Circular No. 06/2013/TT-BXD guiding the contents of Urban Design

CIRCULAR

Guidelines on the Content of Urban Design

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Pursuant to the Urban Planning Law No. 30/2009/QH12 dated June 17, 2009;

Pursuant to Decree No. 37/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 7, 2010 of the Government on the preparation, review, approval, and management of urban planning;

WHEREAS, Decree No. 17/2008/NĐ-CP dated February 4, 2008 of the Government stipulates the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Construction;

The Minister of Construction issues the Circular guiding the content of Urban Design.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular guides the content of Urban Design in master plans, sectoral plans, detailed plans, and individual Urban Design projects.

2. This Circular applies to organizations and individuals within the country and foreign organizations and individuals directly participating or related to Urban Design activities in Vietnam.

Article 2. General Requirements for Urban Design

a) Urban Design in master plans, sectoral plans, and detailed plans must comply with urban planning standards and relevant standards. Provisions in the Law on Urban Planning relating to Urban Design are specified in Chapters II, III, and IV of this Circular.

b) For individual Urban Design projects, tasks and design projects must be established. Approval of tasks and design projects for individual Urban Design is the Department of Construction or the Department of Planning and Architecture (for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City).

c) Organizations and individuals participating in establishing tasks and design projects for individual Urban Design must have full capacity as stipulated in Article 5 of Decree 37/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 7, 2010 of the Government on the establishment, review, approval, and management of urban planning. The chief architect of individual Urban Design projects must have experience in architectural design of buildings and preservation of heritage sites and relics (in areas with heritage sites, relics, ancient and old architecture).

d) Subjects establishing individual Urban Design include: Urban Design for a street; Urban Design for blocks or plots of streets.

Chapter II

URBAN DESIGN IN MASTER PLANS

Article 3. Determination of Architectural and Landscape Areas in the City

1. Determine existing inner city areas; areas expected to develop new; natural and artificial landscape areas; conservation areas; and special areas.

2. Orientation on the image of the city and architectural space according to the nature and development goals of each area.

Article 4. Organization of Space in Central Areas, City Entrances, Main Spatial Axes, Large Squares, and Urban Highlights

1. Orientation on organizing space in central political-administrative, cultural-sports, financial, commercial, service, tourism, and healthcare areas in accordance with the nature and function of the city.

2. Orientation on organizing space in city entrance areas concerning architectural and landscape space, determining positions and illustrating ideas of shapes of landmark buildings along major traffic directions leading into the city.

3. Organization of main spatial axes

a) Orientation on architecture for main roads and distinctive areas in the city according to the principle of ensuring continuity in the urban architectural image developed through various stages.

b) Proposal of distinctive main axes in the urban area.

c) Proposal for conservation and exploitation of existing natural landscapes regarding topography, greenery, rivers, lakes, water surfaces, and supplementary design of artificial landscapes.

4. Organization of square space

a) Determine the scale and nature of squares at national and local levels within the city or urban area.

b) Study the architectural and landscape space surrounding the square.

5. Organization of space at urban highlights

a) Determine the position of the highlight of the entire city and each urban area.

b) In cases where the highlight is an architectural building or a cluster of architectural buildings, proposals should be made for orientation on organizing the architectural and landscape space around it appropriately; in cases where natural scenery is utilized as a highlight, there should be guidance on restoration and exploitation.

Article 5. Organizing Green Space and Water Surface Space

1. Organizing green space

a) Determining urban green space, including green corridors, green belts, green cores, parks, or natural and artificial forests within the city.

b) Solutions for greenery in main spatial axes and urban areas.

2. Organizing water surface space

a) Proposing regulations on conservation, exploitation, and enhancement of natural water surface landscapes and protection of ecological environments.

b) Proposing locations and scales for additional artificial lakes to supplement the city.

Article 6. Requirements for Urban Design Presentation in the General Planning Scheme

1. The explanatory section must fully express all requirements stated in Articles 3, 4, and 5, consistent with the drawings.

2. The dossier includes drawings and models

a) Drawing section: fully expressing all requirements of Articles 4 and 5 at a scale of 1/2000 - 1/1000. Overall perspective views and key angles simulating architectural spaces should be included to clarify research contents.

b) Model section: for specific suggestions about certain main spaces, models are implemented at a scale of 1/1000 - 1/500. Overall models are implemented at a scale of 1/5000 - 1/2000. Materials for models should align with design concepts.

