5. 2   M A ST E R P L A N A SS E SS M E N T
Key Map
Focus Area Context With the stated visioning and positioning, the original masterplan needs to be assessed in terms of its relevance (Figure 49). The assessment will be focused on the surrounding context that will influence how the city centre as the focus area of this graduation project works. The assessments are as per below: 1. As mentioned earlier, the main thoroughfare that goes through Ecopark will be downgraded in the hierarchy. This step will significantly change how the city centre will be designed as in the original design the road is designed as interprovincial highway with 100 m width road reserve. 2. The significant feature of the original design is that many roads inside the masterplan are not linked to the surrounding road structure. This indication is seen most significant on the western side of the masterplan which is surrounded by existing villages and the dike road that goes along the Red River. It is intriguing to see the effect in accessibility if these roads are linked.
3. Related to the previous point, the link to the surrounding villages are minimum in the original masterplan. This is ironic because it is known from the interviews to the stakeholder that many of the workers inside Ecopark are living in these villages (some of them are the evicted farmer). Moreover, these villages have unique propositions that can be used to make Ecopark more vital e.g., Bat Trang village which is internationally wellknown for its ceramic production which is located just on the north-western tip of Ecopark. 4. A very distinct feature around the city centre is the golf course villas on the eastern side. Although the residential and golf course component is arguably needed to raise the overall real estate value of the city centre, one thing to notice is that the border of this golf course will be typically closed-off and fully privatised. This will jeopardize the publicness of the city centre e.g., the long-distance perception of walking in a really long wall (more than 1km) especially the eastern side of the area.
Legend High value of Choice aspect Low valuce of Choice aspect Surrounding Villages Masterplan Landuses Residential - Highrise Residential - Midrise Residential - Lowrise Office Golfcourse Commercial Sport Public Works Hospital Road Reserve
Knowledge Clubhouse CIvic Use River Water Feature Open Space Perimeter Canal Utility Transport
Figure 49.  Assesment of the original masterplan design
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AR3U100 Graduation LAB: Cities for People -of Tomorrow
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