Stop mourning for Shark Jaw building, it is not a legacy

THE HANOI TIMES — Standing on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, the jagged silhouette of the Ham Ca Map (Shark Jaw), a concrete colossus that has been a fixture in Hanoi for more than thirty years, is a sight to behold. These days, it's teeming with young people snapping quick selfies and soaking up the nostalgia before it's gone forever. By April 30, 2025, this iconic structure will be reduced to rubble. Its demolition will cost VND18 billion (US$704,000).

Originally designed by architect Ta Xuan Van, the "Shark Jaw" building was heavily criticized when it opened: over 200 articles called it a monstrosity. Today, it is out of fashion, and many understandably want to get rid of it. Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, is struggling with too many people and too little space. A 2024 report shows that 65% of locals want more open space around the lake.

Informally known as the Ham Ca Map, the Shark Jaw building has been a divisive issue for years: an ugly '90s relic that clashes with the grace of Hoan Kiem Lake for some, a bold symbol of Hanoi's daring past for others. Now, as the city prepares to replace it with a 1.2-hectare public square and underground parking, the debate is heating up: progress or loss? Young Hanoians are going there, fueled by nostalgia and FOMO, flooding Instagram and TikTok with farewell shots of rooftop views and neon nights under #GoodbyeSharksJaw.

To be clear, the building is far from embodying Hanoi's history and culture. It's just one of the many commercial properties the city has built as part of its urban development. Despite its existence for the past three decades, I must admit that the building is not a symbol of Hanoi; it's only valuable for business purposes and needs to be removed to create more space around Hoan Kiem Lake.

It's time to take it down because its demolition will pave the way for a better Hanoi for all of us. Removing Shark's Jaw is not destruction; it is making space for people to relax, children to play, and communities to thrive.

Step onto the busy streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, and chaos reigns, with motorbikes, vendors, and tourists jostling for space on the narrow streets. The charm of the Old Quarter fades, lost in the crowded hustle and bustle. People fill the lakefront, motorcycles make it hard to find peace. It's not just busy, it's suffocating.

The lake and its ancient streets should echo history, not suffocate it. "The Shark's Jaw doesn't protect the past; it drags it down, weighing heavily on Hoan Kiem District, where more than 2,000 people live per square kilometer. Here, every breath of fresh air is gold, but the streets remain clogged, and quiet moments are lost in the din. The $700,000 project doesn't just demolish; it reimagines, offering a lush plaza, cultural nooks, and a 300-car underground garage to clear away the clutter and let this historic heart beat freely again.

Nguyen Thu Ha, 29, said she was excited about the project and looked forward to a large, open public space for jogging and a safe place for children to play, free from motorcycles.

But not everyone is happy. Some see it as a strange old treasure, a piece of Hanoi's memory. "It's rough, but it's part of us." Tran Minh Anh, 27. The pain of nostalgia hurts; I feel it, too. But sentiment can't outweigh necessity. Highlands Coffee will find a new nest; the selfie crowd will hunt for new frames. But a public space offers something permanent, something real.

Removing the Shark's Jaw is the right decision. A great plaza is not just a city plan, it's a gift to everyone, a haven for families to gather, children to play, and Hanoi to breathe. The legacy counts, but the joy of today's community weighs more.

Hanoi is changing, and the Shark Jaw will soon be a thing of the past. But this is not just about removing a commercial building, it is about creating a space that truly belongs to Hoan Kiem Lake. Imagine a public space where people congregate, kids play in safety, street artists perform under warm lights, and the story of Hanoi continues in a new way. An open space that is both modern and connected to history, where the past and the future blend seamlessly.

This is a step towards urban progress and development in line with the city's orientation, taking culture as the basis for growth.