Chapter III

URBAN DESIGN IN THE ZONING PLANNING SCHEME

Article 7. Determining Control Indicators for Setbacks

1. Determining setbacks based on evaluations of current ground levels and landscape architecture, natural topography, and characteristics and functions of main streets.

2. Determination of setbacks for buildings must comply with current construction standards and regulations.

Article 8. Urban Landscape in Central Areas, Along Main Axes, Open Spaces, and Key Structures

1. Urban landscape in central areas

a) Determining building density and height of architectural structures in each area. Percentage of green space in the central area;

b) Contents of design improvements and renovations for existing central areas and architectural landscape solutions for new central areas to create distinctive urban features.

2. Urban landscape along main axes

a) Proposing layout principles and architectural forms based on natural conditions, social cultural customs, and regional characteristics;

b) Greenery for main axes: maximizing utilization of local tree species.

c) River routes need to preserve natural landscapes, proposing ideas for architectural landscape designs, bridge, riverbank, and railing architecture.

3. Open spaces

a) Proposing functions for open spaces in the study area.

b) Determining architectural landscape space regarding: architectural form, setback, greenery, squares.

c) Studying architectural landscape space at major intersections and traffic nodes in each area.

4. Key structures

a) Elaborating urban design according to the general planning scheme, presenting architectural ideas for key structures based on their nature and surrounding landscapes.

b) At high points, utilizing terrain and natural landscapes, or existing architectural structures, or proposing new constructions, solutions to minimize overshadowing by surrounding structures.

c) At other locations, specifying by proposing construction of individual or clusters of architectural structures, or architectural landscape spaces.

5. Block Areas

a) Determining density, building height, architectural language and form, types of structures for new urban areas. Conservation and renovation solutions for old town blocks and old neighborhoods.

b) Solutions for organizing green space, water surfaces, and urban amenities.

Article 9. Requirements for Urban Design Presentation in the Detailed Master Plan Project

1. The explanatory section must fully cover the contents required under Articles 7 and 8, consistent with the drawings.

2. The dossier includes drawings and models

a) Drawing Section: Fully depict the contents required under Articles 7 and 8 at scales of 1/1000 to 1/500; perspective drawings of main axes should clearly illustrate research concepts. Architectural space should reflect the distinctive features of the urban area.

b) Model Section: In cases where it is necessary to clarify certain key spaces, models should be executed at scales of 1/500 to 1/200. Overall models should be carried out at scales of 1/2000 to 1/1000. Materials for the models should align with the design concept.

Chapter IV

URBAN DESIGN IN THE DETAILED MASTER PLAN PROJECT

Article 10. Determination of Key Structures within the Planning Area Based on View Directions

1. Specificize key structures identified from the district planning, shape architectural designs that fit the usage characteristics and provide good visual impact.

2. In cases where the key structure is not an architectural work but uses landscape space as a focal point, specific details about greenery, water surfaces, natural and artificial terrain should be provided.

Article 11. Determination of Building Height

1. Organize spatial layout and height for the entire research area and specifically for each plot of land.

2. Determine building height based on compliance with construction standards and regulations, fitting the building density and landscape, greenery, and water bodies within the urban area as stipulated in the district planning.

Article 12. Determination of Setbacks for Buildings Along Streets and Intersections

1. Specifically determine setbacks for architectural works along streets and intersections; propose feasible solutions to rectify deficiencies in existing urban areas through measures such as planting additional greenery, constructing canopy over sidewalks, or other technical methods.

2. Propose setback solutions to create open/closed spaces through design options based on current conditions and solutions aimed at enriching architectural landscape space, ensuring convenience in utilization.

3. The determination of minimum setbacks for buildings must comply with the district planning, current construction standards and regulations.

Article 13. Determination of Form, Color, and Main Architectural Style of Construction Works

1. Regarding Architectural Form

a) Elaborate on the district planning: design for organizing landscape space, establishing the architectural image of the area.

b) Determine the volume of constructions using either consolidation or dispersion methods.

c) Propose solutions for iconic and sculptural architecture.

2. Regarding Main Architectural Style

a) Propose the main architectural style as modern architecture or a combination with traditional elements; pitched or flat roofs, floor heights, door and window forms, balconies, terraces.

b) Propose mandatory requirements for smaller architectural works regarding size and form of advertisements attached to the works.

