Five Star Poseidon project in the southern Vũng Tàu City. Photo courtesy of the firm

VŨNG TÀU — Seeking a unique architectural plan and tourist landmarks for the coastal city of Vũng Tàu, Five Star International Group (Five Star Group) and Agritour & Green World organised an International Design Competition. It was won by 'Marine Architectural Icons for Five Star Poseidon & Five Star Odyssey.'

The Organising Committee announced the results, with the two first prizes going to FINKO Architects - one of the most famous architectural design offices in Việt Nam.

Five Star Poseidon & Five Star Odyssey are two projects with prime locations, in line with the general planning of Vũng Tàu City approved by the Prime Minister.

These two projects have a strategic vision to anticipate the development of crucial technical infrastructure such as the Long Thành Airport, a system of highways and coastal roads connecting the entire Southern region and the South Central region.

At the same time, it is an attractive location attracting large domestic and international investors. Five Star Poseidon and Five Star Odyssey are large in height and construction area.

Five Star Group hopes that they will be two iconic, unique architectural towers, a special highlight on Thụy Vân Street, as well as symbolising the new image of Vũng Tàu City.

This March, six options from prestigious international design firms were selected for the final presentation at Time Square Hotel in HCM City.

After a long day filled with controversial discussions, three options were made: one for Five Star Poseidon and two for Five Star Odyssey.

FINKO Architects received two first prizes for two projects, Five Star Poseidon and Five Star Odyssey, on the same day.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Trần Văn Mười, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Five Star Group, said: "With outstanding height, along with spectacular and unique designs delivered by the architects, the competition will help turn Five Star Odyssey and Five Star Poseidon into a tourist destination, an architectural mark on the map of Việt Nam and the world, with the goal of long-term and sustainable tourism development.

"Coming with practical design options, Five Star Poseidon & Five Star Odyssey will be put into construction as soon as possible."

Five Star Odyssey project. Photo courtesy of the firm

The first prize-winning project is the architectural icon for the Five Star Odyssey project, which takes the architectural idea of the rice bundle, a cultural symbol of Southeast Asia. It will be a stunning building of the very highest international standards.

A pentagram symbolising contains the nation's aspirations and history will bring a great effect to the building. An aerial view of the pentagram will bring many different emotions. The city's beauty is shown in 360 degrees with clarity and diversity. In addition, the building also integrates green elements, bringing efficiency in energy use for sustainable development.

The Marine Architectural Symbol for the Five Star Poseidon project by FINKO Architect will use the image of two rice flowers on the construction site. Far from the peninsula, the site has the advantage of seeing the sea on both sides, especially the small cliffs in the southwest.

The layout of two parallel rice flowers will maximise building density and sea view, creating an ecological buffer, with natural wind circulating and all rooms designed to stay cool. The building is designed with an open podium, creating an indoor square for the community instead of being closed and isolated.

In addition, the project also has a vertical rattan garden area, combining an impressive swimming pool with a waterfall flowing down the impressive main hall, creating a magnificent but ecological space, blending with the mountains and the sea. VNS