Foster + Partners designed the masterplan for a residential and sustainable district in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Global City – the name of the district, which was developed by local developer Masterise Homes –, will occupy about 117 hectares of land, bringing together mixed-use, private and public buildings: flats, villas, social housing, schools, administrative and medical offices, as well as a shopping mall.

The holistic and sustainable masterplan aims to achieve a balance between biodiversity and human well-being in an urban context, becoming a global city. The site’s five neighbourhoods, each made unique by its own character, are crossed by green areas and waterways, parks, courtyards, gardens and walkways, and are connected to rail and metro lines.

A central boulevard includes most of the high-rise residential buildings and provides access to neighbouring areas via pedestrian bridges that promote physical well-being, exchange and socialisation.

The residential neighbourhoods, on the other hand, recall the vernacular architecture of Ho Chi Minh City in their scale and use of materials – traditional brick and wood are used for the buildings. The master plan aims to strengthen human connections and the link with nature.

Opening image: Foster + Partners, The Global City Masterplan, Ho Chi Minh City. Courtesy Foster + Partners