3. The main color of architectural works must harmonize with the nature and history of the urban area, natural scenery of the region, local customs, and people's perception of materials and colors.

Article 14. Green System on Water Surfaces and Squares

1. For the green system

a) The design of the green system must use urban tree species, ensuring environmental and landscape requirements, suitable for the cross-section of sidewalks and local climatic and soil conditions.

b) Determine the street greenery system, flower gardens, and parks.

2. For water surfaces (rivers, lakes): proposals for design plans must be based on the integration between water surfaces and the green system.

3. For squares: specific implementation based on detailed planning. Propose architectural solutions for the surrounding areas of the square, using materials, colors, lighting, and greenery.

Article 15. Requirements for Urban Design in Detailed Planning Projects

1. The explanatory section must fully express the contents required in Articles 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, consistent with the drawings.

2. The dossier includes drawings and models

a) The drawing section must reflect the contents required in Articles 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 at a scale of 1/500 to 1/200. Perspective drawings of various angles must illustrate the architectural space and small-scale iconic architecture ideas; sculptures in the city need to clearly express research ideas. Architectural space must reflect the distinctive features of the city.

b) The model section: when it is necessary to clarify certain main spaces, models should be implemented at a scale of 1/200. Overall models should be implemented at a scale of 1/1000 to 1/500. Model materials should be appropriate to the design concept.

Chapter V

URBAN DESIGN IN THE URBAN DESIGN PROJECT

Article 16. Provisions on Design Tasks

1. Establishing the design task for the individual urban design project must define the scope of urban design, objectives, principles, and regulations regarding the content that needs to be achieved for urban design and the product documentation of the urban design project.

2. Evaluate the current status and conduct a comprehensive analysis (prepare tables, diagrams, and illustrative drawings) on: the number, proportion (%) among different types of buildings and architectural objects; setback distances, heights, and colors for architectural structures; greenery, terrain elevations, and technical infrastructure systems.

a) Spatial planning, architectural, and landscape organization.

b) Urban conservation for old and historic cities (if applicable)

c) Requirements for technical infrastructure.

c) Requirements for the infrastructure system.

d) Environmental impact assessment.

Article 17. Content of the Urban Design Project for a Street

1. Content of the architectural and landscape spatial design for a new street

a) Assess the current situation and propose urban design content regarding density, building height, setbacks, and greenery ratio along the street. These contents must comply with the approved general and detailed planning.

b) Shape the main architectural forms and styles, architectural colors, and materials used in architecture; specify preliminary architectural designs for landmark buildings and other small architectural elements. Design the overall greenery and landscape system, specifying tree species and sizes.

2. Content of the architectural and landscape spatial design for an old street:

a) Assess the current architectural situation on the street.

b) Determine the construction density, land use coefficient, and building height:

- Propose content and design solutions for setbacks along the street and each building, adhering to the principle of not disrupting the traditional spatial structure of the area and current standards and regulations.

- Specific design solutions for the height of architectural structures along the street in relation to construction density. Control measures for building height along the entire street and each section.

c) Architectural shaping:

- Regarding form and main architectural style: following traditional, modern, or combined trends. Specify architectural details such as roofs, floor elevations, doors, balconies, and terraces.

- Define landmark architectural structures. Propose small-scale iconic, sculptural, and decorative elements that align with the overall architectural language of the area. For advertising signs, propose appropriate sizes, colors, and proportions.

- Specify the main color scheme along the street in accordance with local customs and culture.

- Propose specific and feasible design solutions to address deficiencies in the old city through additional planting, installing awnings along the sidewalk, or other technical measures.

d) For the greenery and landscape system: select tree species with appropriate colors and sizes for the street and locally available. Design solutions for integrating water surfaces and greenery to ensure harmony with the surrounding landscape.

e) For heritage sites and cultural heritage structures, demarcate protection zones according to the Law on Heritage and control construction around these sites.

3. In cases where old and new streets are connected, proposals for design solutions must ensure harmonious connections between the new and old streets.

4. Content of technical infrastructure design:

a) Transportation: determine road cross-sections, sidewalks, and traffic signs.

b) Other technical infrastructure: determine red-line boundaries, construction limits, specific requirements for the street, protection zones for underground, above-ground, and elevated structures. Propose preliminary designs for integrated infrastructure equipment systems, street utility structures, and urban lighting.

