Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city in Vietnam, has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in recent decades. Central to this progress is the Da Nang Administrative Centre, a towering symbol of the city’s modern aspirations and commitment to efficient governance. Completed in 2014, this 34-story skyscraper consolidates various municipal agencies under one roof, streamlining administrative processes and fostering interdepartmental collaboration.
More than just an office building, the Centre stands as an architectural landmark, its distinctive design reflecting Da Nang’s dynamism and its emergence as a key economic and administrative hub in Central Vietnam. This article explores the development, design, functionality, and construction of the Da Nang Administrative Centre, highlighting its significance in the city’s ongoing evolution.
The Da Nang Administrative Centre project emerged from a nationwide initiative by the Vietnamese government to modernize administrative infrastructure in major cities. Da Nang, with its strategic location and burgeoning economy, was identified as a prime location for a centralized administrative hub. The project aimed to consolidate the city’s dispersed government offices, improve efficiency, and enhance public services.
Construction began in November 2008 on a site exceeding 23,000 square meters at the intersection of Tran Phu and Ly Tu Trong streets, overlooking the Han River and adjacent to the historic Dien Hai Citadel. The project represented a significant investment of VND 1.7 trillion (approximately USD 72 million as of 2014), reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing Da Nang’s administrative capacity. The Centre’s completion and inauguration in July 2014 marked a new era in public administration for the city.
The Da Nang Administrative Centre’s design, a collaborative effort between Mooyoung Architects & Engineers and the Da Nang Institute of Construction Planning, is both striking and symbolic. The building’s form is inspired by a lighthouse, with its four-story base resembling a ship sailing out to sea, representing Da Nang’s journey towards modernization and its role as a leading force in the Central and Central Highlands regions. The tower’s circular structure, reaching a height of 166.8 meters, is engineered to withstand strong winds, a common occurrence in coastal Da Nang.
The façade features sweeping lines accentuated by a sophisticated lighting system comprising over 270 Color Kinetics ArchiPoint iColor Powercore luminaires, transforming the building into a beacon at night. The lighting design not only highlights the architectural features but also complements the existing lighting schemes of other city landmarks like the Dragon Bridge. The building’s intelligent design incorporates an integrated building management system (iBMS) that optimizes energy efficiency and operational costs, contributing to the city’s sustainability goals.
The Da Nang Administrative Centre serves as the central workplace for 24 departments, agencies, and the People’s Committee of Da Nang City. It accommodates over 1,600 officials, civil servants, and employees, and receives approximately 600 citizens daily for various administrative matters. The building’s design facilitates efficient communication and coordination between departments, streamlining administrative processes and improving service delivery. Key features of the Centre include:
Centralized office spaces: Consolidating multiple departments under one roof promotes interdepartmental collaboration and reduces bureaucratic delays.
Large conference hall: A 1,088-seater conference hall equipped with advanced technology caters to large-scale meetings and events.
Integrated technology systems: The iBMS system optimizes building operations, enhances security, and promotes energy efficiency.
Public service areas: Dedicated areas provide convenient access to various administrative services for citizens.
Sky Lounge: Located on the top floor, the Sky Lounge offers panoramic views of Da Nang and serves as a prestigious venue for official functions.
Construction Process & Methods
The construction of the Da Nang Administrative Centre, spanning from November 2008 to its completion in 2014, employed advanced construction techniques and technologies. The building’s circular design presented unique engineering challenges, requiring specialized expertise to ensure structural stability and wind resistance. The primary structural elements, both vertical and lateral, along with the floor systems, are constructed from steel, classifying the building as an “all-steel” structure.
The façade features a glass curtain wall, contributing to the building’s modern aesthetic and energy efficiency. The installation of 12 high-speed Schindler elevators from Germany facilitates efficient vertical transportation within the 34-story structure. The project adhered to stringent quality control measures throughout the construction process, utilizing high-quality materials.
The exterior lighting, a prominent feature of the building’s design, involved the meticulous installation of over 270 Color Kinetics ArchiPoint iColor Powercore luminaires, carefully positioned along the sweeping lines of the façade to accentuate its unique architectural form. The project’s construction required significant coordination between local and international partners, reflecting the scale and complexity of the undertaking.
However, following its completion, reports emerged regarding issues with overheating and inadequate ventilation in certain areas of the building, prompting discussions about potential modifications or even relocation, though these plans remain tentative as of 2016.
Conclusion
The Da Nang Administrative Centre stands as a testament to Da Nang’s vision for a modern and efficient future. More than just an office building, it represents the city’s commitment to progress, its embrace of technology, and its dedication to serving its citizens effectively. The Centre’s iconic design has become a symbol of Da Nang’s dynamism and its growing importance as a regional hub.
By centralizing administrative functions, fostering collaboration, and leveraging intelligent building technology, the Da Nang Administrative Centre has significantly enhanced the city’s governance capabilities and contributed to its ongoing transformation into a world-class city. As Da Nang continues to grow and evolve, the Administrative Centre will remain a central pillar of its development, a beacon of progress illuminating the city’s path towards a brighter future.
