persistently pursuing the "green philosophy", it has been bringing a space for a happy resort experience in the middle of nature. The resort's landscape design has met the investor's goal of developing sustainable tourism. That is the reason why Flamingo Dai Lai Resort has been a prominent destination for Vinh Phuc tourism for many years.

Architect NGUYEN HUYEN TRANG