Article 18. Content of the Urban Design Project for a Street Block or Plot

1. The specific content of urban design stipulated herein shall be applied uniformly to street blocks or plots in old cities or areas requiring renovation.

2. Content of architectural landscape design:

a) Determining building density, number of floors, setback distances of buildings on the street block.

- Controlling maximum and minimum building heights for street blocks and plots.

- Proposing content and design solutions for setbacks that do not disrupt the traditional structure of the area, meet the utility requirements of buildings, and harmonize with the overall landscape.

- Specifying detailed limits for the height of the first floor (or ground floor), dimensions, and elevation of balconies, terraces, and roofs.

b) Architectural shaping:

- Prominent structures, dominant architectural language, layout and distribution of buildings according to their functions, architectural forms of each type of building.

- Architectural forms, organization solutions for internal spaces within street blocks and plots: public spaces, internal traffic, pedestrian spaces, entertainment, sports, greenery, water surfaces.

- Design solutions must inherit and ensure harmony between distinctive traditional architectural forms and modern architecture.

- Proposing small-scale architectural designs with symbolic, sculptural, and decorative elements that integrate with the overall massing language of the area. For advertising signs, propose appropriate sizes, colors, and proportions.

- Using colors and materials for architectural structures must be compatible with local traditions and customs, and harmonize with the overall natural landscape of the city.

c) For the greenery and landscape system: design solutions combining greenery with water surfaces and natural landscapes of the area. Selecting existing local tree species suitable for the design scheme in terms of size and color.

d) Conservation, restoration, and protection zoning solutions for cultural and historical heritage sites in accordance with the Law on Heritage and management regulations for surrounding construction projects.

3. Content of technical infrastructure design:

a) Regarding transportation: determining cross-sections of roads, sidewalks, traffic signs. Preliminary design of the form, color, material, and designation of traffic vehicles for internal traffic routes.

b) Other technical infrastructure: proposing preliminary designs for integrated equipment systems, street utility facilities, and urban lighting.

4. For main squares, special public areas in the city, and other types of areas, the Urban Design Project for a Street Block may be applied.

Article 19. Management Regulations According to the Specific Urban Design Project

1. Stipulating specific issues in management work according to the content of the specific urban design project.

a) Regarding architectural landscape space.

b) Urban infrastructure system and environment.

2. Implementation organization according to the specific urban design project. Responsibilities of relevant authorities and organizations.

Article 20. Requirements for Content Presentation in the Urban Design Project Drawings for a Street, Street Block, or Plot

1. The explanatory section must fully express all required contents as stated in Articles 17 and 18, consistent with the drawings.

2. Drawing section: presenting the required contents as stated in Articles 17 and 18.

a) Location diagram showing the relationship of the design area with the city (including defining the boundaries of the design area and the impact zones on the architectural landscape).

b) Current condition plans (with analysis and evaluation) at scales of 1/500 to 1/200 based on corresponding topographic maps.

c) Detailed drawings (overall plan, elevations, illustrative perspectives) at scales of 1/500 to 1/200. In cases where it is necessary to clarify the architecture of certain representative, characteristic, or prominent structures in specific areas, the drawing scale should be 1/200 to 1/100.

d) Technical infrastructure drawings (road profile, roadbed construction level, sidewalk construction level, street equipment, and other urban utility facilities) at a scale of 1/500.

3. Model section: implementing models at a scale of 1/500 using materials consistent with the urban design concept. If necessary, models should be implemented at a scale of 1/200 to clarify areas with structures, focal points, and key concepts of the project.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 21. Organization of Implementation

The Department of Architecture and Urban Planning under the Ministry of Construction, Construction Departments of provinces and cities, the Department of Planning and Architecture of Hanoi City, and the Department of Planning and Architecture of Ho Chi Minh City are responsible for guiding and inspecting the implementation of the provisions of this circular.

Article 22. Effectiveness

1. This circular takes effect from June 27, 2013, and replaces Article 8 and Article 14 of Circular No. 10/2010/TT-BXD dated August 11, 2010, issued by the Ministry of Construction regarding the documentation for each type of urban planning.

2. During implementation, if there are any difficulties, please send comments to the Ministry of Construction for consideration and resolution./.